Thailand - Jungle Rivers and Tropical Islands (8 days)
Duration
8 Days
Tour Type
Culture, Hiking, Beach, Adventure
Trip Category
public
Location
Thailand
Overview
Thailand is an intoxicating land of lush mountains, rice paddies, pristine beaches, and jungle-clad islands. Its giant Buddhas, majestic temples, ancient cultural traditions, colorful religious festivals, fragrant cuisine and bustling cities attract millions of visitors every year.
With this multi-activity adventure, you will explore two distinct regions: the rich green jungle around River Kwai and the exotic islands in the south-west part of the country. You will travel in the picturesque countryside, kayak through limestone caves, swim in the crystal clear sea and try your rock-climbing skills on some of the most famous cliffs of the world. In the end, you will discover that the turquoise waters of southern Thailand's coastline hide more secrets than what initially meets the eye, and you will depart with an enhanced appreciation for the country and its people.
Trip Highlights:
Get ready to...
- Journey through the history of the Death Railway in Kanchanaburi, riding the old slow train, visiting the JEATH War Museum and the War Cemetery and traversing the Bridge over River Kwai.
- Relax with a bamboo raft experience on River Kwai.
- Explore the 7-tiered Erawan Falls, swimming in their water pools and hiking to the top.
- Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary and interact with the wonderful mammals, learning how to feed them and play with them.
- Spend a night in a floating room on River Kwai in a beautiful eco friendly resort.
- Kayak among the beautiful mangroves and limestone canyons in Thalane.
- Go on a rock climbing adventure at Railay Beach: a world-famous destination for rock climbing.
- Explore Ko Hong island and the Phi Phi islands (including famous spots like the Monkey Beach, the Pileh Cove and the Viking Cave).
- Swim, snorkel, and relax on sun-kissed beaches with crystal waters and amazing food.
Included/Excluded
All transfers (land and boat) as described in the itinerary.
All activities as described in the itinerary with entrance and activity fees.
Local, English-speaking tour guide.
7 nights’ hotel accommodation (double occupancy) as described or similar.
All meals as listed in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
Domestic airfare - one way - Bangkok to Krabi
International Airfare.
Travel insurance.
Visa and visa fees.
Additional/optional activities.
Single Supplement cost.
Beverages or additional meals.
Personal expenses such as laundry or telephone.
Gratuities and tips.
Itinerary
Day 1 (21st April 2023)
Arrival at Bangkok
Day 1 (21st April 2023)
Arrival at Bangkok
Upon your arrival at Bangkok International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Rahhalah representative who will accompany you to your hotel.
Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing and exploring the city at your own pace.
Accommodation: Mandarin Hotel Bangkok or similar.
Day 2 (22nd April 2023)
Transfer to Kanchanaburi – Exploring the Burma Railway on foot and by train, boat, and bamboo raft (B)
Day 2 (22nd April 2023)
Transfer to Kanchanaburi – Exploring the Burma Railway on foot and by train, boat, and bamboo raft (B)
After breakfast, you will head to Kanchanaburi (approx. a 2-hour drive), a popular resort town located at the point where the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai Rivers meet and form the Mae Klong River. Picturesque and worthy of a visit in its own right, it is frequently used as a base for exploring the many cultural, natural, and historical attractions in the surrounding countryside.
You will start with history, by first visiting Kanchanaburi’s renowned War Cemetery (the main prisoner-of-war cemetery for the victims of Japanese imprisonment who worked on the construction of the Burma Railway) and the nearby JEATH War Museum (JEATH being an acronym of the countries involved in the railway construction, namely Japan, England, Australia/America, Thailand, and Holland).
Later, you will take a boat to the Bridge over Kwai River which was built by the Empire of Japan and its forced labor in 1943. It is one of the most important historical attractions in Kanchanaburi, and was part of the notorious Burmese Railway (also known as the “Death Railway”). The bridge gained further recognition around the world thanks to the famous, epic war movie “The Bridge on the River Kwai”.
While in the area, you will ride the old, vintage train that runs on this historical rail route up to Tham Krasae Station, visit the Krasae Cave (a small cave with a sacred Buddha image performing the gesture of subduing Mara), enjoy spectacular views of the railway cliff, and walk on the wooden supported rail: one of the most famous parts of the Death Railway.
Finally, in the afternoon, you will relax with a Bamboo Raft experience along the Kwai River.
Accommodation: Natee The Riverfront Hotel Kanchanaburi or similar.
Day 3 (23rd April 2023)
The 7-tiered Erawan Waterfalls – Walking with the Elephants – Night on a traditional Jungle Rafts (B, L, D)
Day 3 (23rd April 2023)
The 7-tiered Erawan Waterfalls – Walking with the Elephants – Night on a traditional Jungle Rafts (B, L, D)
After breakfast, you will head to the Erawan National Park, home to one of the most popular natural attractions in the country, the Erawan Falls: a 7-tiered waterfall, known for its clear water and the natural swimming pools forming around it. There, you will relax for a while, swimming or hiking to the top.
Afterwards, you will head to an ethical elephant sanctuary, where the staff will introduce you to the anatomy, history, and behavior of these magnificent mammals, and then, will help you interact with them, teaching you how to feed them and play with them. You will also walk with the elephants to a clean water pond where you will have the chance to see how they refresh themselves.
After a tea break, you will continue towards River Kwai Jungle Rafts (reachable via a long-tail boat) for a 100% pure nature and authentic floating accommodation experience. There, you will spend the night in floating rooms, tucked into a floating bamboo lodge moored along the historical River Kwai Noi surrounded by lush green mountains and jungle. Each room has an en-suite private bathroom, balcony and a hammock, and is decorated following the Mon culture.
Note: Due to the lodge’s ecology conservation concept, the entire float does NOT use electricity but utilizes traditional kerosene lamps at night. As such, you will also emerge into the serenity of nature, leaving the noise of civilization behind, while also supporting the Mon community in this area.
Accommodation: River Kwai Jungle Rafts or similar.
Day 4 (24th April 2023)
Morning at the floating resort – Return to Bangkok and flight to Krabi (B)
Day 4 (24th April 2023)
Morning at the floating resort – Return to Bangkok and flight to Krabi (B)
After breakfast, you will walk to the nearby Mon Village and their local temple, and spend some time relaxing in the area or even floating around the hotel on the river (wearing a life jacket).
You will then return to Bangkok (approx. a 2-hour drive) to catch your flight to Krabi: a resort town near the Andaman coast, surrounded by limestone karsts and mangrove forests.
Once in Krabi, you will be welcomed by a new Rahhalah representative who will drive you to your hotel.
Accommodation: Avasea Resort Krabi or similar.
Day 5 (25th April 2023)
Kayaking in Thalane – Swimming at Koh Hong island (B)
Day 5 (25th April 2023)
Kayaking in Thalane – Swimming at Koh Hong island (B)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to a pier in Thalane, from where your kayaking adventure begins (following a brief lesson). You may choose one-seat kayaks or two-seats (assisted by local staff, in case you do not feel comfortable being on your own), and you will explore the beautiful mangroves and limestone canyons in Thalane.
In the afternoon, you will board long-tail boats and head to Koh Hong: a winged-shaped island, and one of the most popular destinations in the region (a 45-min trip, one way). You will spend the rest of the day swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the island at your own pace.
Accommodation: Avasea Resort Krabi or similar.
Day 6 (26th April 2023)
Swimming and Rock Climbing at Railay Bay (B)
Day 6 (26th April 2023)
Swimming and Rock Climbing at Railay Bay (B)
After breakfast, you will head to the pier for a trip to Railay Bay: a beach accessible only by long-tail boat. The bay includes a small village, while its beach is embraced by the trademark limestone cliffs of the region.
While the beach is the obvious destination, the surrounding cliffs offer the opportunity for some amazing rock-climbing activities. If you are a beginner, this is your chance to try rock climbing in a safe setting under the guidance of professional staff, while if you are already experienced, you can hone your skills and enjoy magnificent views from the top.
Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing and swimming at leisure.
Accommodation: Avasea Resort Krabi or similar.
Day 7 (27th April 2023)
Exploring the Phi Phi Islands (B, L, D)
Day 7 (27th April 2023)
Exploring the Phi Phi Islands (B, L, D)
After an early breakfast, you will head again to the pier to take the 8:30am boat to the Phi Phi islands: a cluster of islands between the large island of Phuket and the Straits of Malacca coast of Thailand (an approx. 45-min ride. The Phi Phi Islands are famous for their stunningly beautiful sandy beaches, one of which was used as the setting for the movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Once there, you will visit the most popular highlights such as the Monkey Beach (where you can take fun photos of the monkeys on the beach), the Pileh Cove (ideal for swimming and snorkeling in crystal clear waters and coral reefs) and the Viking Cave (famous for its edible bird's nest concession). You will also enjoy swimming and snorkeling at Rantee Bay, Bamboo Island or Khai Island. It should be noted, though, that the itinerary of the day will depend on the tide and the weather conditions.
Accommodation: Avasea Resort Krabi or similar.
Day 8 (28th April 2023)
Departure from Krabi (B)
Day 8 (28th April 2023)
Departure from Krabi (B)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Krabi airport for your flight back home.
FAQs
Activities -
boating/cruising, hiking/trekking, rafting/kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, Island hopping, Elephant interaction, Rock climbing, Bamboo rafting, Train riding
Notes
This cost is based on Double Occupancy. Single Supplement amounts to 545 USD.
The cost is based on a group of min 4 people. Rahhalah reserves the right to change the price if the trip runs with fewer participants.
All services stipulated above are subject to availability at the time of booking/reservation. All prices are subject to change.
All accommodation is subject to change to a similar one depending on availability.
Terms & Conditions
The itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, road challenges or operating conditions. At any moment, the guide has the RIGHT to change the program for the safety and convenience of the travelers.
Also, the trip's price does not cover expenses that may occur due to conditions beyond Rahhalah's control (force
majeure). Such cases include but are not limited to extreme weather conditions, flight cancellations or delays, and natural phenomena (earthquakes, volcano eruptions, hurricanes, etc.). We, the Rahhalah team, both in our HQ and on the ground, will do our best to assist you with alternative arrangements (like new accommodation and/or transportation arrangements, revised itinerary and activities etc.), but ALL NEW COSTS incurred because of force majeure are to be covered by the traveler.
We strongly recommend that, before your departure, you purchase travel insurance that covers trip cancellation costs, loss of baggage or personal items, medical emergencies, and other unexpected circumstances that cannot be controlled by Rahhalah or any traveler.
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