You'll transfer by van to Bangkok's Thonburi Railway Station. Our escort will accompany you to the ticket counter and provide you with your train tickets to Nam Tok station. The distance from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi by train is 116 km and the scheduled duration of the journey by train is around two and a half hours (but don't expect the train to run on schedule). These rather slow and old trains operate with only 3rd class - fan cooled, open window carriages only, and can come in many different types - some with cushioned seats in rows or along the edges of the coach, and some with hard wooden seats. However, travelling in these trains is more fun, with vendors selling food, drink, and an assortment of items you never knew you needed until you're on the train! If you've never been on an ordinary train journey in Thailand, this relatively short route from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is the perfect way to experience it!
You'll be expected to arrive (per the official schedule) at Namtok Railway Station - the terminus station – in the early evening. Your station guide will meet you upon arrival – congratulations, you made it! Welcome to Kanchanaburi's Sai Yok district, where you'll spend the next two nights surrounded by an unspoiled natural landscape. Hop on a local vehicle (could be a car, a pick-up truck or a local taxi, depending on the size of the group) and head to our basecamp (only about a 10 minute drive) where you'll get a chance to leave your big luggage in a safe place. Best to pack light for the next 2 days - so feel free to leave all unnecessary items here – and don't worry, our team will keep an eye on your belongings until your return.
From here we'll continue our journey towards Sai Yok National Park. The mountainous regions of the park are covered with deciduous and dry evergreen forests mixed with bamboo. The lower areas along the Khwae Noi river are teak forest which was deforested during the Japanese occupation of Thailand but later replanted in 1954. Mammal species found in the park include elephants, gibbons, macaques, Malayan porcupines, slow lorises, serow, barking deer, sambar deer, wild boar and many more. There may be a few tigers still roaming the park!
On arrival at the park, please prepare cash for the entrance fee (this is not included and must be paid on the spot.) You will be welcomed by the family who runs the restaurant and a nearby floating resort and you can now check-in to your private bungalow and enjoy some free time until a well-deserved dinner facing the majestic Sai Yok waterfalls.
Meals: Dinner
Transportation: Bangkok to Thonburi Railway Station by Car or Van, Thonburi to Namtok by Train in 3rd Class Fan, Namtok Railway Station to Krit Raft House by Car or Van
Accommodation: Krit Raft House in a Standard Bungalow (Fan)
Miscellaneous: English-speaking Station Guide
Good morning! We trust you spent a lovely night enjoying the sound of the waterfall in the background! Enjoy a tasty breakfast right in front of your bungalow with some free time in the morning to explore the surroundings on your own. Make sure to return to your bungalow before lunchtime as your next activity begins!
Get ready for a real jungle adventure! Your raft will be pulled by a longtail boat until you reach a quiet curve in the river. Surrounded by nature, you will hear no sound other than the birds singing in the trees and the occasional squabble of monkeys arguing over a juicy, hanging fruit. We have loaded soft drinks and beers (at own expense) for you on the raft, so just sit back and relax between quick swims in the cool waters and enjoy your lunch.
The adventure continues! Hop on kayaks right from the raft and paddle downstream on the Kwai River across the unspoiled national park. For about two hours, you'll be surrounded by nature, far from the civilization and your daily troubles. Time to relax – Sai Yok is taking care of you! After your cruise, say goodbye to your guide and you'll head back to your room, just in time to enjoy a well-deserved dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Kayaking End Point to Krit Raft House by Car or Van
Accommodation: Krit Raft House in a Standard Bungalow (Fan)
Miscellaneous: English-speaking Station Guide
After a tasty breakfast, time to head back to buzzing Bangkok with your head full of memories of your jungle adventure. Board your vehicle and relax until we arrive back to where we started this adventure!
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Sai Yok National Park to Bangkok by Car or Van
