River Kwai and Kanchanaburi Tour

River Kwai and Kanchanaburi Tour Overview

This four-day adventure travels west from Bangkok, via the famous floating markets, to arrive at the notorious 'Bridge on the River Kwai' and experiencing a train ride on the 'Death Railway'. Explore the captivating history and beautiful nature of Kanchanaburi and Erawan National Park before visiting caves and golden temples.

River Kwai and Kanchanaburi Excursion

This four-day adventure travels west from Bangkok, via the famous floating markets, to arrive at the notorious 'Bridge on the River Kwai' and experiencing a train ride on the 'Death Railway'. Explore JEATH Museum which highlights the plight of the POWs and Asian labourers tortured by the Japanese. Take your time to reflect at the WWII cemetery. Explore the captivating history and beautiful nature of Kanchanaburi and Erawan National Park before visiting caves and golden temples.

Touring style: Professional English speaking guide and driver, private basis.

Best time to visit Kanchanaburi: year round but ideal conditions are from November to February when the temperatures are cool and dry.

Day 1: Bangkok - Samut Songkhram - River Kwai

Early this morning, drive south from Bangkok to the garden province of Samut Songkhram (80km) in the Mae Klong River delta area. *Visit a unique country market along the railway tracks where local people gather to buy and sell a variety of goods. Afterwards, continue to Tha Kha**, one of the area’s many floating markets where local people come to sell their produce from boats and floating stalls.

The day continues with a drive to Kanchanaburi. Visit the JEATH War Museum and stroll through the historical lanes in the Pak Preak community, lined with charming shop houses built during the reign of King Rama V. Overnight at The FloatHouse.

Distance and journey time:

Bangkok – Samut Songkhram (75.2 km): 1.04 hr

Samut Songkhram – Kanchanaburi (109 km): 1.30 hr

Kanchanaburi – The FloatHouse River Kwai (80.8 km): 1.34 hr

Day 2: River Kwai

After a hearty breakfast, take a one-hour drive (80km) to the north-west part of the city. Visit the Hellfire Pass Museum before embarking on a trek through the nearby canyon. The walk along the Memorial Walking Trail overlooks the hills of Myanmar. A free audio guide, narrated by former POWs, is provided to help you understand the conditions endured by those working on the line during World War II.

After lunch, take a short train ride along the infamous ‘death railway’ through Kwai Noi gorge. Overnight at The FloatHouse.

Distance and journey time:

The FloatHouse – Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum (143 km): 2.14 hr

Day 3: Erawan Waterfalls

After breakfast, depart for Erawan Waterfall - a beautiful seven-tiered waterfall. Located in Erawan National Park, the best time to visit is during the rainy season from May until September. Guests will be able to walk up to each tier of these picturesque falls, so it is best to bring good walking shoes. Also, guests should remember to bring their swimming suit so they can cool off in the falls’ natural pools. Then continue by car through the national park area to Phra That Cave - a large mountain cave filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight at The FloatHouse.

Distance and journey time:

The FloatHouse – Erawan National Park (72.1 km): 1.40 hr

Day 4: River Kwai to Bangkok

After breakfast, visit Wat Prasat Muang Singh, a Khmer temple complex dating back to the Angkorian period. Walk around the peaceful historical ruins and explore the history and culture of the area. Return to Bangkok via Nakhon Pathom, stopping to visit Phra Pathom Chedi, the world’s tallest Buddhist chedi.

Distance and journey time:

Kanchanaburi – Phra Pathom Chedi Nakhon Pathom (71.6 km): 59 min

Phra Pathom Chedi Nakhon Pathom – Bangkok City (61.3 km): 1.30 hr