Bridge on the River Kwai and Thailand-Burma Railway Guided Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the historic Bridge on the River Kwai
- Experience a scenic ride on the Thailand-Burma Railway
- Learn about World War II history from expert guides
- Visit the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
- Enjoy picturesque views of the Kwai River
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Bangkok
- Guided tour of the Bridge on the River Kwai
- Ride on the Thailand-Burma Railway
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
The Khwae Yai River, also known as the Si Sawat, is a river in western Thailand. It has its source in the Tenasserim Hills and flows for about 380 kilometres through Sangkhla Buri, Si Sawat, and Mueang Districts of Kanchanaburi Province, where it merges with the Khwae Noi to form the Mae Klong River at Pak Phraek.
The bridge on the river Kwai, that many people know from the 1957 movie with the same name or from the book by Pierre Boulle is part of the infamous Death Railway, built during World War II from 1942 to 1943. The railway connected Kanchanaburi in Western Thailand with Rangoon in Myanmar, called Burma back then, and was about 415 kilometers long. On both ends construction began in June 1942 working towards each other. In October 1943 the two sides met, finishing the railway.
The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is the main prisoner of war cemetery for victims of Japanese imprisonment while building the Burma Railway. It is on the main road, Saeng Chuto Road, through the town of Kanchanaburi, Thailand, adjacent to an older Chinese cemetery.
This small museum, opened in 1977, mostly focuses on the terrible ordeals of the POWs who built the Death Railway. Their harsh living conditions are shown in many original photos, letters and drawings from that time as well as personal effects and war relics, including an unexploded Allied bomb dropped to destroy the bridge. One of the three galleries is built from bamboo in the style of the shelters (called attap) the POWs lived in.
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour involves walking and a train ride; ensure you're comfortable with these activities.
- Meals and beverages are not included; consider bringing snacks or purchasing food during the tour.
- The tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language for a full experience.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking and the train ride.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent to protect against sun and insects.
- Carry a camera to capture the scenic views and historical sites.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Good to know
- You must provide your hotel details at time of booking, failure to do so may result in cancellation
- Child rate is priced for children lower than 100cm tall. If Over 100cm, please pay the adult rates.
- Timings at each part of the tour may be changed at the discretion of the guide and the group
- 300baht is payable by all guests on the train which will include a guaranteed seat. This can be paid at the train station in cash to the guide.
- This tour can be taken shared with other passengers OR private with own vehicle and guide
- River Kwai is approx 130km from Bangkok with a stop on the way time permitting.
- Tour includes hotel pick up / drop off and is available from most central Bangkok hotels. This Option can be amended and/or cancelled. You will be able to arrange pick up from your hotel or a nearby location when you call to confirm your reservation. Hotel pick up may be 30-60 minutes prior to tour Start time/Departure time (depending on hotel location).
Traveler reviews
Great historical tour
Amazing experience. We were picked up and dropped off directly at our hotel which was very convenient especially for such an early departure. We got a breakfast stop after the early departure. The cemetery was moving and the museum was quaint but interesting. The motor boat ride and train ride were both spectacular. The included lunch was great.
Please up grade Air-conditioning 🙏
Pick up was on time, had phone call night before to confirm. Bus needs an upgrade! Seating is not suitable for tall people with longer legs and the air con was inefficient. Couldn't wait to get off to be honest, by the end of the day We were 15mins off a 12hr day! Bus speed slow, Max was about 75-95km on freeway. Guide and driver were very lovely people. Buffet lunch was nice over looking the River Kwai, in an open spaced restaurant. Thought we were going to a cave with a buddah but that didn't happen. Were told we would have "one foot in Thailand and 1 foot in Myanmar" (Burma) as in on the border, but weren't told where that was! (?) Would of been cool. Being at the war cemetery was kind of surreal for us, being Australians, and only 5 days away from 25th April ( ANZAC Day), could of stayed here a bit longer to be honest. (could of stayed at all the sites longer) It needs a more modern bus that travels quicker, (speed limit) then that would allow more time at the destination sites. 300tbh for the bus was worth it. There's alot of plantations along the train route. Very interesting too, I thought. Would I recommend this tour? Yes. Thank you.
It is a bumpy ride in a...
It is a bumpy ride in a small van. It's pretty far. The cemetery is very well maintained. The museum is small and run down, though informative. The small boat ride is nice. Enjoyed walking across the bridge. Took the train, it's 1h30 long, I recommend the 300 baht seating. It even comes with a snack and water. The end of the ride is the best with picture opportunities and a very nice lunch place overlooking the river. Our guide Oom was very informative.
What a great day out
This was an early start for the young kids (4&2) but wow they loved it. What a tour to go on. The wife who isn’t into military history loved it also. The guide was amazing as was the driver. 100% up to speed on the history. They were both great with the kids on the boat ride and the train journey. I would recommend this tour to anyone. The place where you stop for food is amazing also and cheap beer for the lads!
Must-see and seeing is believing and understanding
This is dark tour covering some of the abhorrent abuse of POWs forces into labour during WW2 in building the railway at the behest of the Japanese. You really get a feel for the harsh conditions and can totally understand why so many men died. It is breathtaking to see what was achieved and the scenery is truly beautiful. It just feels wrong to smile in your photos.