🛣️ Possible Itinerary (6 Day Plan)

Day Route / Activities

Day 1 BSR Bike Shop → Kanchanaburi (3 hours / 150kms)

Day 2 Konchanaburi → Erawan National Park → Ferry Crossing → Huay Mae Khamin National Park (4-5 hours / 150 kms)

Day 3 Huay Mae Khamin National Park → Songkhla (3.5 hours / 130 kms)

Day 4 Songkhla → Thong Pha Phum (3 hours / 140 kms)

Day 5 Thong Pha Phum → Sai Yok National Park → Ratchaburi (5 hours / 280 kms)

Day 6 Ratchaburi → BSR Bike Shop (3 hours / 140 kms)

1. Konchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is known for its historical significance during World War II and its stunning natural beauty, making it popular destination all around. It is most famous for the Bridge over the River Kwai and the Death Railway, but also has numerous national parks, waterfalls, caves, and adventure activities. 

RECOMMENDED SITES:

• Bridge over the River Kwai – The most iconic landmark in Kanchanaburi. Originally part of the WWII-era “Death Railway”, the bridge is a historically significant site.

• JEATH War Museum – A small but powerful museum dedicated to the lives lost during construction of the Death Railway. It displays photos, artifacts, and re-created POW barracks, giving a human context to the history.

• Don Rak War Cemetery – Also known as the Allied War Cemetery. A sobering, serene site with thousands of graves of POWs who died building the railway.

• Sai Yok Noi Waterfall — A quieter, more laid-back National Park with waterfalls, caves and riverside scenery.

🌮 Local food / culture tip: In Kanchanaburi you’ll find foods typical to the region — fresh river fish, Thai-style grilled chicken (“gai yang”), and local markets near the Kwai River Bridge where you can sample authentic northern-style or river-inspired dishes.

Where to stay: There is many accommodation of every type available in Kanchanaburi, however the Floating Hotels on the River Kwai are the most iconic by far.

2. Erawan & Hue Mae Khamin Waterfalls

Why go: Both beautiful national parks each with impressive 7 tier waterfalls as well as hiking. The road between is build around the lake. The west side is an easy drive and enjoyable drive, the east side will take you through some twisty roads bordering the lake and ultimately use the ferry to cross back over to the west side.

Top highlights

• Erawan National Park / Erawan Waterfall – One of Thailand’s most famous waterfall sites, a seven tier waterfall, with emerald-green pools, jungle trekking, and swimming.

• Hua Mae Khamin Waterfall — A stunning 7-tiered waterfall set deep in jungle within the Khuean Srinagarindra National Park. Known for crystal-clear pools and tranquil forest paths. It’s ideal for hiking and immersing yourself in nature, away from the crowds.

• Lung Mu Raft — To cross the Sinakharin lake there is a single ferry that operates during daylight hours. There is no ticket booth, or real time schedule, as the ferry generally goes when enough people have boarded. Simply arrive at the waters edge and wait for the ferry to arrive or depart.

Things to know: There is a short section of dirt road between the Khuean Srinagarindra National Park and the ferry.

Where to stay: There is very minimal lodging on the eastern side of the lake. The western side of the lake does small hotels, bungalows, as well as the Khuean Srinagarindra National Park offers camping with limited gear available for rent.

3. Sangkhla Buri & Songkalia River

Why go: Located deep within the Khao Laem National Park, Sangkhla Buri is a relatively untouched city that few people venture to. With it’s proximity to Myanmar (You can easily go to the border) it is a location filled with Burmese influence, foods, and people.

Top Highlights

• Mon Bridge (Uttamanusorn Bridge / Sangkhla Buri Bridge) — The longest wooden foot-bridge in Thailand, spanning the Songkalia River. Walking across offers a serene view of water, stilt-houses, and mountains in the background. At sunrise or sunset the mist/riverside light is especially photogenic.

• Explore the Mon Village & Local Culture — On the other side of the bridge lies a traditional Mon village. You can observe local daily life, visit small local shops, and see architecture that blends Thai + Mon influences.

• Sangkhlaburi Walking Street — Especially in the late afternoon/evening, this market/street is lively with local food stalls, souvenirs, handicrafts, and a multicultural vibe (Thai, Mon, Karen, Burmese influences). Great for dinner, local snacks, or picking up crafts.

• Wat Wang Wiwekaram & the “Sunken Temple” / Underwater Temple Ruins — Depending on water levels / season, the temple’s chedi may be partly submerged or visible — a hauntingly beautiful site blending history & nature. Boat tours or dry-season visits show the old temple and stupa.

• Optional: Border-Area Visit – Three Pagodas Pass — Historically significant border crossing near Myanmar. Visiting offers insight into border history, frontier culture, and regional geopolitics.

🍲 Local Food & Local-Life Vibes

• This is a great place to try traditional Thai/Burmese influenced dishes. There are a lots of small food stalls or riverside eateries with authentic, affordable food.

Where to stay: Accommodations are limited, but available. The majority are clean and affordable, however luxurious they are not.

4. Thong Pha Phum

Why go: Great for outdoor-lovers & hikers. The National Park is situated on top of the mountain and provides incredible views and is famous for hiking excursions through the mountainous terrain.

Top Highlights:

• Khao Chang Phueak — A challenging but rewarding 8 km trail ascending to about 1,249 m, giving panoramic 360° views over forested ridges and valleys. Great for sunrise/sunset panorama and a rewarding mountaintop experience. (Takes 2 days, and requires advanced reservations)

• Waterfalls & Nature Walks — The park has several waterfalls & natural sites: Jok Ka Din Waterfall, Khao Yai Waterfall, Dip Yai waterfall, among others. Ideal for jungle trekking, swimming in natural pools (when water level permits), relaxing in nature.

• Scenic Viewpoints & Reservoir / Dam View — Vajiralongkorn Dam & Reservoir — Near Thong Pha Phum town, the dam and reservoir offer calm lakeside or riverside scenery, boat rides or just quiet observation of water + forest + mountains.

.🍲 Local Food & Local-Life Vibes

• There are small local eateries in Thong Pha Phum town offering Thai-style meals. Food within the national park is limited and would be best to prepare some before arriving

Where to stay: The National Park has several bungalows available for rent at affordable rates. Some are on the lower level closer to the entrance while others are up higher along the viewpoint ridge. Just note that food services are very limited and would be best to be purchased before just in case.

5. Ratchaburi

Why go: A relaxed town with a mix of history, culture and natural beauty which is perfect place to make the final stop before returning to Bangkok.

• Khao Ngu Stone Park — Combines limestone hills & caves with ancient Buddhist carvings and historic sites. Great for walking, photography, light hiking, nature & history mix.

• Khu Bua Ancient Town — A 6th-century archaeological site from the Dvaravati period. Explore ancient ruins, old stupas and get a sense of ancient Thai civilization before the modern era.

• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market — A famout floating market where local produce, handmade goods, and traditional craftwork is sold. Unlike other floating markets this one is open daily from early morning to mid-day.

.🍲 Food / Lodging: Ratchaburi offers many small-town markets to get local cuisine and basic accommodations as well as a few larger international style restaurants and resorts.

🧭 Tips & What to Know

• Avoid tolls: Use the map link shown above and set Avoid tolls in Google Maps.

• Park fees & opening hours: National parks collect entrance fees; check opening times & any access limits

• Gear: Bring rain jacket in wet season; sturdy shoes for hiking; insect repellent for jungle trails.