Sunday, December 16, 2012

7 Days Thailand, Sangkhlaburi Trek + Kayaking (9th - 15th March)

BANGKOK - KANCHANABURI - SANGKHLABURI - SANEPONG - RIVERSIDE CAMP - SANGKHLABURI - KANCHANABURI - ERAWAN WATERFALLS - KANCHANABURI - BANGKOK


Best Time - November to February
Land Cost - TBC

Located near a Burmese border crossing at the distant edge of Thailand, Sangkhlaburi sits in a landscape of mist soaked mountains and isolated hilltribe villages. Be prepared to discover a whole new face of Thailand as you join me on a thrilling trekking voyage through the hills of this remote region. Traveling by kayak, elephant back, and, of course, your own feet, you'll journey through pristine tropical forest and rugged hillside terrain, gaining a unique understanding of the area's history and culture along the way.

Your tour begins in the Samut Songkhram province where you will visit two uniquely Thai markets: one of which sits upon the railroad tracks and the other upon a small canal where the vendors sell their wares from traditional boats. After this you will visit Prasat Muang Singh historical park which dates back to the Angkorian era!

Once you arrive in the border town of Sangkhlaburi, a lakeside town set next to the site of an older city, which is now submerged in a lake your exploration begins. You'll get a glimpse of this sunken village as you skim on longtail boat past the spire of an underwater temple en route to the starting point for your trek.

Embark on a full day of hiking. You'll press through overgrown jungle, visit rural towns, and wade through shallow rivers. You'll also get to enjoy some downtime between hiking, as you float downriver on a bamboo raft, or chat with locals in Mon and Karen villages. 

The concluding stretch of this Thailand tour takes you to Kanchanaburi, home to the River Kwai and the spectacular Erawan Falls. Embark on a canoeing and biking excursion through the Kanchanaburi rainforest stopping en-route to visit a local school and temples. Swim in the natural pools of the Erawan caves and take a short train ride along the infamous 'death railway' through Kwai Noi gorge.


ITINERARY

DAY 1 - Bangkok - Kanchanaburi - Baan Huay Ulong (L,D)


Visit two uniquely Thai markets: one of which sits upon the railroad tracks and the other upon a small canal where the vendors sell their wares from traditional boats. Tour the sights of Kanchanaburi and take a train ride along the infamous death railway line. Reach your eco-lodge resort in the early evening.

Overnight in Baan Huay Ulong.






DAY 2 - Baan Huay Ulong - Sangkhlaburi (B,L,D)


Travel to Sangkhlaburi, a small town near the Burmese border stopping en route at the beautiful Kroeng Kravia Waterfall. Situated on the banks of Songkalia Lake, your overnight campground is the perfect place for relaxation and enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

Overnight in Sanepong.

DAY 3 - Sangkhlaburi - Songkaria - Mae Tiew (B,L,D)
Leave the village this morning trekking to the small river island of Mae Tiew. Along the way, wade through shallow rivers, push through dense foliage, and soak in the clean air. Have a swim in the river or explore the island before enjoying dinner and an overnight in this tranquil area.

Overnight in Mae Tiew.

Trekking time/grade: 6 hours/moderate to challenging.


Day 4 - Mae Tiew - Rafting - Sangkhlaburi (B,L,D)
After a light morning, relax as you trek float down the river on a local bamboo or rubber raft to the village of Songkaria. This village is home to both the Mon and Karen people and is situated half way up to Three Pagodas Pass. Exploring the village will give you more insight in to the local traditions and customs of these people. Travel via the Burmese border post of Three Pagoda's pass before returning to Sangkhlaburi.

Overnight in Sangkhlaburi.

Rafting time/grade: 2-3 hours/easy to moderate.


DAY 5 - Kanchanaburi - Bangkok (B,L,D)
Start this morning with breakfast at your resort, relaxing in the pristine environment of Sangkhlaburi. Travel to historic Kanchanaburi and the safari-style tented camp on Hintok Mountain. With sweeping views of the beautiful landscape and the River Kwai, you will feel relaxed in this tranquil environment.

Overnight in Kanchanaburi.


DAY 6 - Kanchanaburi - Bangkok (B,L)
After breakfast at your camp the morning is at your leisure. Relax by the riverside or take an optional excursion to Hell-fire pass before returning to Bangkok for the end of your adventure.

Package Includes 

- Hotel and home-stay accommodation with local breakfast.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles.
- Experience and License local guide
- All entrance fees as indicated in itinerary
- Chartis Travel Guard Insurance basic plan with evacuation as incur basis (for Singapore departure)
- Briefing prior departure
- 15% discount for gears @ X-Boundaries Pte Ltd

Package Excludes -
- Personal expenses
- All airfares + airport taxes & fuel surcharge
- Visa (if applicable)
- Meals not stated
- Tips for guide, driver/local staff
- Other tours not stated in itinerary
- Additional expenses incurred during emergency
- Porterage fees for personal bags 


All the touring itineraries have been carefully crafted and represent a series of experiences, I can certainly recommend. However, I understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveler. Please contact me for your reservations and inquiries, so that I can tailor or custom design a tour to suit your individual specifications.

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