Visitors to Sai Yok National Park in Kanchanaburi province can enjoy a relaxing rafting cruise by choosing from among several operators running trips up and down the Kwae Noi River (a tributary of the River Kwai).
You’ll find that many operators of these raft cruises also own ‘floatels’, a form of raft-based accommodation. It’s probably best to negotiate your own deal with the various representatives who will likely approach you to promote their various trips.
During my visit, I stayed on board a floatel operated by Rachawanlop Raft, so it made sense to also book my rafting trip with the same company.
Since it’s currently the monsoon season, the wind and current were fairly strong during my trip to Kanchanaburi. Don’t let this put you off, though, because this can also be a positive factor.
An affordable cruise with a differencez
Rachawanlop Raft charges 300 baht (US$9.40) per person to join its trip aboard a large raft, which slowly works its way along the Kwae Noi River. The raft, which can accommodate up to 30 people, is tied to several other small rafts which are towed behind it. It should be note that the price quoted includes a lunch box and soft drinks, which are served on board.
Once on board, you’ll be handed a life jacket, which, for safety’s sake, you’ll be expected to wear for the duration of the trip.
Departing from a set point, each vessel sets off on a four-kilometer trip, which takes about three to four hours to complete. Just a few minutes after you head off on your adventure, you’ll pass the famous waterfall called Sai Yok Yai on your left. The captain of the raft makes sure you get close enough to the falls to experience a fresh burst of spray.
The great thing about this cruise is that anyone can participate, unlike whitewater rafting, which requires participants to possess at least a modicum of strength and courage.
Along both sides of the river are numerous restaurants and bungalow developments, many of which are still family-owned. Fortunately, most locals have quickly developed a good level of environmental awareness so much of the construction has been carried out in an eco-friendly way. In light of this development, very little of the jungle landscape has been built upon.
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Be prepared!
There is said to be a small risk of Malaria in Kanchanaburi, although, as I mention in my article about raft accommodation, I personally encountered very few during my stay. Medication is not recommended for a short trip, however, so the use of repellent and appropriate clothing are probably the best ways of minimizing the risk.
While Kanchanaburi is probably best known in other countries for the Death Railway, visitors to the province may also be surprised to learn that there are plenty of other activities, such as this, to participate in during a short stay.
As we made our way back down the river, towards where we began our voyage, we were invited to take part in a fun activity aboard the small rafts being towed behind the main vessel. This activity involved trying to balance while standing on the rafts as they are being towed along.
While this adventure is no adrenalin-fuelled storm through rapids, it does offer a unique and enjoyable way to enjoy the fantastic scenery found alongside the Kwae Noi River.
To contact Sai Yok National Park directly, call Tel: +66 (0)2 196 2055, extensions 100, 101, 104, and 105.
Transport connections:
Car: Take Highway 4 (Phetkasem) from Bangkok through Nakhon
Pat hom province before getting onto Highway 323. This road will take you through Ratchaburi province past Tha Maka in Kanchanaburi province. You’ll then need to drive through the city itself, before hitting a stretch of regular road. After driving for about 80 kilometers, you’ll reach Sai Yok Noi waterfall then Sai Yok National Park.
Bus: Air-conditioned and regular buses leave Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) every 15 minutes or so. Departures began at about 5 am through until 10 pm. The journey takes between two to three hours and a single (one-way) fare is 150 baht. Alternatively, you can take a minivan from Khaosarn Road or Victory Monument. Again, the fare is 150 baht, but the journey is slightly quicker (about two hours).
Local buses run from Kanchanaburi to Sai Yok National Park every 30 minutes and the single fare is 55 baht.
Train: Trains depart Thonburi’s Bangkok Noi Railway Station twice a day (7.45 am and 1.35 pm). A single (one-way) fare costs 100 baht and the journey takes between two-and-a-half to three hours.
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