Ancient cities and a majestic environment? Check. Trekking, rafting and kayaking through rugged jungle? Check. Sound like this could be for you? CHECK!

the expedition

Spend six full days trekking, rafting and elephant riding through the forests and mountains of the Thung Yai Nareusan Wildlife Sanctury, home to rare animals such as tigers and leopards. You will visit ancient cities, stay in hill tribe villages and explore the rugged Thai jungle - it's an experience not to be missed!

Complete the booking form now to take on the challenge for BEN.

day one and two

You'll meet your fellow trekkers at the airport, along with our Charity Challenge representative, ready to jump on a plane to Bangkok. When you arrive at your hotel the next day you can either relax by the pool after the long flight, or explore the bustling markets, temples and nearby Khao San Road.

day three

You will head westwards to the remote settlement of Sangklaburi, situated on the edge of the huge Khao Laem Dam, close to Burma's border. Your drive will take you through the historic Kanchanaburi Province and up the valley of the River Kwai. Along the way you'll stop at some key historic sites such as the infamous bridge over the River Kwai and one of the area's many Allied POW cemeteries. You will also visit the spectacular Khao Laem Dam with its fascinating floating villages and stay overnight in a traditional wooden chalet.

day four, five and six

This is the start of three days in the jungle. You will begin the journey at Thung Yai Nareusan Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a variety of exotic jungle insects, reptiles, plants and flowers. You will trek for 6-8 hours, crossing through a 100m long cave and experience fantastic mountain views, until you reach the tribal village where you will be guests of the Karen people. The next day involves wading through the Songkaria River and visiting a very poor and remote Karen village called Jokipu. From there you will take either a jungle or mountain route (depending on the water level of the river) to Mae Tew, another small Karen village. Along the way you will encounter paddy fields, bamboo forests, farmlands and maybe even rubber plantations. Day six will see you rafting downstream to the Mon settlement of Songkaria Village. From here you will return by road to the Burmese Inn, stopping off at the historic Three Pagoda's Pass along the way.

Book now to enjoy the Thai jungle experience.

day seven

After the time spent in the jungle, this is a chance to relax and explore the Sangklaburi area before taking on the second part of the challenge. You will enjoy a boat trip, local handicraft markets, the Mon temple Wat Wang Wiwekaram and a visit to the small town of Thong Pa Pum.

day eight

Day eight marks the start of the River Kwai section of your adventure. You will visit Hellfire Pass, one of the notorious sections of the Death Railway (so named because of the sheer numbers of deaths amongst workers during its construction) where over 1,000 British and Australian POWs worked 16 hour shifts to hack a series of deep cuttings through solid rock. After a visit to the highly moving Remembrance Museum, you will switch to kayaks for a journey down the River Kwai.

day nine and ten

You will continue kayaking through picturesque scenery and will also have the opportunity for a short elephant ride. Later in the day you will transfer back to Bangkok. On the final day you can enjoy some of the city's sites including the Royal Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Po, home to the largest reclining Buddha in Thailand. After a farewell lunch you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.

departure dates and costs

We have a range of dates available in July, November and December 2012, and are also taking bookings for 2013.

Prices depend on when you travel, but here is an example:

	deposit	balance	minimum sponsorship	travel insurance
self-funder	£475	£1,483		£77*
minimum sponsporship	£475		£3,075	£77*
flexi	£475	£475	£2,015	£77*

*If you choose to purchase our comprehensive policy

View more information about dates and costs (PDF).

optional Angkor Wat extension

Extend your Asian experience and fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Here you can explore the ancient city of Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built during 879-1191AD by the Khmer Civilisation, Angkor represents one of humankind's most astonishing architectural achievements.

optional Koh Chang/Koh Samui extension

At the end of your jungle expedition why not reward yourself with a well deserved rest on the beautiful island of Koh Chang or Koh Samui?

View the full itinerary for more information.

Book now and take on the challenge for BEN!