Skip to content

Kanchanaburi, River Kwai & Skywalk (RK4)

River Kwai Bridge in Kanchanaburi
River Kwai Bridge
Flags at the JEATH War Museum in Kanchanaburi.
Skywalk at Kanchanaburi
Fluffy clouds and blue sky view from the Kanchanaburi Skywalk.

Description

  • 07:30 Pickup from your hotel in Bangkok and travel to the River Kwai Bridge which is a historically significant bridge located in Kanchanaburi province. It is one of the major attractions in this region and holds great historical importance due to its connection to World War II. During the Second World War the Japanese Imperial Army occupied Thailand and used forced labor including prisoners of war and Asian laborers to construct a railway line connecting Thailand to Myanmar (then Burma). The construction of the railway was a grueling and challenging task given the difficult terrain and harsh working conditions. The section of the railway that crossed the Mae Klong River (also known as the Kwai Yai River) required a bridge to span the river’s width.
    The River Kwai Bridge was built using wooden and concrete materials and was completed in 1943. The construction involved immense human suffering as thousands of laborers lost their lives due to the harsh conditions, maltreatment and disease. After the war the original wooden bridge was replaced with a stronger steel and concrete structure. Today the River Kwai Bridge stands as a symbol of the past and serves as a memorial to the thousands who lost their lives during its construction.
  • After the River Kwai Bridge you will visit the JEATH War Museum. The name JEATH is derived from countries engaged in the Death Railway construction from 1942 to 1945 (Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand and Holland). The JEATH War Museum displays photographs and illustrations narrating the living conditions of the prisoners of war (POWs) during that cruel time, some of which were donated by former POWs who survived.
  • After the JEATH War Museum you will visit the War Cemetery also known as the Don Rak War Cemetery. The Don Rak War Cemetery is a solemn and significant memorial located in Kanchanaburi and serves as a final resting place for thousands of Allied prisoners of war who lost their lives during the construction of the Death Railway in World War II. The Don Rak War Cemetery is situated close to the River Kwai Bridge and is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and contains the graves of over 6,000 Allied and Asian prisoners of war. Within the cemetery grounds there is a memorial building that displays the names of nearly 12,000 prisoners of war who died while working on the railway but have no known graves. The Don Rak War Cemetery is beautifully landscaped and provides a serene and peaceful environment for visitors to pay their respects and reflect on the sacrifices made during the war.
  • Lunch at local restaurant.
  • After lunch you will then visit the Kanchanaburi Skywalk. Kanchanaburi Skywalk is a 12m high and 150m long glass walkway that runs alongside the Kwae Yai river and is designed to give visitors a bird’s eye view of where the Kwae Yai and Kwae Noi rivers meet. From the Kanchanaburi Skywalk you will get beautiful views of the converging rivers flowing through lush green surroundings with mountains in the background.
  • After the Kanchanaburi Skywalk you will take a 30 minute longtail boat ride along the River Kwai.
  • 16:30 Return to your hotel.

** Guide times are approximate depending upon local traffic and weather conditions and can also be adjusted to suit your own personal requirements **

Tour includes

  • Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
  • English speaking local tour guide
  • All applicable entrance fees
  • River Kwai Bridge
  • JEATH War Museum
  • Lunch
  • Kanchanaburi Skywalk
  • Longtail boat ride along the River Kwai
  • Travel insurance
BOOK THIS TOUR