2026 Weekend Itinerary
From the moment you arrive in Kanchanaburi, every detail has been designed so you can focus on enjoying the experience. Whether you're racing, supporting a paddler, or simply soaking up the incredible scenery, you'll be part of an unforgettable weekend of adventure, community and celebration. This itinerary gives you an overview of what to expect each day, helping you make the most of your time in one of Thailand's most beautiful regions. While timings may be refined closer to the event, the spirit of the weekend remains the same, epic paddling, breath taking landscapes, new friendships, and memories that will last long after you leave the River Kwai behind.
Flying into Thailand, the closest airport is Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) with a transfer taking approx. 1.5/2hr to Kanchanaburi by train/bus/taxis.
Friday 11th December 2026
Arrival & Welcome in Kanchanaburi
Paddlers
Arrive in Kanchanaburi
Check in at the Royal River Kwai Resort (or nearby accommodation)
Event registration
Time to unwind after travel, swim, stretch, relax by the river
Welcome Dinner at the Royal River Kwai Resort
Guests
Arrive in Kanchanaburi
Check in at the Royal River Kwai Resort or nearby accommodation
Time to unwind after travel, swim, stretch, relax by the river
Welcome Dinner at the Royal River Kwai Resort
Saturday 12th December 2026
12km Technical event at Lake View
The weekend racing begins at Lake View, Kanchanaburi, a vast dammed lake surrounded by jungle and mountains. This 12km paddle unfolds across calm, expansive water, with forested slopes rising straight from the shoreline and the sounds of birds echoing around the lake. For paddlers, it’s a test of rhythm, focus, and connection with the environment. For guests, it’s a front-row seat to one of the most striking landscapes of the weekend. Lunch is included at Lake View, allowing paddlers and their guests to relax together, refuel, and take in the scale of the setting before returning to the hotel.
Paddlers
Breakfast at your hotel
Relaxed morning and final preparations
Transport to Lake View: Paddlers staying at the Royal River Kwai Resort will be collected from the hotel car park; paddlers staying nearby should make their way to the Royal River Kwai Resort for transport
Coach transfer to Lake View
12km lake paddle surrounded by jungle and mountains
Lunch included at Lake View
Coach transfer back to the Royal River Kwai Resort
Guests
Breakfast at your hotel
Enjoy a relaxed morning at the hotel
Transport to Lake View: Guests staying at the Royal River Kwai Resort will be collected from the hotel car park; guests staying nearby can make their way to the Royal River Kwai Resort for transport
Coach transfer to Lake View
Watch paddlers complete the 12km lake paddle, soak up the atmosphere and jungle views
Lunch included at Lake View
Coach transfer back to the Royal River Kwai Resort
Saturday Evening (Paddlers & Guests)
Dinner at the Royal River Kwai Resort for those staying there
Guests staying elsewhere are welcome to join us, just let us know in advance and we can book you in
Sunday 13th December 2026
38km River Kwai Downriver pAddle
Today is all about flow and momentum. The 38km downriver paddle follows the River Kwai through sweeping bends, jungle-lined banks, and long, flowing sections. It offers constantly changing scene, jungle, mountains, and big views, creating a true sense of adventure at every turn. The course passes through Elephant Corner, where the river sweeps around a broad jungle bend. It’s a place that feels unmistakably wild, quiet, watchful, and full of possibility. The race finishes in unforgettable style, paddling beneath the iconic Bridge over the River Kwai, marking the end of an exhilarating passage through one of Thailand’s most historic rivers.
Paddlers
Breakfast at your hotel
Coach transfer from the Royal River Kwai Resort to the river start
38km downriver paddle through sweeping jungle bends
Pass through Elephant Corner
Finish beneath the iconic Bridge over the River Kwai
Photo op at the finish line
Coach transfer back to the Royal River Kwai Resort
Recovery time, relax by the pool, swim or book a massage
Guests
Breakfast at your hotel
Coach transfer to start to cheer off your paddlers and then down to the finish line
Experience the river adventure from the banks
Welcome paddlers home beneath the Bridge over the River Kwai
Photo op at the finish line
Coach transfer back to the Royal River Kwai Resort
Relax by the pool, swim or book a massage
Sunday Evening (Paddlers & Guests)
Join the legendary after-party, awards and evening celebrations
Monday 14th December 2026
Departure Paddlers & Guests
Breakfast
Check out
Continue your Thailand adventure or travel home
The Royal River Kwai resort
Our event hub & the heart of the weekend
It’s where paddlers recover, guests relax, and everyone comes together after the events. You can relax, swim, get a massage, and get ready for the evening meal and after-party, creating a shared celebration for paddlers, friends, partners, and supporters alike. We have blocked booked the hotel for the event, so you can join us and stay. If the hotel fills up we have a partner hotel nearby.
