Private Tour: Thai–Burma Death Railway Bridge on the River Kwai Tour from Bangkok
Moving and memorable sums up your private Bridge on the River Kwai tour from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, 80 miles (130 km) west of the city. The Thai province is an agricultural area, with sugar-cane fields, rice paddies and pineapple plantations all forming significant portions of the rural landscape.
The famous bridge, which marks the beginning of the Death Railway, is a poignant reminder of the thousands of POWs and forced laborers who lost their lives while building the railway during World War Two. The construction of the bridge in 1943 was one part of a huge Japanese wartime project to link existing Thai and Burmese railway lines to create a direct route from Bangkok to Rangoon, Burma (aka Myanmar), in an effort to support the Japanese occupation of Burma. Thousands of POWs and laborers died in the process.
During your tour with a private guide, visit one of the Allied War Grave cemeteries before visiting the JEATH war museum, which houses pictures and paintings from this period. A long-tailed speedboat ride will then take you up the river to the bridge itself, where you have ample time to explore at your leisure. A ride on a local train is also included before returning to Bangkok.
- Transport by private vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels only)
- Local guide
- Lunch
- Local train ride
- Long-tail speedboat ride
- Admission fees
- Gratuities (optional)
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Boat ride is not wheelchair accessible
- Restroom facilities available
- Adult pricing applies to all travelers
- You must provide your hotel details at time of booking; failure to do so may result in cancellation
The Tour guide very pleasant person besides guided me he was a good personality he was entertaining us with his wonderful voice
This is well worth the car time to get there (about 2.5-3hours each way). You have nice, however not too long, river ride to the bridge, then the train ride. Guide was helpful in explaining the history.
Guide was good, driver was good. However to drive from Bangkok, see all the stuff included made the trip feel a bit rushed.
Guide and driver excellent! Guide very knowledgeable and we learnt a lot on trip there and back from Bangkok to River Quai. Buffet lunch more than adequate. Fabulous day out!
It was an interesting historical tour. The tour guide was quite experienced in doing a good introduction of the tour. Takes good care of us throughout the trip. A big thank you to her!
This was a brilliant trip. Collected from our hotel by private minibus our party of 4 enjoyed the undivided attention of our tour guide Peter. It was very moving to see the cemetery where so many of those who died working on the death railway are laid to rest. Then on to the museum, the long tail boat ride to the bridge and then the journey on the train....what an experience. We really endorse the views expressed by others that it is well worthwhile paying the little extra to guarantee seats on the train. All in all this was a great trip and one which well all remember. Highly recommended