Depart from Bangkok in the early morning and take a scenic drive to Kanchanaburi. For an insight into this historic area, start with a visit to the Thailand–Burma Railway Centre. This interactive museum gives a glimpse into the harsh conditions that the prisoners of war (POWs) endured during the construction of the Death Railway. Many of the thousands who perished while constructing the tracks are buried at the nearby War Cemetery. Wander around the well-maintained graves and absorb the silence and solemnity of this serene setting.

End the morning snapping photos at the famous Bridge over the River Kwai. Then board a long-tail boat and drift along the river to the Jungle Rafts – your home for the night.

After lunch in the hotel’s floating restaurant, board the boat for the cruise to the Hellfire Memorial Pass where POWs hacked through sheer rock with basic hand tools and explosives to create a cutting through the mountain that would connect the railway line with Burma. After hearing all about the history of this infamous place, cruise back to the Jungle Rafts to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of river life. In the evening, after a Thai dinner, sit back and enjoy a performance of Mon arts, dance, music and culture.