Immerse yourself in the history of World War II during this tour to the Bridge on the River Kwai from Bangkok. Listen to in-depth guided commentary that tells the history of the bridge itself, and learn more about the events surrounding the POWs by visiting a war museum and a POW cemetery. Additionally, you’ll ride along the tracks of the Death Railway, walk across the bridge itself, and take a long-tailed speedboat ride on the river.

Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Bangkok
Buffet lunch provided
Boat ride and train ride tickets included
Guide provides navigation and commentary

What's Included

Hotel pick up and drop-off (centrally located Bangkok hotels only)
Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
Long-tailed speedboat ride
Train ride along the Death Railway
Lunch
Professional Thai local guide
All Entrance Fees

Beverages
Gratuities

Departure & Return

Departure Point

Possible departure locations

View departure locations

Departure Time

7:00 AM

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
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.
If you have mobility problems, you may have difficulties getting into or out of the long-tailed speedboat. Please advise your guide of this at the commencement of the tour. Your guide will arrange for the driver to take you to the Bridge by road instead.
At least 4 people are required for the Shared Tour to take place. Single traveler may book this product, but is subject to availability and cancellation if minimum number of people is not met on the activity day. (Alternative date or refund will be offered should this occur.).

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.
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).
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

about cancellations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

Q:What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Bridge on the River Kwai and Thailand-Burma Railway Tour?

A:The policy on face masks and attendee health is:

Face masks required for guides in public areas

Q:What is the policy on sanitization during Bridge on the River Kwai and Thailand-Burma Railway Tour?

A:The policies on sanitization are:

Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

Q:What is the social distancing policy during Bridge on the River Kwai and Thailand-Burma Railway Tour?

A:The policy on social distancing is:

Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Q:What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Bridge on the River Kwai and Thailand-Burma Railway Tour?

A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff

Traveler Photos

Traveler Tips

The long boats do not cater for people with long legs.

I suggest providing this information in a pamphlet as well.

Reviews

4.0

52 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 52 reviews

Great WW2 history, boat and train ride

Valerie_T, Jul 2022

Great tour packed with history and more. It was very emotional at times. Our guide did a great job with both descriptions and timing. He was easy to understand. I just wish I knew the name of the tour company so I could let them know the driver was falling asleep on the long drive back to Bangkok. My husband watched him carefully to make sure we didn’t crash. My husband was in the center seat in the row immediately behind the driver and observed many signs which he would be happy to discuss if anyone at the tour company is interested. Everyone else was sleeping and had no idea. There was no English on the van and they didn’t wear company shirts like most of the other tours’ staff members. I hope no one gets injured or worse.

Response from Host, Jul 2022

Hi Valerie, Thanks for your 4 star review. The name of the tour company you booked was with us, I Asia Thailand. This information is on your voucher as with our direct mobile telephone number and email. This is a very serious allegation for you to say the driver was falling sleeping. Did you not mention this to the guide who was with you in the van at the time? Was the van not swerving if he was falling asleep? Did he just look like he was sleeping but in fact not? We dont know what you saw but we do know this was not reported to IAsia, Viator or the guide. We do suggest you try the official channels first. For the drivers in Thailand, they rarely speak fluent english unless they are guiding the tours. This is why we assign an English speaking guide. I can say that we have been running this tour for years and we have never had any issue or problems and never any accidents or injuries. We are a professional company, giving breaks to the guides and drivers every 4 hours. Finally, we appreciate your comments and we will look into this, but you dont have to worry, no one has been "injured or worse" on any of our 230 tours, attractions, airport transfers, cruises in the history of the company, I want to make that crystal clear to all our guests. We suggest before you write this on social media you do first contact iAsia Direct, Viator or the guide. All the numbers and emails are on you voucher. Thanks, Nick

Worth the travel time

Nick_W, Jul 2022

The tour was a great experience, definitely should be done as part of any itinerary, tour guide was friendly and fun, the ride from Bangkok is a couple of hours, we left at 630am and got back just after 4pm Wish the jetboating on the river had been even longer, what a great way to see the river!

Response from Host, Jul 2022

Dear Nick, Thank you for your positive review and thanks for taking the time to visit the River Kwai while you were in Bangkok. Thanks for choosing IAsia Thailand, Regards, Nick

Needed More Historical Background

Gloriajean_L, Jul 2022

The trip to the bridge, cemetery satisfactory, but more narrative on part of the tour guide was lacking. Instead of being told, “Here, read this” (sign) would have added to the experience. And an explanation of the purpose of the train ride really was necessary....did we take the train ride just to go to a place to have lunch (which was very good?”

Response from Host, Jul 2022

Dear Gloria, Thanks for the 4 star review and we note your comments. This will be passed on to the team and please any questions you have, the guide is there to answer them so you can ask at any time. Regards, Nick

The tour was exactly what...

Alessia_S, Jul 2022

The tour was exactly what was promised - we were picked up from our hotel. The car ride was long but pleasant. The visits to the War Cemetery and the Jeath Museum were a bit rushed, to allow enough time for the long boat ride and the Death Railway train ride. Amazing landscapes - and the lunch buffet was a positive surprise. Very good food with a wonderful view! The tour is not necessarily value for money (arranging autonomously would likely be cheaper) but saves you from a logistical nightmare - as there are not many trains from Bangkok and all the locations are spread around the area :)

Response from Host, Jul 2022

Dear Alessia, Thanks for your positive review and your point that the tour booked was exactly the same as per the website. I appreciate your points about the good food and also the boat ride and the boat trip. I have to disagree that if you did this tour yourself it would be cheaper. Your tour included hotel pick up and drop off, train journey, lunch, boat ride, guide for the whole day, entrance fees etc. Thanks for your comments, Regards, Nick

Interesting tour but could be improved

Hayret_A, Jun 2022

The tour itself was actually good in terms of structure however our guide rushed us at every single stop. We were not allowed take pictures because we had to move on and never stopped for more than 5 minutes at one site including the museum and cemetery. We did not much information on the tour either. I would go with a different operator if I were to do it again. The location and train journey were beautiful.

Response from Host, Jun 2022

Dear Hayret, Thanks for your review. I am actually quite surprised as the guide CHU who was with you has also sent me a report after investigating. There were 2 of you and 4 from another group who all joined on the same day. You were picked up on time and went on the tour as per the itinerary. Now Chu has mentioned that at no point did you say anything to him on the tour and he never said once you can not take pictures. Also you stopped min 20 mins at each stop and in fact he was taking pictures for you and the group as well. He has sent me 6 pictures of the group on the bridge, the jeath museum, the boat and inside the cave. Secondly the 4 other guests who were on the same tour has sent a review which again I am happy to share. All pictures and review are here at this link. This will auto delete so you can email anytime. https://postimg.cc/gallery/7YjrWb9/f6aa228d (please scroll down to see the pictures) Maybe you did have a different experience but we did not certainly not allow pictures or stop for 5 minutes. I please suggest you let the guide know next time as Chu was absolutely shocked after reading your review. IAsia Thailand take our tours seriously and offer the best in service from our guides at all times. For any questions then please do email me nick@iasiathailand.com. Thanks. Nick Regards. Nick

Memorable

Nigel_N, Jun 2022

The tour guide knew exactly what to do and at what time to get the best shots. Knowledgeable about history.

Response from Host, Jun 2022

Hi Nigel, Thank you for choosing us for your tour to the River Kwai. We’re glad to hear that you were satisfied with your experience. We look forward to welcoming you back to Thailand in the near future. Regards, Nick

Very informative and good value for money

Paul_D, May 2022

Pick up was punctual, the guide was very efficient with good knowledge of the history and certainly kept us on our feet as everything is timed to meet the train. The war graves are kept immaculate by the thai people, the museum of the the war which encompassed pictures of prisoner of war camps gave you a true understanding of how difficult it was to survive in those difficult times. The boat ride to the bridge was wonderful and really set you up for the train ride as you come up by the river to meet the train. The train ride lasts about 1 and 1/2 hours with lots of sites to see, very picturesque. At the end when you get off you can walk back over the stilted bridge which is an amazing piece of engineering. Lunch like many guided trips is a buffet and this one was very good. It’s a full day with a lot of driving especially on the way back as you are further away due to the train trip. Mind you saying that if you want to see more of the real Thailand then it’s the trip for you.

Response from Host, May 2022

Dear Paul, Thank you so much for booking the Bridge over the River Kwai with us. This is our busiest and most popular tour at the moment, and we are thrilled that you were one one of the lucky people to experience this day out. I am pleased to pass on your comments to the Guide and please do visit us again. Nick

Great experience

Chris_H, Apr 2022

Had a great experience with our tour guide Chu, collected us well on time and spent a very interesting day visiting the war graves, museums and Kwai bridge. Our guide was so polite and his English was excellent. Superb day seeing Thailand by car, train and boat. Would highly recommend this trio.

Response from Host, Apr 2022

Hi Chris, Thank you for taking a moment to share your experience on the River Kwai Tour. We’re proud to deliver great value to our guests so we’re delighted that you found our tour to your satisfaction. We hope you’ll visit us again soon. Regards, Nick

First rate day out

Paul_T, Mar 2022

An amazing day . We have been talking about doing it for years but so pleased we went. Our driver and guide were first rate and definitely on3 of the most memorable trips we have ever taken . The cemetery was so moving and poignant and the whole day was so well organized for us. Naturally quite a long van ride from Bangkok but the courtesy of the team to ensure comfort breaks and water breaks was much appreciated

Response from Host, Mar 2022

Hi Paul, Thank you so much for your five-star review. We are delighted to hear that you had a positive experience with us on your tour at the River Kwai. We hope you’ll visit us again soon. Regards, Nick

Wonderful day out

Jim_M, Mar 2020

Our guide Joseph took very good care of us. He was knowledgeable with the history of the Death Railway and the Bridge over the river Kwai. The experience was exvellevr. The boat ride was very entertaining. The train trip was nice through the countryside and we upgraded the tickets. We got to see Thailand from a difference perspective. The lunch at the end was delicious. Our group was small and we all enjoyed the trip, the company and the experience. I highly recommend this trip.

Response from Host, Mar 2020

Dear Jim, Firstly, we want to thank you for willingly spending your time to write us a review. It gives us great encouragement to get positive feedback from you. Thank you for choosing I Asia Thailand, Regards, Nick

Awesome day out

Jim_M, Mar 2020

What a great day out. We really enjoyed the drive up to the river Kwai and the walk over over this famous bridge. The guide was so attentive and gave us great information. We loved the boat ride and train journey. Lunch was awesome. For the money which we paid we expected less but so much was included. I Asia definetly the agent to choose!

Response from Host, Mar 2020

Hi Jim, We're delighted to hear you had an amazing experience at the River Kwai. Our guys on the ground deserve all the credit and we'll definitely pass your message to them. Thank you for your review, Regards, Nick

Lovely day trip

Ian_S, Feb 2020

Had such a lovely day our guide was really polite and nice. Only thing I’d complain about is not enough time and a little rushed.

Response from Host, Feb 2020

Hi Ian, We are incredibly grateful that you took the time out to leave us this note. We are usually known for our great customer service and attention to detail in everything that we do. I am sorry you felt this was rushed. You can email me anytime and happy to give you more feedback, Regards, Nick

Great Tour to Remember this Important History

onj1966, Feb 2020

A big day starting with a 6.10am pick up from my hotel in downtown Bangkok and we stopped to pick up the guide, Om, on the way out of the city. He explained the stops and schedule for the day as well as the history of the building of the bridge. I was really interested as my grandfather was a Japanese POW who was ne of the lucky ones that survived living and working on the bridge construction. Unfortunately I was unable to understand everything he said with his strong Thai accent. I suggest providing this information in a pamphlet as well. We were given a good amount of time at the cemetery, museum, boat ride, bridge walk, train ride and cave/market stop. The lunch was really lovely and there were adequate toilet stops. On heading back to Bangkok, Om advised the return trip would take around 2 1/2 hours. Unfortunately this was not the case as the traffic was really bad getting back into the city. He had a phone so would be able to know this prior. No update was given and Om disembarked the bus going into the city, leaving the tour group with the bus driver who didn’t speak much English. The driver told me It would be two more hours to get to my hotel. I contacted my husband who advised when and where I should get off the bus and take a subway close to our hotel. I had to disembark in heavy traffic with motorbikes rushing by, with no apology from the driver. Overall, I felt the tour was very good, just let down by Bangkok’s shocking traffic. I recommend the tour guide/bus driver provide better updates and provide alternative transport information.

Response from Host, Feb 2020

Dear onj1966, We appreciate your review and thanks so much for this. I apologise for the traffic but this is a difficult one to judge as we try our best to avoid this when we can. The phones are not accurate as the police here will often use a lane in another direction to flow the traffic which google would not know. Motorbikes are many in Bangkok and when exiting the van (i believe you did while in the road) you have to be careful. We have though taken your comments about the traffic which is now being taken up by our ops team. Regards, Nick

River kwai

Bobby_H, Dec 2019

Train ride was nice, small group, would recommend a go see , lots of history very interesting, good boat ride

Bridge on River Kwai

Donna_G, Nov 2019

The 3 hour trip from Bangkok to the bridge was terrible. We had a minivan with poor suspension. The windows were dirty and hard to see through. There was no guide to tell us what we were driving by. He was in a car not in our van. On the train we had to pay an extra 200 baht to have a seat instead of standing for 1&1/2 hr train ride. We ended up in a traffic jam where we stood still for over an hour which made the trip back to Bangkok unbearable. I would never recommend this trip to anyone.

Didn’t like tour operator.

Barry_B, Nov 2019

Attraction worth seeing but tour operator was poor. Old vehicle. Driver wasn’t good. Time in museum too short.

1 traveler found this review helpful

Great day tour

Todd_M, Nov 2019

An awesome tour of an important piece of history ,our guide and driver were great ,so were all the passengers ,the lunch was also very tasty ,I would suggest upgrading on the train,guarantees a seat.,thanks to all for a good day tour.money well worth spending.

1 traveler found this review helpful

Long boat and train ride

ptcruder, Nov 2019

Very nice trip. Good history lesson fun on the long boat and train. Lunch was good and had nice trip to and back.

Excellent day trip from Bangkok

1981ES, Aug 2019

A great day trip from Bangkok! As a solo traveller, I was lucky another pair booked on this departure as I believe minimum numbers were two. Included pick up from my accommodation and we had an air-conditioned mini van for the trip with a guide (very knowledgeable) and driver. The stop at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery was sobering as was the museum. Would have been nice to go to another Australian war museum nearby but understand we can't do everything in the time. Boat and train rides were great, and plenty of time for pictures of the railway. Included meal was tasty. It is a long day but worthwhile!

Must do in Bangkok

Debasish M, Jun 2019

Excellent and well managed trip. A must for anyone who loves a bit of history. It takes you back to world war II and the sufferings of the common man

Questions?

Product code: 90546P50

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Bridge on the River Kwai and Thailand-Burma Railway Tour

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