Day 1: Walking a non-touristy stretch of the Death Railway, a beautiful drive up to a magnificent highland of Pilok – west end Thailand.
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08.00 |
Pick up by car from Kanchanaburi to Hellfire Pass Memorial. |
08.45 |
Upon arrival, visit the memorial’s museum featuring the history of the Great Pacific War and the Death Railway construction. Then 2.30 hours walking from the memorial along the original Death
Railway to other dramatic places in relation to the railway construction. The uneven walking trail runs through the fertile forest with its charming limestone hills. |
11.30 |
Pick up by car, continue further north to Tong Papoom. Lunch on route. |
13.30 |
Stop at a local market. Shopping of fruits and snacks can be done. 45 minutes beautiful drive from here will then lead up to the highland of Pilok in the beautiful west end of Thailand. On route, enjoy
a fascinating view at a scenic view point overlooking the mountainous area. |
15.30 |
Then set off an off-road journey (30 minutes) along the stony road into magnificent Pilok valley that provides a dramatic view of the former mining area. |
16.00 |
Warm welcome by afternoon tea and different kinds of cakes. Then check in and leisure (or enjoy a nice chat with the owner about her extraordinary experience and the legend of Pilok village in its
glorious period). |
19.00 |
Thai dinner in the warm atmosphere and soothing sound of nature. Overnight stay (2 nights): a basic but nice family-run bamboo lodge with twin bedrooms, hot shower and western styled
restrooms, overlooking a little creek. |
Day 2: Jungle trekking, hidden beautiful waterfall.
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09.00 |
After breakfast, start a walking trip passing the former mining area with magnificently open mountain landscape. 6 kms walking trail (approx. 3 hours walk, single leg) in the splendid valley along the
mountain edge will lead to a fascinating limestone waterfall in the open mountain landscape. Enjoy swimming and relaxing by the fall. Then return on foot back to the accommodation. |
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Note: |
Generally, the routes are stony snaking up and down the forested mountain and open landscape with terrific views. Walking sticks may be considered for some walkers. Those who want to have an easy day can enjoy a beautiful drive on the mountain ridge into the most stunning waterfall and all over the area. |
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16.00 |
Enjoy afternoon tea and cakes at the bamboo lodge. Then leisure. |
19.00 |
Thai dinner and BBQ. |
Overnight stay : Accommodation: the same as Day 1.
Day 3: Scenic drive, West End Thailand, Hindad Hot Spa, train ride, WWII related attractions.
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09.30 |
Check out and set off a journey (30 minutes) out of the valley by 4x4 car. Visit the legendary former mining Pilok village, then the west end of Thailand. If the sky is clear,
Andaman sea can be glimpsed from a far distance. Then continue by car down to Tong Papoom
(1 hour drive). |
12.00 |
Thai lunch at a local restaurant in Tong Papoom area. |
13.30 |
Enjoy self-treatment at a natural Hindad Hot Spring. |
15.30 |
Catch a train from Nam Tok station. Experience one of the world’s great rail journeys along the historical Death Railway that provides a beautiful view of the river stretch with limestone mountains
as its stunning backdrop. |
16.30 |
Get off at Ta Kilen, pick up by car, then continue to Kanchanaburi town. |
17.00 |
Upon arrival, visit the Bridge on the River Kwai & war cemetery. Then transfer to the accommodation in Kanchanaburi town. |
Interests on route :
• fascinating mountainous landscape with limestone hills
• former mining area & geology
• exotic highland in west Thailand
• rainforest, tropical fauna and flora
• non-touristy and hidden waterfalls,
• WWII related Death Railway, museum & the Bridge
Included:
1. Round-trip transfer by a/c vehicle for the whole trip in Kanchanaburi
2. 4x4 vehicle
3. 2 night accommodation at the family-run bamboo lodge (twin bedrooms, private facilities)
4. Food (7 meals including one picnic lunch)
5. Drinking water, cool towels,
6. Tea/coffee and snacks
7. Visits to the places mentioned in the programme
8. Train ride on the Death Railway
9. Travel insurance
10. English-speaking guide
Excluded:
1. Transfer between KAN and BKK
2. Soft drinks, beer and alcohols
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Recommendations:
1. Reliable walking shoes on a stony road in a humid climate
2. Loose/breathable cotton shirts and pants are recommended
3. Bring hats, eyeglasses or sun block lotion in case of strong sunlight
4. Mosquito/insect repellent is strongly advised for the jungle trip