River Kwai
Thailand- River Kwai
River Kwai Bridge
River Kwai( Kanchanaburi)
Emotive history, tropical scenery & soft adventures
Heavy with history, Kanchanaburi is famed for its World War II museums, memorials and landmarks including the black iron Bridge over the River Kwai and so-called Death Railway, which Japanese soldiers forced Allied prisoners and Asian labourers to build. Partially destroyed by bombs in 1945, it was rebuilt and serves as a poignant reminder of WWII atrocities. The interactive Thailand-Burma Railway Centre gives a superb overview of the workers plight, whilst the immaculately kept Allied Force War Cemetery, provides a tranquil reflective sanctuary. You can also walk along the bridge itself, take a river cruise underneath, or even ride a train over it. The two hour journey along the notorious Thai-Burma Death Railway is truly spectacular, with tracks enclosed by lush forests, opening out onto a sheer cliff and running alongside the River Kwai. Around 50 miles from Kanchanaburi is Hellfire Pass, an infamous cutting which prisoners dug almost entirely by hand whilst enduring brutal conditions. The on-site Memorial Museum tells their harrowing story and a walking trail follows the original rail bed. History aside, Kanchanaburi boasts stunning natural landscapes, especially in Erawan National Park. With jungle trails, rivers, lakes and even a seventiered waterfall tumbling through the forest, this pristine playground is an activity hotspot, perfect for bamboo rafting, trekking, cycling and more.
• Erawan National Park
2
• Hellfire Pass & Museum
1
18 Thailand
KANCHANABURI
River Kwai
Death Railway
Bridge over the River Kwai
Tham Phu Wa Temple
JEATH War Museum Kanchanaburi
•• •
War Cemetery ••
War Museum
3 Wat Ban
• Tham
•
Wat Tham Mankhon Thong
1 River Kwai Resotel & Hintok River Camp
2 The Floathouse 3 The Xcape River Kwai
Getting there: The road transfer from Bangkok takes about 3 hours.
Best time to go: For sightseeing and activities the region is a year round destination. Visit during the rainy season( June-October) when water levels rise and you can swim in the river!
River Kwai
1nt escorted tour
DAY 1 Bangkok / River Kwai
Early drive to Kanchanaburi province( approx 2½ hours). Visit the Thailand- Burma Railway Centre Museum and moving war cemetery of the Allied prisoners of World War II who died building the railway. Continue to the world-famous Bridge over the River Kwai before lunch at a local restaurant. Travel onwards to the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre before descending a long set of stairs to the Hellfire Pass Memorial Trail which follows the original rail bed. Later, transfer to Phu Takien pier for a longtail boat ride on the River Kwai to your hotel.
1nt escorted tour from
£ 189pp
poignant WWII sites & memorials • scenery • great for history buffs
2nt escorted tour from
£ 275pp
The two night tour allows time to relax or trek into the forest. All River Kwai hotels on page 19 are available independently of the tour.
RV River Kwai Cruise
3nt River Cruise from
£ 1049pp
Alternatively, consider a 3 night River Kwai cruise aboard a colonial-style vessel with 10 cabins, an openplan upper deck with dining, bar and seating areas. The price shown includes accommodation in a deluxe cabin on the RV River Kwai, full board, sightseeing and transfers to / from Bangkok. Upstream and downstream itineraries available.
DAY 2 River Kwai / Bangkok
Morning boat ride to the nearby ethnic Mon Tribal Village whose people lead a simple way of life. Return by boat for lunch and a ride on the Death Railway train passing over the original wooden viaduct constructed by Allied POWs’. Return to Bangkok in the afternoon( approx 3 hours).
What you need to know:
Daily from Bangkok Minimum 2 passengers required.
River Kwai Resotel; also available at a supplement at Hintok River Camp or The FloatHouse. The Xcape River Kwai available on a private tour basis. Please ask for prices.
Full board.
The price shown include return transfers by mini bus or coach, sightseeing as outlined and accommodation on full board at your chosen River Kwai hotel.
Note: Not recommended for the less mobile. A night in Bangkok both before and after the tour is recommended. On public holidays Hellfire Museum may be closed and tour will visit Sir Weary Dunlop Park instead.
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