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Cycling in the Kanchanaburi countryside

Adventure day in rural Kanchanaburi

Cycling in the Kanchanaburi countryside

Cycle through Western Thailand’s countryside before cruising the River Kwai in a kayak or on a bamboo raft.

The quiet countryside surrounding Kanchanaburi is etched with jungle-draped peaks and forest-fringed rivers. You can soak up the scenery on a privately guided cycling and water sports tour, with the choice between kayaking or bamboo rafting.

A private driver will pick you up from your hotel in Kanchanaburi town and drive you one hour into the surrounding countryside. After a mountain bike and helmet fitting, you’ll embark on the first part of your journey with your guide. You can choose to focus on the local culture, cycling through rural villages and past gilded temples, or opt for a more active route that takes you into the hills overlooking the border with Myanmar. Whichever route you take, your guide will tailor the experience to your fitness levels, and there will be plenty of opportunities to pull over, rest in the shade, and take in the verdant views.

Your ride will end beside the banks of the River Kwai, where you’ll start the next part of your adventure — kayaking or bamboo rafting. The gentle current will do most of the toil if you’re kayaking or, if you choose the traditional roof-sheltered bamboo raft, your guide will paddle for you as you sit or stand on the deck. You’ll spend an hour drifting past the emerald riverbanks dense with vegetation, and you’ll also get the chance to swim and cool off in the water.

The experience lasts around six hours, including transfers to and from your hotel.

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Audley Travel specialist Sophie

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Other experiences in Kanchanaburi & The River Kwai

These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.

  • Cruise the River Kwai on a Colonial style cruise boat
    RV River Kwai, Bangkok

    Cruise the River Kwai on a Colonial style cruise boat

    Cruise the River Kwai on a Colonial style cruise boat

    The RV River Kwai combines the grandest luxuries of the colonial era with ten wood-lined, deluxe air-conditioned cabins, with a window looking out over the river.

    View details
  • Explore the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai
    View of the bridge over the River Kwai

    Explore the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai

    Explore the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai

    Visit the JEATH War Museum, which houses a replica of the bamboo huts used to accommodate allied prisoners of war (POWs) during the occupation. You also visit the nearby war cemetery before you reach the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai.

    View details

Experience it for yourself

You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.