Why choose this Bangkok tour ?
The Bridge on the River Kwai and Thailand-Burma Railway Tour offers a fascinating journey into the history and landscapes of Thailand during World War II. This guided tour takes you to the iconic bridge, which became a symbol of the hardships faced by soldiers and prisoners of war during the construction of the infamous railway.
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive to Kanchanaburi, where you’ll learn about the historical significance of the bridge and the railway, often referred to as the “Death Railway.” As you stand on the bridge, you can appreciate the stunning views of the river and surrounding countryside, all while reflecting on the poignant history.
The tour includes a ride on a section of the Thailand-Burma Railway, providing a unique opportunity to experience the same tracks that were built under harrowing conditions. You’ll also visit the War Museum and the Allied War Cemetery, which honor the memories of those who suffered during this tumultuous period.
Make the most of your Bangkok adventure
What makes Bridge on the River Kwai and Thailand-Burma Railway Tour a unique experience ?
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.
The Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway, the Siam–Burma Railway, the Thai–Burma Railway and similar names, was a 415-kilometre railway between Ban Pong, Thailand, and Thanbyuzayat, Burma, built by the Empire of Japan in 1943 to support its forces in the Burma campaign of World War II. The train is approx 75 minutes long
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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).
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
- Private Tour
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Private Tour: This is a private tour option
Pickup included - Shared Tour
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Duration: 10 hours
Lunch: Thai Set Lunch
Joined Tour: This is a joined tour with fellow customers
Pickup included
Bridge on the River Kwai and Thailand-Burma Railway Tour Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- Long-tailed speedboat ride
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Train ride along the Death Railway (exclude 300 Baht Seat Fee)
- Hotel pick up and drop-off (centrally located Bangkok hotels only)
- All Entrance Fees to Museums
- Professional Thai local guide
Not Included
- Beverages
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Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by I Asia Thailand.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Bangkok.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- This Tour is Rated 4.5 Stars based on 213 valid reviews on VIATOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.
I Asia Thailand will contact you immediately after your booking to reconfirm your booking. Please ensure that you have entered the correct contact details upon booking.
If you have not been contacted by I Asia Thailand, please call us at +66 96 821 3089 (hours of operation are from 08.00am to 18.00pm Monday to Friday and 09.00am to 17.00pm Saturday and Sunday) or email to thailand@iasiathailand.com
If you will not be arriving at your destination with sufficient time to ensure reconfirmation, please contact the local service provider prior to travel.
Upon pickup, please present your confirmation/voucher or photo ID in exchange for your activity.
