Bridge On The River Kwai And Thailand-burma Railway Guided Tour

The bridge, river, train authentic- great. The private guide was a disaster, felt we were scammed. Will contact company once we are home. Asked for our passport and birthdate. Charged extra for train car so we could sit and not stand.

It was very educational. We learned a lot about what the Japanese POWs went through in building the Burma-Thailand Railroad at the Death museum. The ride on the railroad and seeing where a mountain pass was cut through was also very exciting not to mention walking across the bridge over the River Kwai. A long day but filled with memorable activities. Well worth it!

If you're into the WWII history and/or want to explore another side of Thailand near Bangkok, then I highly recommend this day trip. To start with, an early but prompt hotel pick-up in a comfortable Van. Our guide Rach gave our group a rundown of what we will see and what to expect, including the optional guaranteed Train seat. In all the trip took us to various locations, train ride, bridge viewing and walk at two locations including a cave. Lunch buffet was good and from a senic riverside location. Cemetery visit was impressive and the return ride was fine getting our group back to our Bangkok hotels between 5pm-530pm. Special thanks to the Guide Rach and the driver for their attention. One tip for the driver... Turn on the Van and Air-conditioning 5-10 minutes before the group returns to minimize the discomfort of a very hot van and sweating until the interior cools. Or if not park with some windows open.... Your guests will thank you 😊

We had a fantastic day with Rach and our driver, Ting! Rach was friendly, knowledgeable and passionate, making the tour enjoyable from start to finish, while Ting ensured we travelled comfortably and safely throughout the day. Both were brilliant and helped make our experience in Thailand extra special. We couldn’t recommend Rach and Ting highly enough and would happily book with them again. Thank you both for such a wonderful experience! 🇹🇭😊

Long periods in Van which was old and uncomfortable. Air conditioning was poor. Lots of confusion about itinerary, timings venues due to poor communication

The pick up was efficient and friendly. The guide was extremely knowledgeable. The driver was very careful and it was a very pleasant day.

The actual tour at destination Ok, guide good, but let down with very poor quality minibus. As I was last pickup, I had back seat; very rough ride as rear suspension banged and clunked over every small bump, even on freeway. Aircond almost non existent at rear, unless it was raining(??). At freeway speeds, very loud rear axle high pitch noise (headache)

Good day tour. Very moving visit to the war cemetery, a walk across the bridge over the River Kwai and a scenic train journey along part of the ‘death railway’ were highlights. Everything went smoothly. Oom, our guide, was very knowledgeable. Lunch was good. Traffic back to our hotel was horrendous but the driver did his best cheerfully. Would recommend this tour.

Pick up from our hotel was prompt. Guide, Oom, was very knowledgeable and spoke good English. We had plenty of time to visit the memorial, the museum and take the train. We paid an additional fee to have guaranteed seats for the 90min journey which was worth it. It was a long day but so pleased we did it.

A must do . Well organized tour. A insight to the horrors of war. And the conditions of soldiers and civilians endured. Driver and guide were excellent.

We have travelled many times and this tour was one of the best we have ever done. Our guide Rach was excellent with so much knowledge, easy to understand and we can’t rate him high enough. Our driver was also excellent

Guide wasn’t very good. Kept talking about things that were not very relevant and was boring in information. The food also was not great

Oom ensured we had the best experience possible and the tour was great. Recommend this tour to others.

The tour was well organized and everything ran according to schedule, but overall it didn’t fully meet my expectations. The places included in the itinerary, especially the Bridge over the River Kwai, are historically interesting and worth visiting, but the experience felt a bit rushed at times. The transportation was comfortable, and the staff was polite and professional. However, I would have appreciated more detailed explanations during the tour and a little more free time at some of the main stops to explore on my own and take pictures. Loverall, it was a decent day trip and a convenient way to visit these historical sites if you have limited time. While there were some enjoyable moments, I believe there is room for improvement in terms of pacing and the overall experience. It was good, but not particularly memorable.

An excellent experience and also a great way to see this important piece if history, if you’re based in Bangkok. Our guide, Oom, was brilliant and looked after us very well. His insight and knowledge was great and delivered with a good sense of humour. We travelled on the river by speedboat, walked along the bridge twice and then rode the train along the bridge. Lunch was also good with a view of the river while we ate. And as always with matters relating to war, some of it was harrowing but on the whole very thought provoking and educational. We had a great day out.

This was an amazing trip to go on, we would have liked longer at the cemetery and museum although this would have made a long day even longer. Our guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining, and made sure we knew exactly what to expect along the way

We did a few trips from Bangkok and did not really enjoy this one. The guide was informative and the places were interesting to visit, but too much time was spent travelling or waiting with nothing to do, and the bus was very uncomfortable, even on good roads. The CWGC cemetery was beautiful and the bridge was interesting to see from an historical perspective. However, we were supposed to be going on the train in the morning but because it was a public holiday in Thailand the train was full and the tour company had no tickets for it despite us booking the tour a long time in advance. Therefore, they changed the order of things for us to get an afternoon train instead and we had to wait over two hours for it to come with nothing to do. I appreciate that the company are not in control of the train timetable and it was not their fault that it was a public holiday, but when I booked the tour, I expected I was actually booking tickets on a specific train. I also think we should have been advised of the changes before the tour actually started. The train ride was okay, but I would not say spectacular. The Wampo viaduct and the bridge itself are more impressive looked at from off the train than experienced on it. As a family with four days in Bangkok we felt like this was a wasted day and we could have spent the time seeing far more elsewhere. Even if the programme had not been changed and the train was on time, I think the amount of time spent travelling would not have been worth it. If you are considering doing this, I would look for a trip that combined it with something else or just get the train directly from Bangkok instead of going on a tour as the cemetery and war museum are easy to get to from the bridge by boat.

A very worthwhile tour for those interested in military history, and Oom, our guide, was able to impart a huge amount of information. It was a long, but varied day, and it certainly was filled with activities. Highly recommended to other travellers.

I had an amazing experience on this trip and it exceeded my expectations. Mr. Oom our guide is quite a character and made the long day enjoyable. Because this is a long day with the drive there and back. Once there the visit to the small museum and then the real attraction begins with the long boat to the bridge then watching the train cross then you can cross at your leisure. Then a short drive to the station for a 75min train journey through picturesque country side. You should be aware that as the windows are open to see everything fumes and dust do enter the coaches but it's a small price to pay for the experience. After the train ride we went for the buffet lunch at a restaurant with beautiful views over the valley and the food wasn't bad either. Overall I would say this trip is worth the cost and the time.

Travis was wonderful, I highly recommend booking if you are interested in WWII history

If you enjoy history, this experience is for you! They organized all details so incredibly, from bathroom breaks, lunch, and pickups/drop offs. Be prepared to pay the 300 bath cost for a train seat, per person, in cash. Water was also provided throughout. Our tour guide, Oom, was very thorough and knowledgeable about the history of the Bridge and POWs. The tour may leave you feeling a bit melancholy, but overall it was an experience we were glad to attend.

Was a great experience to visit such a historical location in our shared history from WW2

5 hour combo private. Fantastic guide, Rach and smooth driver. Train and boat rides were fantastic, prime seating for the two of us. Buffet lunch at train stop excellent also. Really really great value quality experience.

What an absolutely fantastic day out. We had Mr Rach who was a fantastic tour guide and so knowledgeable and as guests have said - very attentive and wonderful at taking photos of all of us all day. Our driver always made us feel safe throughout the day as well. The day was filled with trains, long boats, amazing history and lovely food at lunch. Well worth the upgrade on the train too. We highly recommend this trip with Rach (5 stars)!!!

Take lots of water if it the wet season, good shores,hat and have a wonderful day and you will see lots

This I Asia Thailand tour, with our guide Mr Rach, was an excellent day and exceeded my expectations. Communication from both Mr Ake and Mr Rach was superb. I was kept well informed before the tour day, which made everything feel easy and organised. I recommend taking sunscreen, which I forgot, and a hat. There was a welcome bottle of water on pick-up, as well as stops along the way to purchase cold drinks. And take a small pack of tissues because some of the stops didn’t have toilet paper! The order of the stops was different from the original booking, but we fitted so much into the day that it didn’t matter at all. The pacing was perfect. I was post-surgery, so I was a little worried about my energy and mobility, but everything was manageable. Both the tour operator and the other guests were extremely supportive and protective. Mr Rach was incredibly knowledgeable about the sites we visited and answered every question. The sites themselves were moving and memorable. He also took photos of everyone in the group throughout the day — and he definitely knows all the best shots! He sent them to us via WhatsApp afterwards so we could keep them. He made sure we had the best seats on the train ride along the “Death Railway”. The upgrade from economy — aka cattle class with wooden seats — was optional, but for only 200 THB we were able to get padded vinyl seating. We were also given instructions on the best side of the train to sit on for the greatest views. There was even a surprise welcome package on the train, with a bottle of cold water, a cooling wipe and a small cake. There was a buffet lunch included with a wide variety of foods — I’m a fussy eater but found the “Thai KFC” as Mr Rach called it (crumbed chicken thighs) and fries suited my palate. The others who were more food-oriented enjoyed the range of soups and other dishes available. Drinks were reasonably priced and the sweets were delicious. Over the course of the day, we travelled by long boat, train, air-conditioned van and on foot, which made the whole experience varied, interesting and unforgettable. Highly recommend I Asia Thailand and Mr Rach.

our tour guide was rushing everywhere we did not spend a lot of time at the places we wanted to visit.the guide did not know much about the history of the bridge

Amazing experience. We were picked up and dropped off directly at our hotel which was very convenient especially for such an early departure. We got a breakfast stop after the early departure. The cemetery was moving and the museum was quaint but interesting. The motor boat ride and train ride were both spectacular. The included lunch was great.

Pick up was on time, had phone call night before to confirm. Bus needs an upgrade! Seating is not suitable for tall people with longer legs and the air con was inefficient. Couldn't wait to get off to be honest, by the end of the day We were 15mins off a 12hr day! Bus speed slow, Max was about 75-95km on freeway. Guide and driver were very lovely people. Buffet lunch was nice over looking the River Kwai, in an open spaced restaurant. Thought we were going to a cave with a buddah but that didn't happen. Were told we would have "one foot in Thailand and 1 foot in Myanmar" (Burma) as in on the border, but weren't told where that was! (?) Would of been cool. Being at the war cemetery was kind of surreal for us, being Australians, and only 5 days away from 25th April ( ANZAC Day), could of stayed here a bit longer to be honest. (could of stayed at all the sites longer) It needs a more modern bus that travels quicker, (speed limit) then that would allow more time at the destination sites. 300tbh for the bus was worth it. There's alot of plantations along the train route. Very interesting too, I thought. Would I recommend this tour? Yes. Thank you.

It is a bumpy ride in a small van. It's pretty far. The cemetery is very well maintained. The museum is small and run down, though informative. The small boat ride is nice. Enjoyed walking across the bridge. Took the train, it's 1h30 long, I recommend the 300 baht seating. It even comes with a snack and water. The end of the ride is the best with picture opportunities and a very nice lunch place overlooking the river. Our guide Oom was very informative.

This was an early start for the young kids (4&2) but wow they loved it. What a tour to go on. The wife who isn’t into military history loved it also. The guide was amazing as was the driver. 100% up to speed on the history. They were both great with the kids on the boat ride and the train journey. I would recommend this tour to anyone. The place where you stop for food is amazing also and cheap beer for the lads!

This is dark tour covering some of the abhorrent abuse of POWs forces into labour during WW2 in building the railway at the behest of the Japanese. You really get a feel for the harsh conditions and can totally understand why so many men died. It is breathtaking to see what was achieved and the scenery is truly beautiful. It just feels wrong to smile in your photos.

The guide had the hump with us to begin with, he called at our hotel at 6.30am, we wasn’t ready ,All emails and booking confirmation said 7.00am, Did not receive any contact from guide to confirm pick up !!! Disappointed with length of time on train and river view from train, compared to 4 hours in uncomfortable , cramped minibus The lunch was nice with pleasant view only 110THB for a beer and bottle of coke

Amazing experience. Tour was great. Highly recommend.

A full day trip to various WWII sites of forced labour, cemetary, museum etc. I found this tour being well organized and had a really good day!

This was a good tour! It was a long day, but it was worth it. Our guide was very enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and helpful. I was very impressed by the cemetery, and though I found the museum a bit small and dusty, it was interesting. Personally, I enjoyed taking the boat down the river and underneath the famous Kwai bridge. Not everyone did, and they had the option to ride in the mini bus. My grandfather was a POW and worked on the railroad, so it was very meaningful for me to ride the train. I am happy we had time to wander along the tracks after lunch and go into the cave. I was equally happy that we got a chance to go back to the bridge on the river Kwai and walk on that. It was a great trip.

Tour operator was prompt to pick us up. All the activities were valuable to remind you of the history involved with choosing to do this tour. The activities flowed well and went smoothly. We saw so many things and were given ample free time to walk the bridges and museums on our own. Well chosen itinerary to educate you about the history of the area. Although van was air conditioned, all the activities were outside and it is hot. You will spend several hours outside. The tour does provide lunch at an open air restaurant but no drink and no water in the van. So it is a 10-11 hour tour with no water and lots of heat. Our guide had basic English related to the tour but couldn’t really answer questions or understand us. He was also sick and claimed heat exhaustion from overworking but he seemed to have a runny nose, fever, chills, sweating, sleepy. One of us had a sore throat after spending the day with him. Still definitely worth the trip.

The whole trip from start to finish was amazing. Rach our guide was incredible, very knowledgeable and kept everything interesting. Every aspect of the trip was planned and organised very well and we arrived back to our hotel earlier then planned. Could not fault anything at all. Again Rach our guide was superb 👌

This was a really great informative trip. Oom was a great guide with lots of knowledge about the wartime occurrences. Would definitely recommend. The downside was the journey home was long - 4 hours including an hour shuttling around Bangkok once we got back as we were the last drop off.

Content of the tour is great tour guides were great But the van was an absolute beat up piece of crap speed limit on hiway was 120 van was only capable of 70 or 80 hour and half drive turned into 3 hours to get home

The tour is a wonderful experience and the tour guide Oom was very informative. The lunch was good and you can sit and eat overlooking the river. I can recommend the tour and tour company was professional. If I can say one negative thing which I don’t think the company can control is the mini van. If you are cover 5foot 10inches then whatever you do don’t seat behind the driver or the front passenger seat, I say again don’t seat behind them otherwise your knees will just about be wrapped around your neck, there is very little room and after 30 minutes your knees and feet will be aching and you can’t stretch your legs. Otherwise well done to the tour company I will certainly recommend you.

Highlight of my trip so far very poignant and the host knew his stuff probably was very hopeful of getting back to drop off at hotel at a time that wasn't realistic is my only criticism

13 hour round trip from Bangkok. Buffet lunch was great. Vehicle air conditioning could have been better

This is a long day where some components of the tour are shortened to manage time. The key is a modern people carrier. Ours was lacking good suspension which required the driver to slow down on many occasions particularly at road/bridge expansions joints. The effect was a slow drive out to Kanchanaburi and return to Bangkok. As a result we spent little time at the War Cementery, which was if particularly interest to us. The rest of the tour was valued, the highlight being the train ride. The tour did not include Hellfire Pass walk. The return to Bangkok was long and challenging in a small vehicle with 15 occupants. Check transfer vehicle before taking this tour as it will determine your experience particularly with the Bangkok’s traffic conditions.

Amazing experience that I would've really struggled with doing on my own. Guide and driver were wonderful and knowledgeable. Everything went smoothly and they were helpful with a member of my group who was struggling. Cannot recommend more strongly-do it you won't regret it! Love this tour company!

The whole day from start to finish was well organised and informative and enjoyed by us all. Amust do if your in Bangkok or staying close by.

This tour was amazing. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave us some really good information and insight about the Japanese invasion and history of making of the bridge

Our guide for the day was Oom. We met in my hotel lobby at the very minute promised! Travelling out of Bangkok we had a refreshment/comfort break (great coffee at best price). The break is needed because there was an up to 2 hours drive to our first stop - a War Graves Commission maintained cemetery; immaculate but solemn. Our next stop was at a museum, then to a pier to board a 'Speed Boat' to the Bridge - if you prefer the offer to follow the speed boat by the mini-bus is an option. It's not a long trip , but for the less pliable traveller (like me) it was a bit of an effort to board the boat! Then we walk the Bridge. Again be fully aware of your capabilities it's not a difficult walk but I recommend you're well balanced! We then got back on the bus and taken to the railway station where we had reserved seats in first class (note, that will be an additional ฿300 paid to Oom) don't expect too much, at least we had a seat is about the best I can say. After about 45 long minutes on rather hard seats we arrive at a kind of clearing, very well prepared for tourists. There's a market, we had lunch (a buffet of hot/cold food, hot/cold drinks. We had a half hour to visit the market stalls and boarded the mini-bus back to Bangkok. It was a longer drive back, a different route and, as expected the Bangkok traffic delayed us probably by an extra hour! Oom was brilliant. He kept us informed, always gave advance information on the schedule and was always around to take pictures for you or answer any questions. I fully recommend the tour.

Seeing the river and bridge Kwai was an inspiring and sobering experience. We walked the bridge, boated up to it and took a train over it. So much history and loss is represented. The only downside is the long bus ride to and from the location. This is a one time must see tour!