Kanchanaburi - Death Railway and Elephant Haven
On the rails of the famous death train and in the heart of an authentic elephant sanctuary
Duration
1 days
From
€60/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Family, Solo, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
The whistle of the Death Railway echoes through the River Kwai valley as trains launch onto the historic rails of Kanchanaburi. This railway line, built by prisoners of war during World War II, winds today through spectacular landscapes of limestone cliffs and tropical forests, offering a poignant journey through one of the darkest pages of Thai history.
The afternoon transforms into a privileged encounter at Elephant Haven, a sanctuary where rescued pachyderms roam freely in their natural environment. Visitors share exceptional moments by feeding these giants with baskets of fresh fruit, before experiencing the unique adventure of bathing together in the clear waters of the river, under the watchful eyes of their caretakers.
This excursion from Bangkok combines historical memory and animal conservation, bearing witness to Thailand's painful past while celebrating its commitment to protecting its emblematic wildlife.
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Discovering Kanchanaburi and its surroundings
08H00. Meet at your hotel in Bangkok, and departure for Kanchanaburi and its train station where we board at 10:40 in the famous ''death train'' made famous by the history of the film ''The Bridge on the River Kwai'', for approximately 1 hour of train travel westward to the SaiYok region, located 70 km to the west at the end of the train line. We have chosen to have you do only the most interesting half of the train journey and get off at Wang Pho station, located just after the most spectacular section of the journey towards Tham Krasae, so just one hour of train to get off at Wang Pho around noon -- sparing you the last 40 minutes of train which are less spectacular and the crowds that will get off at the terminus.
You will meet the driver at Wang Pho station. After lunch, we spend the afternoon at ''Elephant Haven''. On site, we buy baskets of fruit (not included – approximately 3 euros per basket), treats for the pachyderms. Early in the afternoon, we enjoy an exceptional moment: bathing with the Elephants!
Return to Bangkok in the evening. From the start in the morning, plan swimming clothes and change of clothes for those who will swim with the elephants in the afternoon. Put on your clothes as there will probably not be a very convenient changing room on site. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Customs fees, baggage surcharge
- Meals and beverages (except meals explicitly mentioned)
- Extras not explicitly mentioned, "early check-in", "day-use" or "late check-out"
- Tips and Personal Expenses
- International Insurance
- Services not explicitly mentioned or mentioned as "optional"
Included
- English-speaking guide services
- Thai private driver services
- The visits and activities mentioned in the program
- Local Insurance and Local Taxes
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 40% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
More than 60 days before departure: 40% of total price (deposit retained)
Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of total price
Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travellers intending to visit Thailand for a tourist stay. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying information with the official authorities of Thailand and your country of residence before departure.
Passport
To enter Thailand, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of entry and must contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay visa requirements
Entry requirements and visa exemptions for tourist stays depend on your nationality.
You must verify your specific entry conditions with the Thai embassy or consulate in your country of residence before travelling.
The authorities may request:
an outbound travel document (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
Before your arrival, you must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), a digital arrival form implemented by the Thai authorities.
This document allows you to transmit to immigration services certain information required for entry into the country:
passport information
flight details
address of your first accommodation in Thailand
The form should generally be completed online in the days prior to your arrival. A digital confirmation or QR code may be requested when passing through immigration.
Travelling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
Depending on your country of residence, an authorisation for the child to leave the country may be required when a minor travels without one of their parents.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travellers should contact the Thai embassy or consulate in their country of residence for specific requirements.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about the coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for you to enjoy your trip peacefully!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisk
Explorer'Cancellation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Banking Card Complement
Specific to our trips, we strongly suggest subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for claiming are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
Thailand can be visited year-round, but the best time is between November and February (dry and cool season). The north is cooler from November to January, while the southern beaches are ideal from December to April. The rainy season (June-October) offers lush landscapes and fewer tourists, with short and intense showers.
Entry conditions depend on your nationality and change regularly. Many passports benefit from visa exemption for short tourist stays; beyond that, a tourist visa can be obtained from the Thai consular representation before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your entry date. Check the rules applicable to your nationality with the Thai consular authorities before booking — our local team will assist you in preparing your documents.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €150 and €250 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (€500-900 return) are additional. Our detailed quote lets you see each expense line for full budget transparency.
Absolutely! We tailor each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations (villas, suites), fun activities (elephant encounters, snorkeling, cooking classes), and comfortable private transfers. Children love Thailand!
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
It's simple: 1) Chat with Nanthida to define your wishes, budget and dates. 2) Receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. 3) Fine-tune every detail together. 4) Confirm and travel with peace of mind! Your local agency is available 7 days a week during your trip.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Voyage Thaïlande is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground.
Let's talk about your adventure — West
Thai escape accomplice, based in Chiang Mai
For me, Thailand reveals itself as much in its landscapes as in its everyday rituals: a smile, a shared meal, a mountain road, a simple moment that stays with you.
— Dylan
