Bridge on River Kwai Tours in Bangkok

Tours on the Bridge over the River Kwai are an incredible experience, because in addition to seeing incredible scenery, you will learn about the history of World War II.

Andressa García

Andressa García

11 min read

Bridge on River Kwai Tours in Bangkok

Puente sobre el rio Kwae |©Uwe Schwarzbach

During the walk you will have the opportunity to learn interesting details about the bridge and how it was built. You will also be able to visit and photograph other sites of interest in the area, including the Burma Railway and the Damnoen Saduak floating market.

There is no doubt that taking a tour on the bridge over the River Kwai is one of the best things to see and do in Bangkok, as it allows you to get in touch with nature while appreciating the panoramic views of the river. This type of tour is a great option for those interested in Thai history and culture.

1. 2-day River Kwai tour with accommodation on a floating hotel

Bridge on the River Kwai|©John Burn
Bridge on the River Kwai|©John Burn

On this 2 day tour of the River Kwai with floating hotel accommodation you can explore the River Kwai region and its surroundings, while enjoying the romantic and relaxing atmosphere of a floating hotel. You will visit sites such as the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, the JEATH Museum at Wat Chai Chumphon Temple and the Allied War Cemetery in Kanchanaburi.

During this two-day tour you will also have the opportunity to take a rafting trip on the River Kwai and enjoy the views of the surrounding nature. At the end you can stay in a floating hotel and enjoy the tranquillity of sleeping on the waters of the River Kwai. With all these features, this is undoubtedly one of the best tours on the River Kwai in Bangkok that you can do.

Details of interest

  • Price: You will have to pay around 875 euros per person.
  • Duration: It will take you about 2 days to complete this experience.
  • Means of transport: The whole tour is completed by boat.
  • Advantages of this option: Meals and drinks are included during your stay at the floating hotel. Pick-up and drop-off service to the hotel in Bangkok or any other nearby city is included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Travel insurance and medical expenses are not covered. Personal expenses and extras during the stay are not included in the price. Tips for guides and drivers are not included in the price. Additional meals and drinks not included in the package are not included. Optional activities are not included.

2.Visit to Erawan Waterfalls and Bridge over the River Kwai

Erawan National Park, Thailand.|©Piotr Gaborek
Erawan National Park, Thailand.|©Piotr Gaborek

If you want to visit the Erawan Waterfalls and the Bridge over the River Kwai, this is the option I recommend you to choose. During the tour you can enjoy sites such as the Bridge over the River Kwai, where you will learn about its history and why it has been so famous since World War II.

You can also visit the JEATH War Museum, where your guide will tell you details about the construction of the bridge and the conditions that prisoners of war had to endure during its construction. The best thing about this tour from Bangkok is that in addition to learning interesting facts about the history of this Asian country, you can enjoy a typical Thai lunch.

Interesting details

  • Price: You will have to pay around 155 euros per person to live this complete experience.
  • Duration: It will take you between 10 and 11 hours to complete this activity.
  • Means of transport: The whole tour is done in a private van.
  • Advantages of this option: The tour includes the company of a tour guide throughout the trip. This is a private tour, meaning that only your group participates. Lunch and transfer to and from the hotel or accommodation is included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Fees not mentioned in the itinerary are not included. Tips for the tour guide and driver are not included.

Book a tour to Erawan and the Bridge on the River Kwai

3. River Kwai Rafting Tour in Kanchanaburi

Wooden boats on the shore|©Korawee Ratchapakdee
Wooden boats on the shore|©Korawee Ratchapakdee

There is no doubt that rafting on the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi during the day is one of the best things to do in Bangkok during the summer, and even in almost any season. Before starting the River Kwai rafting tour you will be given a briefing and safety brief ing to protect yourself during the tour. During this session the guides will explain how to use the rafts and the necessary rafting equipment.

During the tour you may have the opportunity to stop and enjoy other activities such as swimming, hiking or exploring the area. If you don't fancy the idea of rafting down the River Kwai, you can also sign up for a Bangkok river cruise along the River Kwai.

Interesting details

  • Price: This activity can be priced at around 100 euros per person.
  • Duration: The ride can last around 5 to 7 hours.
  • Means of transport: The whole trip is done on rafts.
  • Advantages of this option: This type of tour usually includes food, such as barbecue, fresh fruit and soft drinks. Also included are the tour guide, life jackets and all the necessary implements to practice this activity. A safety talk and explanation of the tour is included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Transfer to and from the hotel or accommodation is not included. Personal expenses are not included.

Book a boat tour in Bangkok

4. Day trip to the Mekong Delta and the Bridge over the River Kwai

Evening at Mekong river, Thailand|©Alex Shcherbakov
Evening at Mekong river, Thailand|©Alex Shcherbakov

During this tour you will have a tour of the Mekong delta, then a boat trip on the river, a visit to a local farm, and right after that you will go to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai and learn about the history of the Death Railway, which was built by Japanese prisoners of war.

On the tour you will see many beautiful landscapes, but you will also have interesting experiences such as climbing elephants in the jungle, or learning about animal care on local farms.

During this tour you will also have the opportunity to taste some Thai and Cantonese cuisine. It is an experience that is as educational as it is entertaining, fun and delicious. Without a doubt, with all these features, this tour qualifies as one of the best food tours in Bangkok.

Details of interest

  • Price: You will have to pay from 40 euros per person.
  • Duration: The whole tour can take around 10 hours.
  • Means of transport: The tour is completed partly by boat and partly by private car.
  • Advantages of this option: Tasting of some traditional food as well as fresh fruits and honey tea is included. Transfer by private car and private boat is included. Local guide is also included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Drinks and local taxes are not included.

5. Kanchanaburi Bicycle Tour with visit to the Bridge over the River Kwai

kanchanaburi|©Half Man Half Shark!
kanchanaburi|©Half Man Half Shark!

This is undoubtedly one of the best bike tours in Bangkok, because it allows you to get to know the town of Kanchanaburi. The experience starts with a visit to the Bridge over the River Kwai and its museum, where you will learn about its history and importance during World War II. Later you'll hop on a bicycle to cycle through the Erawan National Park.

One of the things you'll love most about Erawan National Park is its many nature trails and waterfalls to enjoy the scenery, connect with nature and take amazing photographs. Of course, in the middle of the tour, you'll have the opportunity to visit the bridge over the River Kwai, and the best thing about this experience is that you'll be riding a bicycle, which adds to the fun of the tour.

Interesting details

  • Price: This tour costs approximately 125 euros per person.
  • Duration: It will take you about 9 hours to complete the activity.
  • Means of transport: The whole tour is done by bicycle.
  • Advantages of this option: Bike hire is included. Round trip transfer to and from your accommodation in Bangkok is included. Thai lunch is included. Entrance fees are covered. This is a private tour where you can see the sites at your own pace.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Snacks, dinners and additional drinks are not included.

Book a bike tour in Bangkok

6. Train ride on the Death Railway and visit to the Bridge over the River Kwai

Dead Railway|©Yontrakarn Markpol
Dead Railway|©Yontrakarn Markpol

On this tour you will get to know the Burma Railway train and one of the most famous places along it, which is none other than the Bridge over the River Kwai, located in the town of Kanchanaburi. This bridge is one of the most iconic symbols of the railway line and has been portrayed in numerous films and books.

On this Death Railway train ride you will enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle and mountains, but you will also have the opportunity to learn about the impressive history of this mode of transport. Your guide will take you to the Bridge over the River Kwai, where you can see it in all its glory. This is definitely a tour you should include on your list of things to do during your 3 day trip to Bangkok.

Details of interest

  • Price: To go on this kind of tour, you have to pay around 90 euros per person.
  • Duration: It will take you between 9 and 10 hours to complete this experience.
  • Means of transport: The whole tour is completed by train.
  • Advantages of this option: The transfer to and from the hotel or place of accommodation is included. You will have an air-conditioned vehicle. You will be accompanied by a local guide. The train ride along the Death Railway is also included. Lunch and admission fees are included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Drinks and tips are not included in the price.

7. Ferry ride to see the city from the river and visit the famous bridge over the River Kwai

River Ferry|©Taelum Warren
River Ferry|©Taelum Warren

During this tour, you will enjoy the wonderful views of the city from the river, as well as the natural beauty of the scenery, while learning more about the history of the bridge over the River Kwai and its importance in World War II. In addition, you will be able to see the bridge up close, walk on it, and observe and photograph the surrounding landscape.

You can combine this experience with others such as a visit to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and the old Burma Railway, where your guide will take you on a more specific and extended history tour. This tour is undoubtedly one of the best experiences to do in Bangkok at night because it offers you, in addition to the tour, the opportunity to enjoy dinner and live entertainment during the trip.

Interesting details

  • Price: To enjoy this experience you will have to pay around 55 euros per person.
  • Duration: It will take you around 10 hours to complete this experience.
  • Means of transport: The whole trip is completed by ferry.
  • Advantages of this option: Entrance fees are included for the places that require them during the trip. You will be accompanied by a tour guide. Transport to and from your accommodation in Bangkok is included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Hats and sunglasses are not provided for those participating in the activity. No personal expenses, drinks or meals are included unless you request this option.

8. Full day tour of the Bridge over the River Kwai, the Death Railway and the War Cemetery in Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi_Cemetery|©Daniel Garzón Moreno
Kanchanaburi_Cemetery|©Daniel Garzón Moreno

This tour takes you to see the Burma Railway, as well as visiting the Bridge over the River Kwai and the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. During this tour you can also take a train ride on the Death Railway, during which you will have the opportunity to see the surrounding scenery.

Your guide will take you to visit other important historical sites in the region, but will also give you valuable information about the events that took place in each place you visit. The best thing is that after visiting this place, you will be able to board the train that connects Thailand and Myanmar. The last stop on the tour is the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, which houses the graves of some 7,000 prisoners of war who lost their lives while building the railway.

Details of interest

  • Price: You will have to pay around 135 euros per person to enjoy this complete experience.
  • Duration: The whole tour can take between 11 and 12 hours.
  • Means of transport: The tour is completed by private car.
  • Advantages of this option: Lunch is included, as well as all taxes and site visit fees. You will be offered bottled water on the tour. You will be provided with private transport, including transfer to and from your accommodation.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Alcoholic drinks are not included. Tea and coffee are not included.

9. Full day bamboo rafting on the River Kwai with a visit to the bridge

wooden boats on the shore|©Korawee Ratchapakdee
wooden boats on the shore|©Korawee Ratchapakdee

This bamboo rafting experience on the river will be fun, in fact, it is an activity that I would include on the list of things to do in Bangkok with children and young people, thanks to the fact that it is quite an adrenaline activity. During the rafting trip, your guide will help you explore the history and legends of Thailand's Kanchanaburi province.

The experience is a full-day private tour, so during this time you not only get to go bamboo rafting, but you also get to visit the Bridge on the River Kwai to learn about its history linked to World War II. In addition to the river, you can visit the Erawan Waterfall and Tham Krasae Cave, important tourist attractions in the area.

Interesting details

  • Price: The tour can be done after paying approximately 170 euros per person.
  • Duration: It will take you a full day to complete this experience.
  • Means of transport: The tour is completed partly on bamboo rafts, and partly by private car.
  • Advantages of this option: The price includes the services of breakfast, lunch and a professional guide who will tell you all about the history of each place.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Extra activities that are not detailed in the package are not included. Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips, shopping, transport fees and optional visits are not included, except those already specified in the package.

10. Bangkok Bridge on the River Kwai and Hellfire Pass Tours

Hellfire Pass Thailand|©stephen whieldon
Hellfire Pass Thailand|©stephen whieldon

During this tour you will get to see the Hellfire Pass, which is a 75-metre long and 25-metre deep section of rock dug by hand by prisoners of war during World War II to serve as part of the Death Railway's railway track.

Your tour guide will tell you all you want to know about this site where prisoners of war and forced labourers who worked on the construction of the railway were subjected to extremely harsh conditions, mistreatment, lack of food and water, and disease, resulting in the death of many of them. During the walk along the trail located in the Hellfire Pass area, you will get a historical insight into the unfortunate events that took place there.

Details of interest

  • Price: To enjoy this experience you will have to pay around 160 euros per person.
  • Duration: The whole tour lasts approximately 10-12 hours.
  • Means of transport: The trip is completed partly by private car and partly on foot.
  • Advantages of this option: This is a private tour in which only you and your group participate. The experience includes bottled water, lunch, a professional guide and transfer to and from your accommodation.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses are not included. Tips are also not included.

Tips for a Bangkok River Kwai Bridge Tour

River Kwai, Thailand|©rigelnova
River Kwai, Thailand|©rigelnova
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the whole tour, as you will be doing some walking on this type of tour.
  • If you are travelling with children, be sure to ask your guide if the tour is suitable for them.
  • Read a little about the history of these particular places, so that you can enjoy your visit even more.