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Bridge on River Kwai: WWII History Tour
4.5
294 Ratings
Kanchanaburi
Experience the history and culture of Kanchanaburi on a guided tour of the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. Visit war museums, a POW cemetery, and take a thrilling speedboat ride. Join fellow customers or go private for a personalized experience.
Experience the history and culture of Kanchanaburi on a guided tour of the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. Visit war museums, a POW cemetery, and take a thrilling speedboat ride. Join fellow customers or go private for a personalized experience.
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- 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.
- 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.
What's Included
- Hotel pick up and drop-off (centrally located Bangkok hotels only)
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional Thai local guide
- Long-tailed speedboat ride
- Train ride along the Death Railway (exclude 300 Baht Seat Fee)
- All Entrance Fees
- Lunch
- Hotel pick up and drop-off (centrally located Bangkok hotels only)
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional Thai local guide
- Long-tailed speedboat ride
- Train ride along the Death Railway (exclude 300 Baht Seat Fee)
- All Entrance Fees
- Lunch
What's Not Included
- Any personal expenses
- Mandatory Fee for Seat on the train
- Any personal expenses
- Mandatory Fee for Seat on the train
Additional Information
The Bridge on the River Kwai and Thailand-Burma Railway Tour provides an intriguing exploration of Thailand’s history and scenery during World War II. This guided tour leads visitors to the renowned bridge, a symbol of the challenges endured by soldiers and prisoners of war during the railway’s construction.
The journey begins with a hotel pickup from…
The Bridge on the River Kwai and Thailand-Burma Railway Tour provides an intriguing exploration of Thailand’s history and scenery during World War II. This guided tour leads visitors to the renowned bridge, a symbol of the challenges endured by soldiers and prisoners of war during the railway’s construction.
The journey begins with a hotel pickup from Bangkok, followed by a picturesque drive to Kanchanaburi. Here, participants will learn about the bridge and railway’s historical importance, often called the “Death Railway.” Standing on the bridge, one can admire the breathtaking views of the river and surrounding landscape while contemplating the profound history.
The tour features a ride on the Thailand-Burma Railway, offering a rare chance to travel the same tracks built under difficult conditions. Additionally, visitors will explore the War Museum and the Allied War Cemetery, which pay tribute to those who suffered during this era.
- 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).
Location
River Kwai
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(294 Ratings)
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Kiepke11
Jul 31, 2025
We recommend this trip! - We had a terrific tour yesterday, thanks to Rach an his driver Moontree (I hope I spelled his name right). Everything was perfect and the tour was very impressive. If we had a question for Rach, he always had an answer for us. He knows a lot. And he makes a lot of pictures which he send to us during the trip. We had our own photographer with us👍🏼📸😉
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Antoniojeko17
Jul 28, 2025
THE BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER KWAI – A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY - Visiting the Kwai River Bridge is a touching, intense and deeply educational experience. Located in Kanchanaburi Province, this bridge is part of the infamous "Death Railway", built during World War II by Allied prisoners of war under the supervision of Japanese forces. His story is infamous for the inhumane conditions in which thousands of prisoners were forced to work, and many of them lost their lives.
The bridge has been restored, but maintains a solemn atmosphere. Walking on its iron sleepers, feeling the Kwai River flowing below, conveys a sense of respect and reflection.
📌 DA not to be missed:
The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, interactive and informative museum.
Kanchanaburi's allied War Cemetery, well maintained and moving.
The passage by train along an original stretch of the railway, with spectacular views of the jungle and the river.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nigel_t
Jul 23, 2025
Brilliant day with lots of reflection - Just a stunning day out. The scenery, the story the sadness all combine to make a truly memorable day. Our guide was both informative and helpful with a tinge of humour injected at the right moments. Brilliant day with a meal in a stunning setting overlooking the river.
Review provided by Viator
85kerryc
Jul 16, 2025
Great your guide! Very enjoyable day - We had the pleasure of meeting Rach, our tour guide for The bridge over the river Kwai and death railway he was well versed in the history of all aspects of our tour and very approachable and went out of his way to make us feel comfortable
Our driver was an exceptional and made us feel safe!! He had a clean and comfortable van and had the aircon ready for us . This tour was definitely a highlight of our Thailand holiday
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mfryernz
Jul 10, 2025
Exploring family history with a guided experience that didn’t disappoint. - Family history drew us to book this trip and we were not disappointed. Our guide Rach, was very knowledgeable and provided all the history on the way there. To visit the museum first helped set the scene. Approaching the bridge by boat was really cool and being able to walk on it was amazing. The train ride, walk and cemetery capped off an amazing day and a sobering family experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Colin_s
Jun 30, 2025
An enriching experience!! - This tour was very well organised and the guide Rach was excellent. He had an excellent knowledge of the history of the Death railway and explained in clear English. He was very helpful and looked after us very well. The bus driver did an excellent job despite the heavy traffic on return. We learnt so much about the history of this tragic event from this tour
Review provided by Viator
Debbieathome62
Jun 23, 2025
Bridge on the River Kwai - What an amazing experience-We would definitely recommend this tour. Our guide Rach was very knowledgeable and went out of his way to make sure our day went to plan. I can not speak highly enough about this tour and guide. The whole experience was very humbling and we learnt so much more about the Aussie involvement in the building of this railway line. Thank you Rach for a very educational, emotional and enjoyable day. Just make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes as some of the grounds are uneven and cobblestones.
Review provided by Viator
Asheya
Jun 13, 2025
Day tour bridge over the river kwai - We were picked up early in the morning and then made a fantastic trip to the bridge over the river kwai the guide named Rach gave a very good and clear explanation on the way there about where we were going and what we were going to see. The trip would take 3 hours to get there Rach offered us to first have breakfast after an hour driving top we would say. On the way both in Bangkok to the bridge there was a lot of showing and explaining we learned a lot from Rach how the prisoners had to live and especially have to suffer and work under embarking conditions really how can you treat people like that.
After the visit of cemetery of the fallen we went to the JEATH museum to get an up and top tour through Rach and again a very good explanation.
After the visit we sailed via the longtail boat to the famous bridge over the river Kwai the same route that the prisoner travelled but rowing to arrive there 45 minutes later and we took 15 minutes.
We had to walk a bit to catch the train for a beautiful train ride over the bridge to reach our destination after an hour to have a lunch buffet.
The lunch buffet was very extensive and delicious dishes.
After lunch we went back to take an even more extensive walk over the bridge and were still able to capture beautiful moments with the camera.
Also Rach has taken pictures with his own device for us and others of the group and shared with us via WhatsApp we have 1 word for that great.
After the photo and walk we went back to Bangkok which would take 3 hours and ground a stop on the way for a leg stretch and coffee break.
It's a shame you can only give 5 stars to Rach and the driver because they deserve more than 5 stars anyway.
Rach and driver (we have unfortunately forgotten his name 🥲🥲) we want to thank you very much for a very unforgettable day that we had the pleasure to experience and we wish you a lot of health and happiness.
For the people who are hesitating to make this trip, you really don't have to doubt about Rach and his driver these 2 people are worth 11 stars just like the trip.
Thank you Rach and driver
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daniel_a
Jun 12, 2025
River Kwai tour - Well organized and run well. Mr Rach was a knowledgeable and positive tour guide who made the tour better overall.
Review provided by Viator
Annmaree_b
Jun 11, 2025
Historical tour - Tour very interesting and worth doing. However, the mini van transport was not fit for purpose as was extremely cramped which made for a very uncomfortable trip which entailed several hours of driving. Tour leader had some inappropriate jokes.
Review provided by Viator
