The journey is sometimes as important as the destination and this is true on today’s adventure as we visit a wealth of fascinating attractions en route. We leave Bangkok for Kanchanaburi, via Nakorn Pathom and stop at this location to view the tallest stupa in Thailand at Phra Pathom Chedi. The structure measures 127 metres in height and its creation inspired the development of the town. Next is the riverside Khao Noi Cave Temple (Wat Tham Khao Noi). This monastery sits on a hill and features Chinese architecture and cultural art, as well as splendid views of the mountainous horizon. We also make a stop at the nearby Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua) which features Thai cultural art. After lunch at a renowned Thai restaurant, we proceed to Hellfire Pass, a notorious section of the Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway’ that cuts through a towering stone mountain. We follow a trail that leads to Hin Tok Bridge and the Konyu Cutting where a plaque commemorates the Allied soldiers and Asian conscripts forced to build the railway by Japanese forces. We then board the RV River Kwai, and the afternoon at leisure with dinner on board.

Our relaxing river cruise continues downstream on the Kwai Noi River. After breakfast on board we visit a boarding school for refugee children built under the patronage of H.R.H. Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. We then drive to Hin Dad Hot Springs. The natural hot springs, with two large pools and private baths, were discovered by Japanese soldiers supervising the construction of the Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway.’ The minerals in the spring are believed to cure numerous ailments. We then visit stunning Pha Tad Waterfall in the west of Si Nakharin Dam National Park. This water feature originates from a small stream called Huai Kui Mang that flows into the Kwai Noi River. We reboard our vessel at Kaeng Pa Lorm and enjoy lunch ahead of some river rafting or canoeing. If time permits we will visit a nearby indigenous Mon village before returning to the RV River Kwai for dinner.

Our downstream cruise continues along the idyllic riverscape of Kanchanaburi province. After breakfast on board we make a short stop at Sai Yok village. We enjoy lunch on board as we navigate the lush and mountainous landscape. We then board a coach and head to the riverside Krasae Cave which houses a venerable Buddha image and an excellent exterior viewpoint of the rolling hills. Next is Tha Kilen Train Station, a site which holds special significance in the construction of the Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway.’ We take a third class train to Saphan Tham Krasae and pass over the famed 300 metres long trestle bridge that clings to the cliff side. After arrival, we explore Prasat Muang Singh, a historical park containing Khmer architecture dating back 800 years. This site marked the Western border of the Khmer Empire in what is now Thailand and it serves as a potent reminder of the enormity of the Khmer domain. We renew our journey along the Kwai Noi River, with the afternoon at leisure and a farewell dinner in the evening.

Today’s adventure starts with exploration of an amazing cave temple. After breakfast we visit Wat Tham Khao Poon, an astonishing subterranean world with nine caverns full of Hindu and Buddhist shrines. The exterior viewpoint has a marvellous view of the Kwai Noi River valley. We continue by coach to Kanchanaburi to visit the world famous Bridge over the River Kwai that was immortalised in the World War Two movie of the same name. This sturdy iron bridge was a crucial part of the ‘Death Railway,’ and it took enslaved Allied POWs and Asian conscripts 16 months to build. After this historical experience we continue to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre Museum, an interactive facility that provides a remarkable insight into the Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway.’ Finally, we visit the Donrak War Cemetery which contains the remains of 6,982 Allied POWs who died during the construction of the rail link. We then reboard the RV River Kwai with lunch served as we cruise towards Nong Ya Dock. On arrival, we return to Bangkok by coach and transfer to respective hotels.