Bridge on the River Kwai and Thailand-Burma Railway Guided Tour

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Recommended by 91% of reviewers

Badge of Excellence | Bangkok, Thailand

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9 hours (approx.)

Hotel pickup offered

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Overview

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 railway.

Your adventure begins with a Hotel pick up from Bangkok and then taking 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 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 period.

What's Included

Lunch Buffet lunch
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

Beverages
Gratuities
Mandatory Fee for Seat on the train

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Pickup details

Complimentary hotel pick up and drop off included for centrally Bangkok located hotels.

What To Expect

River Kwai

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.

5 hours • Admission Ticket Free

River Khwae Bridge

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

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.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

JEATH War Museum

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.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Death Railway Museum and Research Centre

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

1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
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).
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Bridge on the River Kwai and Thailand-Burma Railway Guided Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+07). Read more Apr 2025