Travel to Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai Bridge. During World War II the Japanese constructed the bridge using prisoners of war, hundreds of whom lost their lives due to the hazardous terrain and poor health.  Walk across the bridge but keep an eye out for trains.  Later in the afternoon arrive at Khao Laem and your houseboat. The houseboat is a modern version of a traditional Thai houseboat with simple large rooms upstairs and downstairs a large open plan dining area, and deck.

Overnight in Kanchanaburi 

Today the houseboat heads off along the lake, gently gliding past a traditional Mon fishing village built entirely on stilts. Soak up the scenery and the tranquility of the lake. In the afternoon take a guided tour of Coconut Island, one of the few inhabited islands on the lake. It takes its name because of the 1,200 coconut trees that yield up to 500 nuts each week.

Overnight in Kanchanaburi  

Get set for a more adventurous day as you kayak to small caves inhabited by hundreds of bats. Board a long-tail boat to reach a Karen hill tribe village and take a walk through the village and say hi the locals. Then meet your elephant for a walk through the jungle followed by bamboo river rafting.  Return to the houseboat in the afternoon just in time for snooze in a hammock.

Overnight in Karen Village 

Cruise toward Sangklaburi on the northern shore of Khao Laem Lake, located close to Thailand’s border with Burma. The area is home to a diverse mix of ethnic minorities who have all left their mark on the history of the town. Wander the town, visit pagodas and see the Mon Bridge, the longest wooden bridge in Thailand. Return to Bangkok early evening.