3-Day River Kwai, Floating Market and Erawan Waterfalls

Day 1 Early in the morning you will depart for the Damnoen Saduak floating market. Once you are in the close vicinity, you will exchange the minivan for a long-tail boat. This boat will take you through a beautiful green oasis to the floating market, a world apart. The Thai sail in their boats with all kinds of merchandise. There are even some on which noodles are prepared. These so-called boat noodles are a true delicacy. Try a sweet yellow mango, they really are irresistible. Walk around while everyone around you busily negotiates the right price. It is possible to take an extra boat ride along the canals of the market itself, so you can see the boats up close. You will then proceed to Kanchanaburi, where you will have lunch at a local restaurant. In Thailand during World War II, the Japanese wanted to build a railroad at record speed to supply their troops in Burma. The working conditions for civilian workers, prisoners of war and forced laborers were inhumane. Some 100,000 workers and about 15,000 prisoners of war lost their lives due to disease, malnutrition and exhaustion. The Burma Railway is therefore also called the Death Railway. During a visit to the Hell Fire Pass Memorial, you will learn more about the construction of this infamous railroad. In the afternoon you travel by long-tail 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 or simply lie in your hammock and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the sound of cheerfully chattering birds. Day 2 Erawan Waterfalls (Breakfast and Lunch) After your own breakfast, head to one of Thailand's most beautiful waterfalls: the Erawan Falls. Here the water falls 1,500 meters down through 7 plateaus. The further up you walk, the more difficult it becomes. At least try to reach plateau 5, which we personally like best. Don't forget your swimwear, as it is great to cool off in the clear water after the climb. After this it is time for a well-deserved lunch, after which you will be transferred to your hotel in Kanchanaburi. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. For example, take a wonderful spa treatment at the hotel. Optionally, it is possible to take a ride on the local train on the Burma Railway. Try to get a seat on the left side of the train and have your camera ready, as the views are phenomenal. Day 3 Kanchanaburi - Bangkok (Breakfast) Before you bid farewell to Kanchanaburi, we take a moment to remember the Death Railway and the victims of World War II. You visit The Bridge on the River Kwai (over which trains still run) and the Don-Rak honor cemetery where nearly 7,000 (mostly Australian, British, Dutch and Indian) prisoners of war are buried.