Bridge on the River Kwai: Historic Railway Tour
4.3
653 Ratings
Kanchanaburi
Experience the history and tragedy of the Bridge on the River Kwai and the Thailand-Burma Railway on a full-day guided tour from Bangkok. Visit the war museum, ride a local train, and pay tribute to the POWs and forced laborers who lost their lives in World War II.
Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kanchanaburi War Cemetery - The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery serves as the primary burial ground for those who perished as prisoners of war under Japanese captivity during the construction of the Burma Railway in World War II.

  • JEATH War Museum - Explore the JEATH War Museum to immerse yourself in the historical narrative of the Death Railway’s construction, carried out by war prisoners in the Second World War.

  • River Kwai - Embark on a journey in a long-tail boat, gliding beneath the River Kwai Bridge.

  • Bridge Over the River Kwai - This full-day excursion to Kanchanaburi, situated 80 miles (130 kilometers) west of Bangkok, is a blend of historical intrigue and nostalgia. The region is known for its agricultural prowess, with vast fields of sugar cane, rice, and pineapple plantations enhancing the beauty of Thailand’s countryside. The bridge is a significant historical site for many, including military historians and railway aficionados. It stands as a solemn tribute to the multitude of POWs and forced laborers who perished during World War II. Constructed in 1943, the bridge was a segment of a vast Japanese project during the war to connect Thai and Burmese railway lines, creating a direct path from Bangkok, Thailand to Rangoon, Burma (now Myanmar), to aid the Japanese military campaign in Burma. The construction claimed the lives of thousands. The tour includes a poignant visit to an Allied War Cemetery and the JEATH war museum, which exhibits artifacts and artworks from that era.

A thrilling ride on a long-tailed speedboat will take you to the iconic bridge, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore at your leisure. The tour also features a ride on a local train before you make your way back to Bangkok.

  • Burma-Thai Railway - Board a train and experience the lush jungle scenery as you travel along the historic Death Railway.
What's Included
  • Long-tail boat ride
  • Hotel pickup and drop off (selected hotels only)
  • Local guide
  • Lunch
  • Admission Fees
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Train ride along Death Railway
What's Not Included
  • Beverages
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

The renowned Bridge on the River Kwai and the starting point of the Death Railway in Kanchanaburi serves as a somber testament to the countless Prisoners of War and conscripted workers who perished during World War II. This comprehensive day-long tour departing from Bangkok also encompasses a visit to the war museum and a chance to experience a ride on a local train.

  • Boat ride is not wheelchair accessible
  • Restroom facilities available
  • You must provide your hotel details at time of booking, failure to do so may result in cancellation
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the unlikely event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
  • Optional extras on train - approx. 200baht for upgrade on train which will guarantee seat (otherwise ‘first-in-best-dressed’) plus cold towel, drinking water OR approx. 300baht for upgrade on train which will guarantee seat (otherwise ‘first-in-best-dressed’) plus tea/coffee, drinking water, cold towel and certificate.
Location
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
284/66 Sangchuto Rd,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(653 Ratings)
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Frances
Feb 17, 2024
Outstanding - Ms Luck and Mr Lam the driver, gave us an awesome experience. Nothing was too much trouble in this personal trip. Luck’s knowledge was superb and Mr Lams driving was excellent. Thank you for our memorable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Quazi_a
May 9, 2023
Amazing trip with delicious lunch in a beautiful restaurant - It was a very good experience. Everything was well organized. The restaurant where we had lunch was amazing. The boat and train journey was good. Overall very good and I highly recommend it.
Review provided by Viator
Kct33
Sep 19, 2022
Incredible - An amazing experience and one not to be missed if you get the chance……looking out over the rice fields is amazing and the sheer drop when you cross the gorges is memorable😲😂
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ruthmz3382lr
Jun 18, 2020
Bridge on the River Kwai & The Thailand-Burma Railway Tour - Long day but well worth it & would highly recommend it to anyone. Nobody else turned up for pickup on the morning of the tour so I had my excellent minibus driver and guide Mr Suki undivided attention all day and was treated like Royalty I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to guide me through the day he was the BEST very informative with all the historical events relating to the war cemetery, the bridge, the river and the railway and so much more. The speedboat trip up the river was great and then to see the bridge come into view was amazing. Worth paying the extra 200 baht to upgrade on the Death Railway and I was fortunate enough to have a seat on the left side of the carriage which apparently is the best side of the train (arranged by the wonderful Mr Suki) to take in the wonderful/beautiful views of the jungle/countryside for those photo opportunities. The trip ended with lunch at a restaurant near the railway stop to enjoy some local cuisine which was perfect. A very very enjoyable day out and would highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kyliewolfig
Mar 16, 2020
Great day out for Aussie war history buffs - It was a long drive to get there from Bangkok but well worth it... we then stopped at the cemetery and museum followed by long boat ride to the Bridge. We then paid the upgrade of 300 baht to be in first class on the train which gave us drinks and snacks. Lunch was incredible... then long drive back to Bangkok which have us time to sleep! Great day out!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sydneyglobalshopper
Apr 13, 2020
Good but could be better - Guide was lovely but felt she was going through the motions. It was interesting to get out of the City but Oh, the Bangkok traffic in and out - what a nightmare. It is a long day but was worth it from our perspective. We watched TV documentary and the guide shared a little information but it could have been a lot more interactive. The boat trip was highly organised - quickly on and then very speedy disembarkment. No time to enjoy a trip down the river as the train was a coming!! Lunch was fine at a local restaurant - nothing special. Was just a long travel day in a bus in and out of Bangkok. Frequent toilet stops and opportunities to buy a refreshing drink/water. Worth the effort nonetheless.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vic_c
Mar 15, 2020
Bridge over the river kwai - Well organised trip Knoledgeble guide Museum was a disappointment Value for money Filling some space
Review provided by Viator
Susan_d
Mar 24, 2024
Interesting - Not the best tour we have been on could have been a bit more forthcoming with information of where we were, Places we were passing etc.
Review provided by Viator
T_liol2014
Mar 17, 2020
Very good guide, but boring tour - The guide was very nice and excited, with lots of trivia and jokes. The tour, however, is very long and the van was not the most comfortable, with very stiff seats. It is a long drive to and from the destination, roughly 3h each. Almost none of the attractions are memorable, the train tour is repetitive with a just couple highlights (one of the last turns on a steep hill), we slept most of the way. The boat ride is cool, but you can do this elsewhere in Thailand. Lunch was good.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Grace_h
Sep 11, 2022
The worst waste of time of my life - If you are into history, you are definitely going to enjoy the part of visiting the WWII cemetery and certainly the museum, after that, is fun to cross the bridge in a speed boat to see the bridge and hear the story of how did they built it, which is very sad, but do not even think of get on that train to be able to get to the waterfalls because you will lose the time of your life. Is a veeeery long way, nothing interesting to see just to get you to a place to have lunch and enjoy the waterfalls just for half an hour. If you opt for a tour, try to make it your way otherwise you will forget that you enjoyed the beginning of the tour and it will become a torture.
Review provided by Viator
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