Leave the bustling city of Bangkok behind for a full-day journey to Kanchanaburi, a province steeped in both history and natural beauty. This tour provides a moving glimpse into the legacy of the Death Railway while showcasing the lush landscapes of Erawan National Park.
Your day begins with a visit to the iconic Bridge on the River Kwai, a poignant symbol of courage and suffering during World War II. Built as part of a strategic railway to Burma, the bridge was constructed under brutal conditions by Allied prisoners of war, along with local laborers. Work that Japanese engineers expected to take at least five years was completed in just 16 months. The harsh reality of forced labor, malnutrition, illness, and mistreatment claimed the lives of more than 100,000 workers. Visiting the bridge is a powerful reminder of this difficult chapter in history.
From the bridge, embark on a short longtail boat ride along the river to the JEATH War Museum, taking in the scenic surroundings. The acronym JEATH stands for the primary nationalities involved in the construction of the railway: Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand, and Holland. This small museum displays original tools, photographs, and a bamboo hut replicating the shelters where prisoners lived. You can even see a dud bomb left from an Allied attempt to destroy the bridge.
After a reflective morning, we continue to Erawan National Park to immerse yourself in its stunning natural beauty. The park is home to the famous seven-tiered Erawan Falls, named after the three-headed elephant of Hindu mythology. The emerald pools invite a refreshing swim, while a hike to the top of the falls rewards you with panoramic views over the lush jungle.
At the end of a full day of history and nature, relax on the journey back to Bangkok, where you’ll be dropped off at your original meeting point, taking with you memories of both the region’s breathtaking scenery and its remarkable story.
Important notes:
- The journey from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, with an additional 1.5 hours from Kanchanaburi city to Erawan National Park. It’s a long day, but packed with fascinating history and stunning natural beauty, making every moment worthwhile.
Pick up/Meeting point:
We provide hotel pick-up only from accommodations located on/near Khao San Road and on Siam Square.
If you are not an actual guest at one of the hotels in our pick-up area, the designated meeting point will be our office on Chao Khamrop Road in Chinatown. Our office in Chinatown is just a short 5-minute walk from Wat Mangkon MRT (metro) station.
For the exact location of our WanderSiam office on Google Maps, please click HERE.
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58 Comments
5
A fantastic day
The trip is really well thought out with good timings and a variety of things to do. The car is very comfortable and we all slept on the first part of the journey arriving refreshed to learn about the POW history around the Railway and bridge. Our guide took time to explain this to us and show us around the museum. We took a boat to the bridge which was a nice surprise and gave more a view of how the railway fits in the landscape as you can see all the mountains and forests around.
We had a tasty meal on the way to the national park, and driving through the countryside you can see a different side of Thailand than the city.
The waterfalls were truely beautiful and so much fun to swim in, Nicky went above and beond and guided us to the very top waterfall and even took photos! This was more than you get on other tours where they just drop you at the car park.
After the full day we got dropped directly to our hotel.
5
Beautiful boat trip
It’s a very good experience, the guide gave us lot of information ! I recommend strongly this trip !!
5
Must know and Beautiful experience
Today we went in a boat to the River Kwai and the Erawan Falls Full Day Tour from Bangkok. Our tourleader Pai (Rampai), verry patiënt and explaining all details how rhe bridge was bild, making foto’s and waiting with our bags at the waterfalls whip we where walking to the next levels and taling a swim. Mr Noo the chauffeur was also verry polite and give us a verry save journey. We van recommand this tour, with this nice people
5
Nice trip to do
We did a tour to the river kwai and the waterfalls! We went with WanderSiam
We had a huid called Pai who knew a lot and was very friendly. I would-be recomment her
The driver: mr Noo did his job very well! We felt save in the car! So we were very satisfied !
5
Excellent Tour
A really fantastic tour. Our host, Paul, and driver, Frank, we’re both really good. The tour was relaxed and after an2 hour drive we arrived at the museum. This was ok but not amazing. We then took a boat to see the bridge and this was brilliant. Walked along bridge and had plenty of time for photos. We then headed to the waterfall in the national park and had a fab time there. Paul was great and didn’t rush us at all, great swimming and also a full body fish massage! Tour exceeded our expectations!!