Take A Tour On A Longtail Boat On River Kwai
Thailand’s River Kwai was the sight of one of the worst wars in history, but today it has become a vacation destination that takes you from the chaos of city life to a haven of peace and tranquility. To fully appreciate this area, a long-tailed boat provides unique opportunities and can be easily arranged through one of the many River Kwai Tours available. Most of these tours include additional activities in order for visitors to get the most out of their time there.
Many know of this area from the 1957 film “The Bridge On The River Kwai” which chronicled the building of Death Railway which linked Thailand and Burma during WWII. The bridge itself, which was rebuilt after several bombings, is only four kilometers/about 2.5 miles from the district of Kanchanaburi which is a two-hour drive from the city capital.
Many long-tailed boat tours leave from this area, but the city itself offers many sites which delight visitors. Kanchanaburi is nestled in a valley providing delightful views and beautiful scenery of the mountainous horizons to visitors. The Tiger Cave Temple, where the monks live and worship, contain pagodas reflecting the Thai architecture that is so revered in this area. Additionally, several war museums located near the river provide visitors with the opportunity to pay their respects to the soldiers who sacrificed so much during World War II.
There are many options in the length of trips that can be selected and many will vary in price and associated activities offered. In conjunction with river trips, off-boat tours are also coordinated which allow visitors to see historical and environmental sites along the Death Railway which are unique in the world. For example, inclusion in local festivals and events as well as many “once in a lifetime” activities are included to ensure guests maximize their vacation experience.
There are various types of boats one may include from a canoe trip to an opulent river cruiser. This is one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery in the area while traveling in style. Picturesque waterfalls and lush jungles fill the vision as the quiet, serene trip down the river fills the soul with a sense of peace.
The many activities associated with river trips can enhance any experience. For example, when in Thailand disembarking from the boat to experience Hin Dat Hot Springs or to view the Pha Tad waterfall, which is one of the only in the world to have step-waterfalls, satisfies many needs. And, of course, no trip to this area is complete without an elephant ride and a stay at a unique, magnificent resort which has been built deep within the jungle.
One of the advantages of these tours is the fact that water craft are often combined to enhance visitor experiences. Even if one starts in a canoe, before long they’ll find themselves enjoying the sites from a floating raft, be transferred to a luxury cruiser for lunch, then take a speedboat into the local village for shopping and site-seeing. The object, as with any vacation, is to maximize opportunities in as short amount of time as possible and not a minute is wasted when visiting this area.
For a totally Thailand experience there is no better way to appreciate the country than by boat provided by one of the many River Kwai Tours. These trips can be completed year-round, but the best time to visit is between November and February. During this time of year temperatures are lower and the air is dry more times than not. The rainy season is between May and November and from March to May temperatures are significantly higher. For those looking for a unique vacation experience, it’s difficult to beat a river trip in Thailand.
