Home > Bangkok > Private Tour: Thai Burma Death Railway Bridge on the River Kwai Tour from Bangkok
USD $91.00
Private Tour: Thai Burma Death Railway Bridge on the River Kwai Tour from Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand
Visit the Bridge on the River Kwai on this thorough private tour from Bangkok. The beginning of the Death Railway (also known as the Burma Railway), the famous bridge that spans Thailand’s River Kwai is a poignant reminder of the thousands of prisoners of war and forced laborers who lost their lives during the construction of the railway in World War Two. With a private guide, visit the bridge, the JEATH War Museum and Allied War Grave, and take a long-tailed boat ride on the river. Lunch is included.
Moving and memorable sums up your private Bridge on the River Kwai tour from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, 80 miles (130 km) west of the city. The Thai province is an agricultural area, with sugar-cane fields, rice paddies and pineapple plantations all forming significant portions of the rural landscape.
The famous bridge, which marks the beginning of the Death Railway, is a poignant reminder of the thousands of POWs and forced laborers who lost their lives while building the railway during World War Two. The construction of the bridge in 1943 was one part of a huge Japanese wartime project to link existing Thai and Burmese railway lines to create a direct route from Bangkok to Rangoon, Burma (aka Myanmar), in an effort to support the Japanese occupation of Burma. Thousands of POWs and laborers died in the process.
During your tour with a private guide, visit one of the Allied War Grave cemeteries before visiting the JEATH war museum, which houses pictures and paintings from this period. A long-tailed speedboat ride will then take you up the river to the bridge itself, where you have ample time to explore at your leisure. A ride on a local train is also included before returning to Bangkok.
This tour was very interesting. Growing up in America we never realized that Thailan played a role in World War II and that there was a bridge that was built during this time frame. While it was very sad, it was nice to see and learn about this history that affected and killed so many people. The train ride was beautiful.
Review by: Paul K, May 2018
Very knowledgeable. Great tour! Would definitely recommend.
Review by: bpbennett7, April 2018
Excellent private trip, managed to see and do all the things we wanted to do on this trip.
Review by: brett.thiele, April 2018
Had a great day from the start to finish. 'Tum', our host, and driver were fantastic from explaining the day, arranging our activities to stopping and buying ice cream on the way back to Bangkok! The day was exactly as detailed on the schedule and exactly what we needed on our short stay in Thailand. Will definitely use this service again.
Review by: Steven F, March 2018
This was a brilliant trip. Collected from our hotel by private minibus our party of 4 enjoyed the undivided attention of our tour guide Peter. It was very moving to see the cemetery where so many of those who died working on the death railway are laid to rest. Then on to the museum, the long tail boat ride to the bridge and then the journey on the train....what an experience. We really endorse the views expressed by others that it is well worthwhile paying the little extra to guarantee seats on the train. All in all this was a great trip and one which well all remember. Highly recommended
Review by: Ben, March 2018
money well spent
Review by: Jeff V, March 2018
I think we had more expectations from tour guide. However, i would suggest one could rent driver from Bangkok and cover same area - and sites, which are relatively well known given historical reports.
Review by: Alan O, March 2018
Very well organised and we did everything as booked. Guide was very good and gave us lots of information about Bangkok and where we were visiting.
Review by: Steven S, March 2018
Worth every penny spent. Nui, our guide was excellent and took care of us throughout. It's so much better doing a private trip, especially with Bangkok's awful traffic. The cemetary was beautifully maintained, and quite though provoking. A long-tail boat ride all to ourselves took us to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, where we walked across and took photos before a 90 minute train trip down the famous railway. Fed and watered on the train, we got off to a lovely lunch by the station before our journey back to chaotic Bangkok. A brilliant day out.
Review by: Jennifer H, February 2018
Great trip, we learnt a lot about the building of the railway and the suffering of the prisoners of war and local labourers._br/_ We were picked up at 6.30 am from our small hotel by a very knowledgeable guide and a very competent driver._br/_ The whole day was well timed, no waiting about but plenty of time to see everything._br/_ The fast boat ride was great fun._br/_ The train ride was 90 minutes and included refreshments._br/_ The buffet lunch was good, plenty of choice._br/_ We were back at our hotel door by 4.30 pm., we would certainly recommend the private tour.
Review by: Heather J, February 2018
I had a very nice time on my trip. My guide Prandea was full of interesting information while giving me free reign to explore on my own. The car was clean and comfortable making the long-ish drive quite pleasant. The lunch was tasty and filling and presented in a lovely outdoor pavilion. The train ride was a highlight and I particularly appreciated that this tour came with a first class ticket on the train ride. The car was comfortable and much less crowded and chaotic than second class.
Review by: Kim M, February 2018
An amazing day. We were collected promptly at our hotel. Our guide and driver were both professional. Highlights speed boat journey up the river was fun as was our journey along the death railway
Review by: Rachael M, January 2018
This tour was amazing!
Review by: Steven G, January 2018
This was a full event packed day. We visited cemeteries and museums, took a long boat ride on the river Kwai, we traveled by train across this historic bridge, and then ended our day with a spectacular lunch.
Review by: Chris W, January 2018
The trip was easy to do. Transport to and from the venue was efficient and fast. The train trip was easy as the tour guide managed to secure seating in the front carriage on the first train which meant no waiting around and missing all the hordes of tourists. This also meant that we were the first and only tourists at the the restaurant for lunch which again means no noisy hordes to contend with. The trip back to Bangkok was relaxing! Highly recommend the tour! Went 223 December 2017. I'm sorry i didn't get the tour guides name....
Review by: Bob D, January 2018
My trip to the Bridge On The River Kwai was awesome. What especially made my trip so good, was my tour guide Tiamtrakul Tum..She was bright, funny, and loaded with personality. I learned much about the horror that soldiers from many countries suffered at the hands of the Japanese invaders. It was surreal being in the same place that these atrocities took place.
Review by: Joanhugheshome, January 2018
The whole trip was excellent - very interesting and well put together. However the return minibus trip was very uncomfortable as either the air conditioning didn't work properly or the driver wouldn't turn it up enough!!
Review by: helen.broomfield, January 2018
Our guide wasn’t in the least bit interested. We didn’t get long enough in the museum and had to ask our guide to stop at the museum by the cemetery so we could actually learn something.
Review by: etaylor, November 2017
Amazing tour, the guide had very good English and was extremely knowledgeable. Probably the best of any tour guide in our entire Thailand trip.
Review by: Starr K, November 2017
Based on on-line reviews, my wife and I chose to purchase the VIATOR full day Private Tour: Thai Burma Death Railway Bridge on the River Kwai Tour from Bangkok rather than the less expensive group tour. We were glad we did. I am sure the group tour was fine--but the private tour was worth the extra expense for our situation.
Review by: GLENN W, November 2017
This tour included a visit to the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery where Prisoners of War are buried who died building this bridge. The ages of those buried there would suggest that these men were enlisted men who were stationed in the area prior to the conflict._br/_ The 1 hour train ride through the countryside was interesting as I am interested in agriculture and was able to see the variety of crops that they grow there. Very enjoyable from my perspective.
Review by: Manley C, October 2017
An amazing tour! Lots of history and great food! You get to see Thailand from all angles...from driving along to a speed boat down the river to a great train ride through the country side. Awesome guide! A worthwhile day of activities.
Review by: Joern J, September 2017
Amazing trip and a excellent guide young woman she told us a lot on all the area we visit during our trip, for sure not last time
Review by: willd125, September 2017
This tour was incredible! A highlight of our trip to Thailand. Our guide was so knowledgeable and such a pleasure to be with! I would highly recommend this trip!
Review by: Keith M, August 2017
A fantastic day's tour that delivered everything promised. We were picked up from our hotel in Bangkok at 6:50am by chauffeur driven, air conditioned car. Our young lady guide sorry, forgotten her name was extremely knowledgeable and pointed out various landmarks on the three hour journey to Kanchanaburi. First stop was the Commonwealth War Graves cemetery where we spent about 20 mins wondering through the rows of immaculately kept graves of those who paid the ultimate price: a solemn way to start to start the day. We then moved on to the JEATH War Museum, a replica of the bamboo huts in which the POWs lived where photographs and paintings portrayed the horrific conditions which they endued. From the museum we were ferried by fast boat along the river, under the famous bridge to an adjacent pontoon. We then had time to walk across the bridge before boarding the once-a-day train at 10:46 and it was on time, something a local policeman told us happens 'once in a blue moon'. The one hour train ride took us across the bridge and on up the river. Just after leaving Kanchanaburi there was a short cutting reminiscent of the landscape displayed in the David Lean film, but then the majority of the journey is across flatish farmland. If you can sit on the left of the train facing forward: a because you pass a school on that side and the children stand at the fence and wave to the train, and b because when you do reach the more mountainous terrain you'll get fantastic views of the train crossing the wooden trestle viaduct. During the journey we were served with a box of refreshments and certificate commemorating our trip. After alighting at Wang Pho station we walked a short distance to a restaurant for a lovely lunch before the being driven back to our hotel for 5:00pm. Having a private tour eliminates the need to tour several hotels collecting / returning other tourists so is worth the extra cost, although I was surprised how much greater than the website's 'prices from' figure our tour actually cost. A brilliant day
Review by: Jim H, August 2017
This was a good trip and I would recommend it to others. It's quite a long day much of which is spent travelling but the sights are generally worth it, particularly the famous bridge and surrounding areas
Review by: Stephen B, August 2017
Early start from the Conrad Bangkok 06:30, Very Knowledgeable guide Krit who kept me entertained on the journey out which was a good 3 hours with a short comfort break, The war graves were sobering as was the museum, the long tail boat rdie was great ending with a wander across the bridge itself. It finished with a 1 1/2 hour train journey and a buffet lunch which was excellent. Our driver picked us both up then it was the thick end of 4 hours back to Bangkok, a lot of traveling but well worth it as a one off. young children may get fed up of the two long journeys but for older kids its a great day out
Review by: B L, July 2017
Excellent tour. Lots of activities for our 8-year-old son to keep him engaged all day long, esp love the boat and train ride. Very well organised. Highly recommend!!!
Review by: Jacquelyn B, June 2017
Our tour guide was very informative and helpful throughout the entire day. My husband and myself were the only ones on the tour a,one with the driver also._br/_ He stopped along the way a few times so we could get refreshments etc. nothing was a problem._br/_ The entire tour from the car ride- boat trip- train ride- lunch and the trip home was entirely a great experience. We were lucky enough to see heaps of monkeys just on the side of the road in the countryside._br/_ I would thoroughly recommend this tour
Review by: Steve C, May 2017
This was a great trip. Prompt 6:30 pick up from the hotel and then a two and a half hour drive to the war cemetery but the time passed quickly. The car was comfortable and our guide and driver pleasant and informative without being intrusive. The cemetery and museum were moving and the high speed boat trip a spectacular way to arrive at the bridge. The bridge is impressive although nothing like the film and the rail journey that followed was magnificent. A beautiful lunch in a local restaurant off the beaten track topped off a great morning. Three hour drive back to Bangkok provided the opportunity to catch up on much needed sleep. Highly recommended.
Review by: Ricey, May 2017
Our tour guide and driver were prompt in our pick up and Mr Tawee was very knowledgeable on the tour, we were disappointed in the display at the river as it was old and not well kept. The long boat trip gave us a taste of boat travel and the train ride was worth it. Its a long day from Bangkok and the driver was a bit erratic in his driving style, on and off the accelerator causing surging all the way there and back, bad for motion sickness.
Review by: tlsunup, April 2017
This is a great trip for a little history. We did the private tour and you are taken in a private car with your guide and driver. It does take 2.5 to 3 hrs to get up there. The cemetery and museum were beautiful. Then you take a long tail up to the bridge. It is not nearly as big as we thought it would be. You can walk the bridge, which I recommend and take pictures of course. From there you get on a train that takes you through the country side and end with a great lunch provided for you at your last stop. Driving back from the lunch is about 4 hours which for us was almost to long. It's a great trip to learn some history.
Review by: crystal c, April 2017
This was an homage to my father who was imprisoned there during WW2. The history of Japanese movements at the time were far more amazing to hear and the documentaries far more informative
Review by: Rawolf7846, March 2017
Trip agenda very good. The guide was POOR Limited English and involvement as we toured. No in depth explanations of sights, just left us to do it on our own. Have done many Viator around the world but this was the worst! If they assign the tour director Paul, ask for another and this way you will not be disappointed.
Review by: Elaine B, March 2017
Very comfortable transport and a very helpful guide who went out of her way to make sure we enjoyed our day. At a comfort stop on the way I was concerned about the toilets but she showed me where the clean, dry european toilet was. After a thought provoking visit to the war graves we had a fun trip up river, and under the bridge. There was time to stroll carefully across the bridge, visit a street market and buy a few souvenirs, remember to barter, before boarding the train, where drinks and a snack were provided. We left the train to walk a short distance to a cool, comfortable outdoor restaurant were a delicious buffet meal was provided. On the journey back we saw wild monkeys. Due to the traffic in Bangkok we were a little late back to our hotel, but the whole day had been very enjoyable.
Review by: Stephen B, March 2017
This is a long trip taking some 3 hours out and 4 back, depending on traffic which is always bad within Bangkok city. However as a private tour for the 4 in our group, our guide was able to be flexible on stops and provide an excellent informative personal service. The visit to the war cemetery was perhaps the most moving part of the tour while the museum is little move than a collection of photos and illustrations. The boat ride, train journey and lunch were all good and give you an appreciation of the location and situation the POW's worked under, although there is no evidence of the original bridge itself.
Review by: Michael H, February 2017
Great guide, looked after us well. what else is there to say.
Review by: JERRY C, January 2017
This tour is a MUST! The drive was long, about 190min to and back to Bangkok was about 2hrs, but we got to see the countryside and different provinces of Thailand. First stop was a cemetery, then the Jeath War Museum. From there a short 15 min long tail boat ride to the River Kwai center. if you're prone to getting seasick, don't worry. it's really not bad at all. My girlfriend gets seasick and she was ok. Our guide told the boat operator to go slow and he was cool about it. Lots of tourists there taking selfies at the bridge site and I've never seen SO many selfies sticks! From there we had a 45-1hr train ride to the Bridge Section called the Death section. The side of a cliff was cut by war prisoners, many of whom die during construction. Very sobering. Then from our train stop, was lunch, which was fantastic! Would do this trip again!
Review by: smatte, January 2017
Unfortunately, I would not recommend this tour. We had the poor fortune of having a terrible tour guide, who told us nothing about the history of this area during the second world war. On top of that it is a very long day by car to this area and an even longer car trip back._br/_ The ride on the train was the most interesting part. However, over all, I would not say that made it a worthwhile trip. Perhaps visiting this_br/_ area while staying near here and with a different guide would make it a better experience. We found it much too long a journey from_br/_ Bangkok.
Review by: John N, January 2017
The trip delivered what it said: a great combination of car trip to the Bridge, boat ride and railway experience. One comment is that, for an older less mobile person, getting down to the seat on the river boat is extremely difficult because the seat is almost at floor level. The Guide and Driver were friendly and professional providing sufficient information but not too much. The included lunch was more than adequate.
Review by: Anthony T, January 2017
Excellent! Great day with excellent knowledgeable guide Kassem.
Review by: Lynda W, January 2017
Knowledgeable guide made the trip a worthwhile experience. The driver was excellent navigating heavy holiday traffic. A terrific day out of the bustle of Bangkok. Time estimated was way off and the tour takes much longer than stated in information. Train trip and boat journey highlights of a great day out. Lunch rather ordinary buffet style. _br/_ Altogether a moving day of history and wonderful scenery to view on the way.
Review by: Michael C, December 2016
Although I sent two complaints to this company they never investigated or bothered to give me anything except an acknowledgement _br/_ Of my email._br/_ Still waiting._br/_ Mr M Curry
Review by: Ronald B, December 2016
Everything was well organized and my guide Ram was fantastic.
Review by: Cameron P, August 2016
The Kwai bridge,Burma railway and POW war graves have always been in the top 10 of my bucket list._br/_ My guide was not only knowledgeable,but respectful of the history of this area. He made sure I was able to spend the right amount of time at all the locations, hassled and well informed. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the history of this area.
Review by: Richard W, July 2016
Superb tour! Our guide and driver were consummate professionals.
Review by: Jodie G, May 2016
We really enjoyed our tour of the River Kwai. It's worth the extra money to get the private tour.
Review by: Jan F, May 2016
One of the best tours done from Bangkok_br/_ Thoroughly recommend the private tour_br/_ No lining up,everything done for us_br/_ All tours will now be a private tour
Review by: Roger C, April 2016
This was an extremely moving experience. Having not studied the 20th Century history at school I found this tour very informative. It was a tour packed with information and great experiences that were complimented by an outstanding guide. A trip not to be missed and one that reminds us of the inhumanity of man towards others some times.
Review by: Helene M, April 2016
Trip was great but company was poor. My husband had a fall and there was no first aid kit. No water in car for our use, tour guide fell asleep and had poor English. Guide was very repetitive. Driver was excellent. For a private tour I would have hoped for better.
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