Kanchanaburi is a quiet river town two to three hours by road west of Bangkok, but it carries heavy history. During the Second World War, prisoners of war and forced labourers built a 415-kilometre railway here, linking Thailand and Burma (now Myanmar). Tens of thousands of them died, and it became known as the Death Railway. Today trains still cross the River Kwai Bridge, and the valley around it is green and calm.

This tour gives you two days in Kanchanaburi before the city. On Day 1 you walk the glass Skywalk over the River Kwai and stand on the famous bridge. Day 2 is the fullest day: a safari park where you can feed giraffes, then a classic train ride along the Death Railway itself. On Day 3 you take a boat through the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and watch traders pull back their stalls as a train passes through the Maeklong Railway Market.

The last two days in Bangkok are mostly for shopping: Platinum Mall, ICONSIAM, MBK and night markets, plus a boat trip on the Chao Phraya River. The pace is easy, with a morning flight out and an evening flight home on Malaysia Airlines. A tour leader and a local guide take care of the travel.

Quick facts

Duration: 5 days 4 nights
Route: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram
Package type: group tour on fixed departure dates, with a tour leader and a local guide
Group size: minimum 15 travellers
Flights: included. Malaysia Airlines economy class from KLIA to Bangkok
Hotels: 3-star hotels, 2 nights in Kanchanaburi and 2 nights in Bangkok
Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners

Highlights

A classic train ride along the Death Railway
The River Kwai Bridge and the glass Skywalk over the river
Safari Park Kanchanaburi, with giraffe feeding
A boat ride through Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Maeklong Railway Market, where stalls move for the train
A Chao Phraya River boat trip and ICONSIAM

Itinerary

Day 1: Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok and Kanchanaburi

Meet at KLIA for your morning flight to Bangkok. On the way to Kanchanaburi, stop at a bee farm, a small honey farm and processing centre selling natural honey and bee products.

In Kanchanaburi, walk the Skywalk over the River Kwai, a glass-floored walkway about 150 metres long and 12 metres high. From here you can see where the Khwae Yai and Khwae Noi rivers meet. Then visit the River Kwai Bridge, built during the Second World War as part of the Death Railway between Thailand and Burma.

Meals: lunch, dinner. Overnight: Kanchanaburi.

Day 2: Kanchanaburi

Visit Safari Park Kanchanaburi. You ride in the park's vehicles to get close to the animals, from tiger cubs to elephants, and you can feed the giraffes. There is also a crocodile show.

Then learn about the Death Railway, named for the tens of thousands of forced labourers who died building the 415-kilometre line. Take a classic train ride along the railway, with views of the River Kwai and the hills. In the evening, browse the JJ Local Night Market for street food, beauty products, clothes and electronic accessories.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Kanchanaburi.

Day 3: Floating market, railway market and Bangkok

In Ratchaburi, take a boat along the canals of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where traders sell from small boats. In Samut Songkhram, visit the Maeklong Railway Market, where traders sell right beside the railway line and move their goods each time a train comes through.

Continue to Bangkok. In the evening, shop at Ramkhamhaeng Night Market for clothes, accessories and souvenirs at fair prices.

Meals: breakfast, lunch. Overnight: Bangkok.

Day 4: Bangkok

Visit a gems factory to see how Thai gemstones are cut and made into jewellery. Then free time at Platinum Mall in the Pratunam area, known for trendy clothes at wholesale and retail prices. Take a tourist boat along the Chao Phraya River, then shop and walk around ICONSIAM.

Meals: breakfast, dinner. Overnight: Bangkok.

Day 5: Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur

Visit Erawadee Herb, a Thai herbal products centre with massage oils, balms, aromatherapy products and traditional supplements. Shop at MBK Center, with more than 2,000 shops and popular with Malaysian visitors, and at December's Mall for fashion, accessories and souvenirs. Transfer to the airport for your evening flight to KLIA Terminal 1.

Meals: breakfast, lunch.

What's included

Return economy class flights on Malaysia Airlines, including fuel surcharge and airport taxes
4 nights in 3-star hotels, including city taxes
Meals as listed in the itinerary
Entry to the River Kwai Skywalk and Safari Park Kanchanaburi
Classic train ride on the Death Railway
Chao Phraya River tourist boat
Boat ride at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Air-conditioned tour coach
Tour leader and professional local guide
Tips for the tour guide and coach driver

Not included

Travel insurance
Surcharges during festive seasons, peak periods and school holidays
Hotel extras such as snacks, mini bar, laundry and porter service
Meals, drinks and entry tickets not listed in the itinerary
Excess baggage charges

Good to know

Thailand is one hour behind Malaysia.
Bring a hat and sun cream for the floating market and the safari park.

FAQ

Do Malaysians need a visa for Thailand?

No. Malaysian passport holders can visit Thailand for a short holiday without a visa.

Is the Death Railway train ride included?

Yes. The classic train ride along the Death Railway is included on Day 2.

How much free time is there for shopping?

Quite a lot. Days 4 and 5 in Bangkok include Platinum Mall, ICONSIAM, MBK Center and December's Mall, plus night markets on Days 2 and 3.

Will the tour go ahead on my date?

This group tour needs a minimum of 15 travellers to depart.