Floating Markets and Bridge on River Kwai Tour from Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

Combine a cruise through the Floating Markets with a visit to Bridge on the River Kwai on this full-day guided tour from Bangkok. With the knowledge of your local guide, this is a wonderful way to maximize your time and delve deeper in the Thailand's Kanchanaburi region.

Your journey commences with a leisurely drive from Bangkok, passing through salt fields and rice paddies before embarking aboard your long tail speed-boat on your journey to the floating markets. The floating markets are a fascinating experience, a complete contrast to how we shop for food in the west, and are made up of Thai style canoes laden with colorful and succulent fruits, vegetables, sweets and meats - gently plying their way through the canal, selling as they go. It is one of most popular Thai sightseeing experiences and not to be missed. If you want to take a closer look your local Thai guide will help you organize a local boat ride through the markets (optional extra).

You will then board your coach for the journey west to Kanchanaburi, home to the River Kwai and it's infamous bridge. The building of the bridge in 1943 was part of a wartime project to link existing Thai and Burmese railway lines to create a direct route from Bangkok, Thailand to Rangoon, Burma (now Myanmar) in an effort to support the Japanese occupation of Burma. Over 100,000 conscripted laborers and 12,000 prisoners of war died during the whole project.

Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant before visiting the bridge after visiting the JEATH war museum, which houses pictures and paintings from this period. Combining the two attractions unfortunately means there is not enough time to take a train ride, before your journey back to Bangkok and your hotel.

USD $75.75

Review by: schoneberger w	April 2012
The floating market is a must see for anyone visiting Bangkok. The River Kwai was also very interesting but was about 3 hours outside of the city, so it involved a long drive. We were dropped off at the Kwai Museum and then at the bridge, then the cemetary, each time being told where to meet the guide. She did not escort us and give much information. All in all though, I wouldn't have wanted to drive this distance so it was still worthwhile. We had a lot of fun at the floating market.

Review by: Ian A	April 2012
Excellent trip. The floating markets has to be seen , it's like nothing you'll ever experience anywhere else. River Kwai is one of those places you've heard so much about and to actually walk on the bridge was just amazing.

Review by: Shobha G	April 2012
Unforgettable! the lovely boat trip and the bargaining worth every penny! Don't miss it!

Review by: Timothy L	March 2012
No complaints about this trip. We had an excellent time. The floating market is very touristy, but still quite the experience, and one of our favorite experiences of our trip to Thailand. A boat through the actual market is not included in the tour price. We also covered the Bridge on the River Kwai. The museum this tour takes you to is kind of a dump, but the paintings by one of the former POWs are interesting. The cemetery, in contrast, is impressively maintained. The bridge is nice but we only spent a few minutes there (and it was enough). One of the highlights of our trip was actually a stop at a place where they demonstrated how to make palm sugar. They also had an extra stop at a woodworking shop and gift store. I would say the lunch was average, but I love green curry and there was no shortage of that. The guide and the driver were both excellent. One of the biggest pros of this trip was that we were two of only four tourists in the van.

Review by: Holly F	January 2012
Prompt pick up time, with a friendly host and other travellers. The day had a few extras such as a visit to a coconut factory and a wood carving workshop with some of the most brilliant works. The floating market is a lively experience and the River Kwai and war cemetery an eye opener. A great day

Review by: Raymond M	December 2011
Great tour, both Floating Markets and River Kwai had plenty to see. Guide was great also

Review by: Goosegog	October 2011
What a long day! 12 hours in total but well worth it.My husband Geoff and I were the only people on the bus so received the full benefit of our lovely tour guide Gail + Todd the driver. No faults could be found from this great day. The floating markets were wonderful and as I have a bad leg Gail was very attentive in making sure I could manage getting in and out of the long boat - although I had no problems with the bargaining for clothes when there much to Geoffs dismay! Lunch was delicious with many yummy choices and lovely hosts in a beautiful setting. River Kwai we are pleased to have seen and walked over the bridge but slightly disappointed that it has become so commercialized now with restaurants and market stalls all around.All in all it was a wonderful day which will stay with us forever. Even the 3 hour drive back didn't matter as were both able to stretch out in a comfortable minibus and sleep for most of it. Gail also taught us some thai language so if she gets to read this will understand that I now have to go for a 'ching chong' before getting dinner ready for 'Ting tong chai' before he gets home and also make myself 'Swayee'!! Thanks again. Terri and Geoff Rice xx

Review by: Cory A	September 2011
Excellent tour with a knowledgable guide.Only a small group of us (3) again. Pickup from/to the hotel was efficient and on time. First we visited some local markets and then it was off to see a coconut factory and a wood carving factory.Both were excellent and an added bonus- the craftmanship on the products was second to none. The floating markets were next- worthy of a tour in itself. Nice to se the hussle and bussle of market life on the river. After this we stopped for lunch which was included with the tour. The food was excellent with a good variety on offer. _br/_ Next it was onto the Bridge on the River Kwai. We stopped at the JEATH museum , a humbling exhibition of what the prisioners life was like and then visited the cemetary where thousands of soldiers are buried. The Bridge was after that- and interesting spot but unfortunately very "touristy" . Remember to take your camera- youre going to need it for this one !_br/_ The drive back to Bangkok took around 2hrs.

Review by: Georgine M	August 2011
Interesting tour

Review by: marilyn f	July 2011
We are so glad we booked with you we had a fantastic time. Pau the guide was very knowledgable and gave us time to ourselves as well as guiding us through the day. The Floating Markets and the Bridge over the River Kwai, and also the trip to the Grand Palace are not to be missed._br/_ Regards Marilyn and Michael.

Review by: iceman1366	June 2011
Our guide was excellent and timely. The floating markets were a wonderful experience of colour and the Bridge over the River Kwai well worth a look. There was a lot to do in one day and if we had a longer stay in BKK, we would have done them separately. The lunch was awesome too :-)

Review by: Tanya F	May 2011
A very full and interesting day and the guide was very knowledgeable. As it was low season, I was the only person on the tour, but they still ran it. The floating market is interesting, but a bit more expensive than bigger markets.

Review by: powermetalmad	April 2011
FLOATING MARKETS CERTAINLY AN EXPERIENCE. TOO MUCH IN YOUR FACE PRESSURE SELLING THOUGH. KWAI EXPERIENCE VERY GOOD. DIFFICULY TO ENVISAGE HOW IT WAS THOUGH WITH MANY HOTELS AND A NEW BRIDGE NOW IN PLACE. NEVERTHELESS A GOOD NOSTALGIC VISIT. LONG DAY BUT WORTH IT. CHOSE THIS TRIP AS OPOSE TO THE ONE WITH THE TRAIN JOURNEY AS THE FLOATING MARKETS ARE A BETTER BET.

Review by: Say Po Y	March 2011
It was a great tour to see some history and culture, as well as taste the food of Thailand. There was much to do and see.

Review by: ooneeojoo	March 2011
A very full day but interesting and well wortth doing. Lunch was at a typical tourist bus stop. It was OK. The guide was very good and we enjoyed the floating markets and the bridge over River Kwai. The visit to the cemetery was a little too long and we wouold have preferred more time at the bridge. Definitely worth doing.

Review by: Damsay	March 2011
brillient day. Cruise back was fantastic.

Review by: Sean B	February 2011
Enjoyed Floating Market but was unhappy with Bridge On River Kwai Tour as more time was spent at a coconut farm and a local craft center. Very little time to pay respects at Allied War Cemetery as the guide suggested that we hurry up to get back to Bangkok. If your tour is described as Floating Markets and River Kwai then that is what it should be not side excursions by the guide to buy souvenirs. There was ample opportunity to support the local economy by purchasing goods at the Floating Markets which we did, we did not, however, appreciate making stops not featured on the itinerary. One of the main reasons to visit Bangkok was to visit the River Kwai and to pay our respects to the servicemen and Thai people who suffered at the hands of the Japanese and we both felt that this tour was a side issue as the guide concentrated on coconuts and wood carvings. When the guide did speak about the tours in the vehicle we could not hear him and also the air conditioning was poor making the journey very uncomfortable. I have used Viator previously on other trips and was satisfied but I am now considering going with another company in the future. I will also submit this review to other review sites.

Review by: Heather J	January 2011
The trip entailed to many stops at non relevant sights. when we eventually got to Kwai the rep said we only had a few minutes to look at the bridge before heading back. this was totally unacceptable. Also our rep could not communicate very well and told us nothing about the bridge history. he also fell asleep for the journey home.

Review by: Alan B	January 2011
Quite an eye opener, the floating markets have to be seen to be believed, with all the people living along the river bank in very basic huts. Bridge on the river Kwai part of the trip really put into prospective the hardships that were endured by the prisoners who were forced to build it, the museum had lots of accounts of happenings, but in our view needs preserving, seems the humid conditions are damaging the exhibits. The Cemetery was kept in pristine condition, as it should be. All in all a worthwhile experience but a VERY long day.

Review by: Wendy S	January 2011
Excellent tour, but the floating market is more for selling tacky tourist souvenirs than a traditional market. Still, it was a fascinating day and a great tour.

Review by: Phil M	September 2010
A long day trip from Bangkok, picked up at 6.10am back at 8pm although Bangkok traffic was responsible for 2 hours of this, the only gripe is stopping at a couple of places under a fairly lame reason i.e how to make suger from coconuts which took 2 minutes to explain and then you are directed to a shop which happens to be next door and are followed around by assistants pestering you to buy i only want to see what i have booked not go shopping. the longboat trip to the floating market was the best part.

Review by: Shaun C	April 2010
recommended as good expeirience on the boats and the hustle and bustle, only downside is that it has been turned into a commercial market and you miss the real old style of how they used to use the canals as proper trade markets but still definately worth going

Review by: Sylvia B	April 2010
Extremely interesting but a long drive back to Bangkok. Exhilarating boat ride to reach the markets. Seeing the graves at the bridge on the River Kwai very moving.

Review by: William W	March 2010
The floating markets were someting that you have to see if visiting Bangkok. i think you are better just walking up the side of the markets, & not taking a boat, as the river was very conjested. The visit to the River Kwai Bridge was really good. We had the same tour guide as we had when we went to Bangkok's Grand Palace, & again I felt he should have waited till the group were all together before beginning his talk about the area we were visiting.

Review by: Richard S	March 2010
Tour was interesting and a great way to spend a day.

Review by: Amy H	March 2010
I was not contacted regarding the change to departure time, so glad I confirmed with tour guide from the previous tour or would have missed this tour. Really enjoyed this tour, the guide was very nice and funny. We somehow managed to miss a lot of the crowds, well worth doing. Saw a lot more than just the market and bridge.

Review by: Stewart P	March 2010
It was reasonable but really not too exciting. The lunch was nice but you had to purchase even the water you had to go with the meal. The part of the trip I enjoyed most was when we went to the River Kwai that was very emotional for me to realise you were standing in front of history.

Review by: Robert S, United States of America	February 2010
This tour was the best one I did while I was in Bangkok. I had sufficient time at everything we went to, our tour guide was really great and informative and the floating market I believe was worth seeing.

Review by: Leonard T, United States of America	February 2010
The tour guide was just OK. Very disappointed that on our way back to our hotel the tour guide was dropped off before the 7 clients on board. 2 more clients were dropped off at another hotel and on the way to ours, the van we were in broke down. The van driver finally acquired & paid for 2 taxis for the 5 of us after about 12 hour of him trying to start the van in very hot weatherno air. The van driver did stop by our hotel to ensure that we got there safely unlike the tour guide who had no knowledge that we even broke down. Keep in mind, the van had been making bad noises and running rather slow the entire trip a full day tour. I highly recommend that Viator ensure they have reliable vehicles for transporting their clients. That being said... this is a must do tour!!!

Review by: Elaine K	February 2010
We were disappointed that there were only 9 of us which meant we travelled the entire distance in a small mini-van with very little leg room and it was extremely hot. It also meant we could not look out and see much of the countryside. The guide explained the company rules that we would have to have 13 or more to go on a coach. The guide did her best but we had two others on the tour that were constantly complaining and one took over the guides seat in the front. Spoilt the trip for us,

Review by: Beverley M	February 2010
To start with, the people didn't come and collect me at 0620 as I was told. I waited until 7am, so the hotel called to find out what was happening, they said they would be there within 20 minutes, and still no sign. Eventually the tour guide called and said I had to get a taxi to the other side of Bangkok to meet the bus. When I arrived, there were a number of us squashed in a run down van with broken air conditioning. The guide could speak some English; however, she did not give any information on any of the points of interest, instead went off and had a rest, mainly due to the fact she was elderly and used an umbrella as a walking stick. At the end of the tour, we were transferred to a larger coach which had space, no idea why this hadn't happened earlier in the day, we were all just pleased to get out of the van. All in all, very disappointing, and I'm sure I am not the only person out of my group to say that.

Review by: Robert M	February 2010
The trip started with a visit the floating markets. It was fun to ride on the motor boats and to see the local floating market. This is a good chance to buy souvenirs as well. The highlight was the visit to the Kwai River and the World War II cemetery. The guide was very knowledgeable and lived during those difficult times. The trip back was difficult due to a two hour delay on traffic in Bangkok. We understand this was out of the guide's control.

Review by: Erick P, China	January 2010
Amazing tour. The floating market is an unique experience, as is visiting the famous bridge on River Kwai. The tour was punctual and the tour guide was very knowledgeable about the subject.

Review by: Erick	January 2010
Amazing tour. The floating market is an unique experience, as is visiting the famous bridge on River Kwai. The tour was punctual and the tour guide was very knowledgeable about the subject.

Review by: Michael P, United Kingdom	December 2009
This experience was well worth the effort of attending, especially going in the boat in the floating market itself. An excellent day trip!

Review by: Carmel H, Ireland	November 2009
Very long day-crazy traffic in Bangkok! Floating market really worthwhile - great experience. Thought our tour guide was good but gave a lot of his own interest stuff when he could have been commenting on what we were passing etc. Enough time to take the train ride would be good.

Review by: Robert R	November 2009
Very picturesque but watch the hawkers selling Tiger Balm. They will pick your pocket before you know what hit you.

Review by: CLARE C	October 2009
The guide was very nice and at times quite helpful. The driver did a good job through the hectic traffic. But the compulsory trip to the shopping outlet for almost an hour at the questionable palm sugar 'factory', and then another hour at yet another shopping outlet at the wood carving factory, were not very good. We were only given 15 min at the Bridge of the River Kwai and 10 min at the War Cemetery. And don't get me started on the disgusting excuse of a museum - "The Jeath Museum". This is not the real museum and it is an embarrassment to the people of Thailand.

Review by: Pamela S, United Kingdom	September 2009
A great trip! I would do it again. A good courier, a fantastic fast boat trip, and lovely food. You also get little extras not listed in the blurb.

Review by: Ray O, United Kingdom	September 2009
An excellent day out. The floating markets about an hour from Bangkok are quite something to behold. Food, clothes, and assorted souvenirs are sold from boats on the canal system and at shops and stalls beside the water. Bartering is the name of the game, but beware, there is some very hard selling going on and you have to learn to say no politely but firmly. The other main element of the day is the Bridge on the River Kwai. We stopped off first at a museum a few miles downstream from the bridge. This has been created to resemble one of the huts from the infamous prisoner of war camp. It has some fascinating photos and newspaper articles showing the horrendous ordeals the British, American, Dutch and Australian captured soldiers were put through as they were forced to build a railway line between Thailand and Burma. We then took a longtail boat to the Bridge itself. We walked across the iron bridge, which replaced the original wooden one destroyed by Allied bombing - and got some great views of the river and surrounding countryside. Then we went to the Allies' war cemetery nearby. A beautifully kept tribute to the fallen which is in the middle of a busy town. It was a very good day. Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. We also enjoyed a splendid Thai lunch on the banks of the river.

Review by: Anonymous	June 2009
The floating market was frankly a big souvenir rip-off. When we didn't buy anything at the identical two places our rower took us to, she didn't even bother on the last leg to even row us on the same side as any activity. As for the River Kwai, it is terrific, but we had to pay extra to see the newer and better museum. That should have been included in the price as it should be in the program.

Review by: HALEY B	June 2009
A good trip. The floating markets however are purely for tourists and much of the trip is a period of hard selling from the traders. The River Kwai stop was also good and the tour guide was really informative.

Review by: James M, United Kingdom	May 2009
An excellent day out. The beauty of the markets and the reflectiveness of the River Kwai tour combine together perfectly into an easy to handle experience. I recommend this trip to any visitor to Bangkok.

Review by: David R, United Kingdom	April 2009
The guide was absolutely brilliant, informing us of the trip and also Thailand's history. This trip was outstanding from the time we were picked up to the time we got dropped off at our hotel. The Floating Markets were quite an experience to see a different culture at work. Before arriving at the River Kwai, we visited the memorial and museum which was emotional. On arriving at the River Kwai we had lunch at a riverside restaurant. The food was Thai, and it was excellent. To our surprise, we then travelled up to the bridge by power boat before leaving for our hotel. Well worth seeing.

Review by: Deborah W	March 2009
We enjoyed the markets but were disappointed that a boat ride actually through the market was not included. We thought that was the idea and the way the tour was presented on the website. The trip to the Bridge was interesting from a historical point of view but not well presented. We felt like we paid for a guided tour and only got a little more than transportation.

Review by: Andrew H, Ireland	September 2008
Well-organised, fun trip. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend it for all ages.

Review by: Andrew N, United States of America	February 2008
Very eventful and a lot of fun not to mention very educational with the historical facts of the bridge. Our guide was super nice, sweet, helpful and excellent in taking care of us. I would recommend this tour to all the tourists out there. One thing to improve on is the vegetarian choices for the lunch of this tour.

Review by: Mary S, Ireland	October 2007
This was one of the best trips of our holiday to Thailand. The guide was very informative, and the journey was broken up with visits to two other interesting places, where we had the opportunity to see furniture being hand carved out of wood and also a coconut oil making demonstration. We had a lovely lunch on the river with fabulous views. We would highly recommend this tour.

Review by: Naomi S, United Kingdom	April 2007
Excellent trip. The market was the highlight of my Bangkok trip. I would recommend taking the extra boat that is paddled through the market. Lunch was excellent too. The whole trip was a good balance of activities and time in the coach out of the heat.

Review by: Orsolya S, Hungary	February 2007
Fantastic!