Kanchanaburi is a town in western Thailand where, during World War II, the famed Bridge on the River Kwai was built by prisoners under Japanese control. Later the site inspired a classic novel and an Academy Award-winning film, although the area looks much different today. Many war memorials are located in this town including the JEATH War Museum and the Hellfire Pass Museum with its walking trail. These sites offer chilling reminders of the price paid in human lives during this important time in history and your trip to Kanchanaburi will be both fascinating and heartfelt.

The time you spend in this interesting region won’t be entirely serious though. During the trip you’ll have the opportunity to do some shopping and haggle with the local vendors at various stops including the famous Tha Kha floating market. A visit to an elephant camp and a ride through the jungle on one of these beautiful creatures will also prove exciting. Delicious cuisine, a bamboo raft ride, tours of several important and ancient temples, and a stop in Nakhon Pathom to view the world’s tallest Buddhist Chedi will also highlight your itinerary and make for lasting memories before you return back to Bangkok.

Samut Songhkhram (80 kms) in the Mae Klong river delta is an 80 kilometer drive south of Bangkok and while there, you'll visit a unique country market and explore the maze of canals that make up Tha Kha, one of the country's famous floating markets (Note: the market is available 5-6 times per month according to the lunar-cycle calendar). You'll also be able to visit some beautiful and interesting temples before arriving at Rama II Park and later having lunch at a local restaurant. Your journey continues to Kanchanaburi with a trip to the JEATH Museum, and if time permits, a train ride on the infamous death railway line followed be dinner at a local eatery.

Overnight in Kanchanaburi

Today you'll explore the Hellfire Pass Museum and trek through the canyon and its four kilometer Memorial Walking Trail. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, you'll visit an elephant camp and ride through the jungle and along the Kwai Yai River atop one of these enourmous beasts. Your day draws to a conclusion with a gentle bamboo raft ride before heading to your riverside hotel.

Overnight in Kanchanaburi

A visit to Wat Prasat Muang Singh, a Khmer temple complex dating back to the Angkorian period, marks your last day on this journey. After walking around these peaceful historic ruins, you'll return to Bangkok via Nakhon Pathom, stopping to visit the Phra Pathom Chedi (the world's tallest structure of its kind) along the way.