| |  River Kwai and Tiger Temple Tour: 1 day join tour or 1 day private tour | | Tour Code: | TT01 Full Day | | Duration : | 1 Day | Bangkok- World War ll cemetery - World War ll Museum - Bridge Over River Kwai- Tiger Temple - Tiger Canyon - Bangkok |
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| Overview - Tiger Temple Thailand There aren’t many places in the world where you can touch a fully-grown tiger, but the monks at Thailand’s Tiger Temple allow you to get up close and personal with their big Tiger cats. Just a couple of hours’ drive outside Bangkok in the Kanchanaburi province, not far from the world famous Bridge Over The River Kwai, lies the Tiger Temple of Thailand, formally known as Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yannasampanno. Since 1999, the monks here have taken care of tigers which have been rescued from poachers in the nearby Thai-Burmese border jungle - and to date they have 17 fully grown tigers and tiger cubs living within the temple grounds. Every afternoon, the tigers are let out of their cages and taken down to a quarry which has a natural pool for them to bathe and play in. Visitors can walk down into the quarry and see the tigers from only a few feet away - there’s a single rope between you and them. Most of the tigers simply sit stretched out in the sun - they are nocturnal creatures so they laze around during the day. Some of the younger tigers are pretty frisky. Some of these tigers are huge, and to be in such close proximity to them is both awe-inspiring and a little scary. Their beauty is mesmerizing though. You can walk with them on their root to the canyon and have your pictures taken walking beside the large Tigers. Once in the canyon you will be invited to walk amongst them and have your picture taken right next to them. You can also have a fully grown Tiger lay next to you and put its head in your lap for a very thrilling photo. The "New Home for Tigers" Project with the compassionate consideration of
The Abbot- Pra Acharn Phusit (Chan),
the "New Home for Tigers" is being constructed
on 30-rai (12 Acres) of forested land
at Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yanasampanno Forest Monastery,
in Saiyok District of Kanchanaburi Province. Tigers living in this Forest Monastery will be able to roam freely
in their new home. Furthermore, the new enclosure will be used
for training the cubs, so that they learn to surive
in the jungle.. their real home! PLEASE NOTE (Hotel transfers) Hotel pick-up and return is included in the DOWNTOWN BANGKOK areas only ================================================================== | Tiger Temple / River Kwai Tour Itinerary: 1 day Bangkok - Kanchanaburi - World War II Cemetery - Museum - Bridge over River Kwai - Tiger Temple 06:30 - 07:00 Hrs. Pick up in Bangkok hotel lobby and depart for Kanchanaburi, visit World War II Cemetery of the allied prisoners of war and Bridge over River Kwai
12:00 Hrs. Thai buffet lunch
13:00 Hrs. Visit Tiger Temple in the dimension of Tiger Island Project
15:45 Hrs. Depart from Tiger Temple, arrive Bangkok approx 18:00 Hrs
Warnings: Don't wear red coloured clothes, no loud noises or running | | 1 day join tour: Price per person $96 AU / $84 US / £ 56 1 day private tour: Price per person $153 AU / $133 / £ 89 ( 2 - 5 persons) Group bookings: 1 day private tour $108 AU per person ( 6 - 10 persons) | • Price Includes:
• Hotel transfer round trip Bangkok – Kanchanaburi – Bangkok. (130 klm each way)
• Tiger Temple admission Fee.
• Lunch.
• English speaking Guide. Price Excludes: Admission fee into World war II museum / drinks |
River Kwai, Tiger Temple Tour: 2 days / 1 night Join Tour | | Tour Code: | TT02 | | Duration : | 2 Days 1 Night | Bangkok - World War ll cemetery - World War ll Museum - Bridge Over River Kwai- Tiger Temple - Train on the death railway - Saiyok Noi Fall - Bamboo Raft - Elephant Ride - Bangkok |
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| | Tour Itinerary: 1 night / 2 days: Day 1: Bangkok - Kanchanaburi - World War II Cemetery - Jeath Museum - Bridge over River Kwai - Train on Death Railway - Saiyok Noi Falls 06:30 - 07:00 Hrs. Pick up from Bangkok Hotel and leave Bangkok for Kanchanaburi, visit World War II Cemetery of allied prisoners of war, continue Jeath Museum, and Bridge over River Kwai, ride the Train on Death Railway
13:30 Hrs. Thai Buffet lunch
14:30 Hrs. Visit Saiyok Waterfall
16:30 Hrs. Depart for Floating House (your accommodation) 20:00 Hrs. Thai dinner Warnings: Don't wear red coloured clothes, no loud noises or running | | | | Day 2: Bamboo Rafting - Elephant Ride - Tiger Temple - Bangkok 08:00 Hrs. Thai breakfast at Floating House River Kanchanaburi
10:00 Hrs. Visit an Elephant camp, elephant ride and bamboo rafting down River Kwai
12:30 Hrs. Thai buffet lunch
14:30 Hrs. Tiger Temple
17:00 Hrs. Depart for Bangkok 19:00 Hrs. Arrive Bangkok and transfer to Hotel | | 1 night / 2 days: Price per person twin share $143 AU / $129 US / £ 84 | • Price Includes:
• Transfer from Bangkok - Kanchanaburi - Bangkok
• Admission fees, train ticket and Tiger Temple
• 1 night accommodation with breakfast (Kitty River Rafts Accommodation)
• 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
• Bamboo rafting, waterfall fees, elephant ride. • Price Excludes: Admission fee into World war II museum / drinks Please Include Tour code: 1 night/2 days (TT02) with your enquiry: Enquire Now! |
River Kwai, Tiger Temple & Erawan National Park: 3 Days / 2 Nights Join Tour | | Tour Code: | TT03 | | Duration : | 3 Days 2 Nights | Bangkok - World War ll cemetery - World War ll Museum - Bridge Over River Kwai- Tiger Temple - Train on the death railway - Saiyok Noi Fall - Bamboo Raft - Elephant Ride - Erawan Fall - Bangkok |
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| | Tour Itinerary 2 nights / 3 days: Day 1: Bangkok - Kanchanaburi - World War II Cemetery - World War II Museum - Bridge over River Kwai - Train on the Death Railway - Saiyok Noi Falls - 06:30 - 07:00 Hrs. Pick up from Bangkok Hotel and leave Bangkok for Kanchanaburi, visit World War II Cemetery of allied prisoners of war, continue to World War II (Jeath) Museum, and Bridge over River Kwai, ride the Train on Death Railway
13:30 Hrs. Thai buffet lunch
14:30 Hrs. Visit Saiyok Waterfall, 1 hour free time
16:30 Hrs. Depart for Floating House (your accommodation) 20:00 Hrs. Thai dinner Warnings: Don't wear red coloured clothes, no loud noises or running | | | | | Day 2: Bamboo Raft - Elephant Ride - Tiger Temple 08:00 Hrs. Thai breakfast at Floating House Kanchanaburi
10:00 Hrs. Visit an Elephant camp, elephant ride and bamboo rafting down River Kwai
12:30 Hrs. Thai buffet lunch
14:30 Hrs. Tiger Temple
16:30 Hrs. Depart for Floating House (your accommodation) 20:00 Hrs. Thai dinner |  | Day 3: Erawan National Park - Bangkok 08:00 Hrs. Breakfast will be served
09:00 Hrs. Transfer to Erawan waterfall, and visit the seven steps, swim, relax. Enjoy the scenery, great photo opportunities
11:00 Hrs. Arrive at Erawan National Park and visit the beautiful waterfalls with seven steps, trek, swim, relax and have lunch. Enjoy the scenery with fantastic photos
12:00 Hrs. Lunch at the waterfall
16:00 Hrs. Transfer to Bangkok, arriving at approximately 19:00
19:00 Hrs. Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to hotel | 2 nights / 3 days: Price per person twin share $179 AU / $153 US / £ 104 | • Price Includes:
• Transfer from Bangkok - Kanchanaburi - Bangkok
• Admission fees, train ticket and Tiger Temple
• 2 nights accommodation with breakfast (Kitty River Rafts Accommodation)
• 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
• Bamboo rafting, waterfall fees, elephant ride • Price Excludes: Admission fee into World war II museum / drinks Please Include Tour code: 2 nights/3 days (TT03) with your enquiry: Enquire Now! 
1 Night / 2 Days package upgrade available as follows 1: Upgrade from Kitty Rafts accommodation to Jungle Rafts accommodation 2: Upgrade from Sai Yok Noi waterfall to Erawan National Park Waterfall (Spectacular) 3: Same inclusions and Itinerary of the 1 Night / 2 Days package above Total Cost per person twin share: $268.00 US / $308.00 AU / £178 Please include upgrade tour code with your enquiry: RAFTUP2D Enquire Now!    
Thailand-Burma "Death Railway" Arguably the most ironic aspect of the construction of the (in) famous "Death Railway" is the fact it was originally a British idea, proposed at the turn of the century as a trading route between Burma and China.  Around 50 years later, British POW's were at the forefront of it's construction! Built as an aid to moving supplies, after the capture of Thailand by the Imperial Japanese Army, thousands of allied POW's were transported from Singapore to begin working on the line, as well as the famous "Bridge On The River Kwai". Beginning in 1942, the workforce was subject to constant battles against not only the brutality of their captors but also appalling living conditions and the constant threat of death and disease. Sections of the old route are still in use today. Most notably the section from The Bridge up to Nam Tok station at Sai Yok National Park. The most famous section further north towards Burma is "Hellfire Pass", pounded out through solid rock. Sadly, the pass has now mostly reclaimed by the jungle. All along the route from Kanchanaburi are sections and memorials dedicated to the construction of the railway and the suffering of the hundreds of thousands of lives it cost! Hellfire Pass  
The most famous stretch of the Thai-Burma Death Railway also offers the most horrific stories of human suffering! Known by the Japanese Army as the "Konyu Cutting", allied POW's were forced to cut through solid rock, sometimes for days at a time with little or no food and no rest! The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, co-sponsored by the Australian and Thai governments is located on the site of the cutting and has superb interactive displays telling the story of the construction. Visitors can walk down the valley and see the actual cutting of Hellfire Pass. Although the tracks have long since disappeared, the route of the cutting can be clearly seen. Every year there is a ceremony at the pass to remember those who suffered, primarily aimed at the Australian POW's. In 1992 a time capsule was buried by surviving ex-POW's and will be opened after 50 years Erawan Waterfall (Namtok Erawan) The Erawan Waterfall is really an impressive series of seven waterfalls each with a shape and character all its own. Each waterfall typically falls over limestone cliffs resulting in colorful water as well as interesting rounded formations reminiscent of something that looks like it belongs in a cave. When we were there, some of the waterfalls had lots of fish swimming around in the plunge pools. Of course, given how typically hot it is in this part of Thailand, people also tend to swim or play in the plunge pools of many of these waterfalls as well. Thus, these falls are quite popular so expect a crowd. The round trip time to take in all 7 waterfalls is roughly between 3 hours. The waterfall gets its name from the fact that the last waterfall somewhat resembles the 3-headed elephant Hindu God by the name of Erawan. The resemblance is supposed to be at the very top of the falls where water comes down in three segments each resembling an elephant's trunk. War Cemeteries Within Kanchanaburi town, there are two beautifully kept cemetaries, final resting place for thousands of POW's who were forced into labour camps while constructing the Death Railway and Bridge On The River Kwai. Kanchanaburi War Cemetery In the heart of town, this is the final resting place of almost 7,000 POW's who lost their lives during the construction of the "Death Railway".  The Japanese Army, following their invasion of Thailand during World War II, brought British, Dutch, Australian and American prisoners to Thailand from Singapore. Chong Kai War Cemetery The Chong Kai Cemetery, on the banks of the River Kwai, is smaller but more peaceful than the one in town and is beautifully kept with all kinds of flowers and plants. Almost 2,000 POW's are buried here. The cemetery can be reached by boats, available at the pier in front of the town gate and also from the Bridge |
Kanchanaburi According to most historians, the ancient town of Kanchanaburi was located near Ban Lat Ya, a small village situated approximately 16 kilometers north of the present town. The site was repeatedly recorded in Thai history as an invasion route which the Burmese used to enter Thai Kingdoms.
Kanchanaburi, which has mostly mountainous terrain, covers an area of approximately 19,473 square kilometers and is the third largest province in Thailand after Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima. Situated approximately 129 kilometres west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi shares a border with Myanmar to the west, Tak and Uthai Thani Provinces to the north, Suphan Buri and Nakhon Pathom Provinces to the east, and Ratchaburi Province to the south. In north and west Kanchanaburi, the terrain is comprised mainly of mountains and high plains, with the Thanon Thongchai Range acting as a natural border between Thailand and Myanmar. The range is the source of Kanchanaburi's two most important rivers Maenam Khwae Noi and Maenam Khwae Yai, which form the famous Maenam Mae Klong. As a result, several of Thailand's largest Namtok (waterfalls) and most extensive wildlife sanctuaries are found in this area. The magnificent landscape and charming beauty of Kanchanaburi have resulted in major tourist attractions including several well-known waterfalls, caves which were once inhabited by Neolithic man, pristine national parks, tranquil rivers, virgin forests, and reservoir. Together, they offer an intriguing experience for first-time or repeat visitors. Whether its fishing, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, bird-watching, star-gazing, golfing, elephant and jungle trekking, or even living in bamboo rafts, Kanchanaburi takes pride in offering them all. The city of Kanchanaburi is located at the point where two tributaries, the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai meet and form the Maenam Mae Klong. This is the location of the notorious Death Railway and the Bridge on the River Khwae one of the worlds famous World War II sites which have been immortalized in print and film.
In economic terms, Kanchanaburi has been doing well on a national scale, with over 10 per cent growth annually. Important industries include sugar, agricultural products and jewelry. Tourism is also a main source of income for the locals as the provinces high tourism potential has made Kanchanaburi number one among the west provinces in having the highest number of visitors each year.
Residents of Kanchanaburi are engaged in agricultural activities. Most of the locals are of Thai ancestry with notable Mon and Karen minorities. Rural dwellers enjoy living simply and respecting nature. Moreover folk music and dances dating back at least 500 years are still performed today. Deep in the heart of Western Thailand, where the River Kwai weaves through the rich green jungle, the monks of the Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua Temple are beginning their day. They walk through the town and collect alms from the locals. But back at the temple for breakfast and prayers, it's clear that this Buddhist monastery is like no other, for this handful of monks live with some of the deadliest animals in the world. They call it the Tiger Temple, and its story is the stuff of fairy tales. According to Abbot Pra-Acharn Phusit, a tiger cub orphaned by poachers was brought to the temple years ago. The abbot cared for her and, as word spread, more people brought sickly and orphaned cubs to the temple's doorstep. Those cubs went on to have their own cubs, and nine years on there are now 34 tigers living here. The Buddhists believe in reincarnation and the abbot feels that these tigers are his family. As he told ABC News, "I think they are my babies: my son, my daughter, my father, mother. If not in the present life, in the past life." Buddhists also believe that animals, like humans, are sentient beings. "When the tiger angry, when you angry, it's the same. When you hungry, when the tiger hungry, it's the same. When you tired, when the tiger tired, it's the same!" the abbot explains. He has used this understanding to raise some of the tamest tigers in the world, catapulting this small forest monastery into the international limelight. Every afternoon, up to 1,000 tourists from across the world flock to the Tiger Temple for their very own personal tiger experience. And what they see is unlike any American zoo exhibit. Tiger Temple is hands-on, meaning visitors can pet the enormous cats and even hold their heads in their laps for photos. Travelling to Kanchanaburi
By car
Route 1: a 2-hour drive along Highway No.4 (Phetkasem) via Nakhon Chaisi Province, Nakhon Pathom Province, Ban Pong, Tha Maka and Tha Muang (of Ratchaburi Province) to Kanchanaburi.
Route 2:drive along Highway No. 338 from Bangkok to Nakhon Chaisi Province then switch to Highway No.4 to Kanchanaburi.
By Bus
Non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkoks Southern Bus Terminal daily every 15 minutes from 4 a.m. until 8 p.m. The trip takes about 3 hours. Call 02 434 5557-8 for more information.
First class air-conditioned buses (blue color) leave Bangkoks Southern Bus Terminal daily every 25 minutes Call 02 435 5012, 0 2435 1199 or 02 884 6249 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information.
There are also buses leaving frequently daily for Kanchanaburi from Nakhon Pathom. The journey takes up to 1.5 hours. From Ratchaburi and Suphan Buri Bus Stations, there are several buses leaving directly to Kanchanaburi. The trip takes some 2.5 - 3 hours.
By Train
Ordinary trains leave Bangkoks Thon Buri Railway Station (Bangkok Noi Station) daily. Only 3rd class seats are available. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. For more information, call Thon Buri Railway Station at tel. 02 411 3102 or Kanchanaburi Railway Station at tel. 034 511285.
The weekend special train leaves Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) at 6.30 a.m., returning at 7.55 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays. The trip usually includes several stop-overs at Phra Pathom Chedi (Nakhon Pathom), Death Railway Bridge, and a transfer (by minibus) to Phrasat Mueang Singh Historical Park, etc.
There are also special steam trains operating between Kanchanaburi and Wang Pho.
For more information, call the State Railway of Thailand at tel. 1690, or 02 223 7010, 02 223 7020 or visit www.railway.co.th.
Travelling around Kanchanaburi
Transportation between the districts is also conveniently arranged by regular buses. Major destinations include Bo Phloi, Tham Than Lot (Than Lot Cave), Namtok Erawan, Namtok Sai Yok Yai, Thong Pha Phum, Sangkhla Buri, the Bridge over River Khwae and the War Cemetery. They are mostly non-air conditioned buses which leave every 20 minutes up to 2 hours. Others have their own fixed itineraries. Check for details at 0 3451 1182, Kanchanaburi Bus Station.
Traveling around Kanchanaburi by train is also popular. It is inexpensive, reliable and offers a more panoramic view of the area. The route from Kanchanaburi to Namtok Station near Namtok Sai Yok Noi Waterfall is recommended for visitors wishing to explore the notorious historic railway. Trains leave Kanchanaburi Railway Station 3 times daily and stops at the Bridge over the River Kwai, Tha Kilen (near Phrasat Mueang Singh Historical Park), Tham Krasae, Wang Pho and ends at Namtok Railway Station. For more information, call Kanchanaburi Railway Station at tel. 0 3451 1 285.
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