Day 1: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi

In the early morning departure to the Damnuern Saduak floating market. As soon as you are close to the floating market, you exchange the minibus for a longtail boat. With this, you sail through a beautiful green oasis to the floating market. Along the way, monks sail past those trays of food donated by the locals. Once you have arrived at the floating market you will enter another World. The Thai skilfully sail their boats with all kinds of merchandise. There are even boats on which noodles are prepared. These so-called boat noodles are a true delicatessen. Also, try a sweet yellow mango, they are really irresistible. Walk around while there is busy negotiating everywhere to find the right price. Optionally it is possible to make a boat trip so that you can view the boats closer.

Then you go to Kanchanaburi, where lunch will take place in a local restaurant. The Burma Railway was laid at record speed in Kanchanaburi during 1942-1943. Under the leadership of the Japanese, many forced laborers and prisoners of war had to work for hours every day. The working conditions were terrible, so many of them did not survive. The Burma Railway is therefore also called the Dead Railway. During a visit to the Hell Fire Pass Memorial, you will learn more about the construction of this notorious railway line.

In the afternoon you travel by longtail boat to a unique accommodation: the River Kwai Jungle Rafts. This floating hotel, or floatel, is made of rafts with bamboo houses on it. There is no electricity, so the resort is attractively illuminated at night with oil lamps. Take a dip in the river and float slowly on the current of the river. Or simply lie in your hammock and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the sound of cheerfully chattering birds. In the evening there is an optional singing and dancing performance of the Mon tribe. This tribe lives in the village next to the Jungle Rafts. Then you slowly fall asleep to the rhythm of the swell of the water.

Day 2: Kanchanaburi

Early today, because in the early morning the elephants are treated to a wonderful bath in the river. It is also possible to feed them yourself with pineapple and watermelon peels. After breakfast, you will depart by boat to the mainland. From here you go to Elephants World. The park was established in 2008 and is located in a beautiful green area. It is the home of old, sick and disabled elephants. Many of them have had to work hard or have lived on the street in the past. In Elephants World, everything revolves around them and they can finally enjoy a well-earned old age.

You will arrive at the Elephants World around 10 a.m. First of all, you can get to know the elephants. Of course, you can also give them something tasty, such as bananas or bamboo. Elephants eat quite a lot and it seems like they never have enough. After this, you can see how the animals take a morning bath. The elephant caretakers, or mahouts, ensure that the elephants are nicely washed. The elephants enjoy visibly. Pay attention, because you can wash the animals yourself later in the day. But first, it’s time to prepare food for the elephants. This morning’s “snack” is not enough to fill an elephant’s belly. Together with the caregivers you clean vegetables and fruit. Sticky rice is also cooked for the older elephants. After this, you can enjoy a Thai lunch.

After lunch, the program is all about food. It is very important to ensure that there is also enough food for elephants in the future. That is why new banana trees, sugar cane, and grass are planted daily. After this job is done, it’s time to feed the sticky rice to the older elephants. Then you take the elephants to the river. Here you can bathe with the elephants. You can also scrub them clean. Quite a job, because the elephants are quite big! After you have fed the elephants with fruit and vegetables, it is, unfortunately, time to say goodbye to them. At the end of the afternoon, you will arrive at your hotel in Kanchanaburi, where you will spend the night.

Day 3: Kanchanaburi – Bangkok

You will not leave Kanchanaburi without visiting perhaps the highlight of this province: the “Bridge over the River Kwai”. This bridge is still used every day and with a bit of luck, you can see how the train moves slowly over the bridge. Then a visit to the Allied Cemetery, where a number of Dutchmen are buried.

Then you go to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. After lunch, you will get to know some temples and ruins, among other things to get an impression of what the city looked like in its glorious years. At the end of the day a transfer back to Bangkok, or to Ayutthaya train station. From here you can take a train to Chiang Mai (train ticket not included).