West Thailand Kanchanaburi Experience
Whether you’re experiencing Thailand for the first time or have lived here as an ex-pat
for many years, Thailand’s western borders are not to be missed.
Most know the area for its famous bridge over the River Kwai and world-class waterfalls.
But this vast mountainous area is so much more than that. Bordering Myanmar this magical
tropical jungle wilderness is stunning to see. With flooded low land valleys and
awe-inspiring mountain backdrops this area of Thailand has been the focus of countless
Hollywood movies, and for very good reason. It is simply stunning. Many years ago
Motorbike Madness looked into setting up a tour here, that first adventure has now
developed into one of our most requested big bike road tours we currently offer.
Although our tour guides are always on hand to help, we would suggest that this tour is more relevant to experienced riders. Some of the most demanding riding we’ve ever seen in Thailand is right here. You’ll experience a land
that stood still in time. Thais that live in this remote national treasure have been
living their lives traditionally for hundreds of years, far away from modern western
influence. You’ll experience untouched nature in all its glory, and wildlife beyond your
expectations. On this tour, we guarantee an unforgettable experience of a lifetime that
will leave you with countless new experiences, renewed spirit, and a feeling of
accomplishment.
DAY 1 - TOUR PREPARATION AND DEPARTURE
Whatever your circumstances are we can provide the accommodation and transportation.
Whether arriving in Thailand from your home country or already established here we can
arrange appropriate measures to get the tour started without any hassle. From your
initial booking, all your personal needs and requirements will be addressed and taken
care of.
DAY 2 - THE TOUR BEGINS
Our luxury Motorbike Madness minivans and Cycle fleet will swiftly make their way to
Kanchanaburi, a 300 km ride ending at our arranged accommodation. Here a full briefing of
the area, trails, and terrain will get you up to speed with the epic adventure that lies
ahead. That evening we will feast in total comfort in preparation for the demanding days
awaiting us. There will be time to take in some of the tourist attractions of the area and
get some well-needed R and R.
DAY 3 - THE DEATH RAILWAY
A good healthy breakfast starts the third day and sets us up for the road. We’ll be heading
to some of the most picturesque scenery Thailand has to offer. The Death Railway mountain
pass is a sight and experience not to be missed. You’ll feel like you just set foot into a
Hollywood movie set as the entire steel structure reveals itself around every curve of the
track. This short but amazing ride hugs the mountainside with deep lush valleys stretching
out into the distance, people who have experienced it say they had mixed emotions with the
beauty in one hand and the knowledge of the sad history of how it came to be. These
landmarks were made famous for the harsh conditions endured during the war by the POWs who
were forced to work by hand to carve out the pass in the rock. Many soldiers lost their
lives on these projects. A national war museum built in commemoration of the time depicts
the sad events and horrors of these dark days. You’ll be able to pay your respect to those
that lost their lives there at the war memorial and really feel the sadness and hardships
they all endured.
Ironically today the area is a popular destination for all kinds of tourists and the local
community is thriving. There’s a lively feel about the place with many good quality
restaurants and evening entertainment.
Lunch is provided Thai style overlooking the famous bridge and clean slow-running river where
you will be able to try some of the local specialties found only in this region.
The town of Kanchanaburi will be our home that night where the day’s events can be soaked up
in your own comfortable accommodation.
DAY 4 - ERAWAN NATIONAL PARK
One of the best highlights of any Thai adventure or location is The Erawan National Park
Waterfall, recognized as one of the best in the world. This day starts when you fire up your
engine, the 50km ride to the falls is outstanding with roads to die for. Winding your way
through valleys and climbing steep inclines to the top of impressive mountains offers those
who experience it a sight of Jungle rainforests so beautiful it’s impossible to forget.
Plenty of time is available to stop and take it all in and get those pictures of a lifetime.
But this itself pales in comparison to what lies ahead, Erawan falls. To describe this area
is difficult as you just have to experience it for yourself, actually the less you know the
better the experience will be. Just know that the sheer size a magical nature of this
special place will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Pictures can’t do it
anywhere near justice. The hike to the top takes you past level after level of crystal clear
ponds that look like they were made as a themed attraction. This tropical paradise is just
waiting for you to dive in, so don’t forget your swimwear.
DAY 5 - OFF-ROAD EXPERIENCE AT PILOK
Day 5, the ride that lies ahead will test your riding skills with countless twists and turns
as you ascend to the top of a mountainous wilderness.
Our destination is Pilok,, a subdistrict of Thong Pha Phum DIstrict hidden away in mountain
tops right on the Myanmar border. Known in 1949 once famous for its mining of tin and
tungsten in the 1940s it has now become a beloved destination for biking enthusiasts all
over the world. The 1985 tin market crash destroyed the mines and closed them forever.
What’s left is only pristine nature.
Covering an area of 725 square kilometers this magical landscape is dominated by 95%
rainforest and jungle. During our epic ride, we’ll discover breathtaking mountain top views
around every bend until the road ends and dirt track becomes our guild. Now your bike takes
on a whole new purpose as the suspension and brakes show what they are made of. The terrain
is a challenge with steep sections covered with rocks and loose dirt. Don’t worry our guilds
will get you through the challenge safely and provide assistance where necessary. Once this
section has been accomplished and we reach the top the entire Thong Pha Phum National Park
will reveal itself. A jungle wilderness that time forgot.
The locals of this truly Thai district will be our hosts for the night as we make our way
down the mountain to a sleepy village nestled between rainforest mountains and mystical
lakes. A comfortable homestay with very friendly owners greet us as their own family and
welcome guests for the night. If you’ve never really been to Thailand, and by that, I mean
outside of the capital, Pattaya, islands, and usual tourist destinations, you are in for a
treat. Real Thais going about their day as they have generation after generation will melt
your heart as you realize true Thai hospitality.
Rest and take it all in with a dash of local alcohol as the day draws to a close, let the
sound of the jungle fill your ears and the splendor of star ladened moon-lit night sky fill
your eyes.
DAY 6 - SANGKHLABURI, THE LAND THAT TIME FORGOT
The morning sun cuts the darkness and gives way for a spectacular sunrise, so if you’re up
grab your cameras.
Our day 6 tour to Sangkhlaburi takes us deeper into the past as we travel through the
mountains to a place where life more resembles 19 century Thailand, Rarely seen by
westerners traditional Thai / Myanmar locals are often seen going about their day balancing
large water pots on their heads like a scene from Disney’s Jungle Book as they supply their
families with clean drinking water for the day. The valleys here were purposely flooded by
the Thai Government to rejuvenate wildlife affected by dams. This process gave birth to
spectacular lakes. On our journey to our destination, you will see glimpses of these visual
spectacles around each corner of these thick jungle mountains. You are now on the virtual
border with Myanmar. The largest water mass is Khao Laem Reservoir. This reservoir is a
stepping stone for snaking rivers leading straight into Myanmar. Imagine a scene from the
deer hunter there and you’ll get the picture. Clay-colored winding rivers with bamboo rafts
and eerie-shaped tree stumps sticking out of the water. The reservoir is often covered in
mist giving food for your imagination.
Thailand’s largest wooden bridge precariously balances above the water trying hard not to
collapse. There are also two very interesting Temples. Sunrise and sunset offer incredible
photo opportunities of this one-of-a-kind sight.
We will access the temples with a rented boat on the far side of the floodplain, again you
will want your camera handy, the feel of this sunken temple with go right through you. You
can actually feel the eeriness. Keep your passports handy too, just in case!! Just kidding!
Finally, we visit an ancient golden temple with Myanmar roots guarded by lions rounding off
a very unusual but unforgettable experience.
Riverside accommodation finishes the day with more friends to meet and new stories to tell.
DAY 7 - SUPHANBURI AND PHU TOEI NATIONAL PARK
Honing your riding skills is the name of the game on this 300km ride to Suphanburi. We will
set off early after a good breakfast fill. This leg of the tour takes us through the Phu
Toei National Park with its tallest mountain, the Tewada Summit.
Suphanburi has a distinctive Chinese feel and is centered around the Tha Chin River. Chinese
settlers came to the province centuries ago and molded the small charming town into a
market-oriented way of life. The most famous of these markets is the Sam Chuk Market, this
market has existed for 100s of years and still has the same feel to this day revealing the
strong urge for culture in the area. We’ll spend some time here to get a real feel for the
traditions of the people and market. There are plenty of dishes and delicacies on offer,
most of which will be unheard of.
Some of the must-try foods include Hor Mok, this ancient dish comprises a unique fish native
to the local rivers and a mix strongly resembling meatloaf. Super fresh and exquisite
tasting is the locally made coconut ice cream, now that’s one that will go down a treat
after the heat of the day’s ride. If souvenirs are your thing this would be a good place to
pick up something very unusual. Next up is Baan Kwai which translates to the village of
Buffalo. This substantial site is home to village farmers who keep the water buffalo and
tend to the rice paddy fields. We’ll be getting familiar with the locals, including the
buffalos to see how they live and maybe trying a little rice thrashing. You will be amazed
by the simplistic housing set on stilts and the traditional way of life. Regular buffalo
shows run through the day for a very funny spectacle. Sleep off the ride in comfortable
accommodation and it’s off to our final destination in the morning. Thailand’s former
capital, Ayuthaya
DAY 8 - THE HISTORICAL SITE OF AYUTTHAYA
Formally the capital of Thailand Ayutthaya stands as a historical site with centuries of
history. Dating back to the 14th century this heavily populous city grew to a colossus 1
million inhabitants. This all changed in the 18th century when the Burmese army invaded the
capital and raised it to the ground. All that stood were the stone temples and monasteries.
Our ride on Day 8 of the tour takes us on a pleasant route of just 75km. We will be visiting
two sights, both of huge importance to the history of the city. Lunch will be served at the
second of these ancient ruins. The afternoon is a time of freedom for you to walk around and
witness the splendor of what were - and still are - Thailand most treasured temples. To add
to the fun Ayutthaya is home to thousands of friendly little primates that make their home
in the ruined temples. Their antics are a sight to see and make for fantastic photos.
This just leaves the evening where you can explore the numerous bars, markets, and
restaurants for a taste of Authaya’s vibrant nightlife before your final night’s
accommodation.
DAY 9 - HOMEWARD BOUND BUT NOT OVER
This epic tour finally comes to an end with the return trip to Pattaya. The ride is quite
substantial and takes us past the modern-day metropolis that is Bangkok. The fast-flowing
highways give you the opportunity to really open the throttle and see just what these bikes’
top end is all about. It’s not all over once back thou. We finish the final day by way of
Silver lake, a very lush and aesthetically perfect countryside attraction. This area south
of Pattaya is known for its vineyards, buddha mountain, and waterpark. The roads getting
there are high quality with fast corners too. Last chance to impress the group!!!!
After a final feast to our base camp and a lot of reminiscing, you’ll be chauffeur-driven
back to your hotel and if required transferred to the airport the following day.
Memories of a tour of a lifetime with incredible memories, wild times, and new friendships is
our mission. And we always make sure that becomes a reality.
Tour Details
Price:
79,000 THB / Rider
Pillion Riders are at 25% of cost of the tour based on shared accommodation
Please Note: Our Prices are based on a minimum of 4 Riders per tour. You are welcome to book alone or with fewer people however, prices will adjust unless you are happy to be flexible with tour dates so we can put you with other riders of a similar skill level.
Included:
- Touring By Motorcycle Thailand Includes:
- Airport collection and departure
- Safety Rules & Presentation
- Bike Hire
- Helmets
- Fuel during entire trip
- Accommodation for entire trip
- Breakfast for entire trip
- Lunch for entire trip
- Drinks the entire trip (excluding alcohol)
- Boat Rides x 2
- Entrance Fees to numerous national parks and historical sites.
- 2 Tour Guides
- Third party liability insurance
Rider Level:
Intermediate to experienced riders (2 years minimum riding
experience).
You will need:
- Passport
- Riding License
- International Riders Permit
- Insurance from your home country.
We will need 2 weeks advance notice to book this tour.