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River Kwai & Elephant Haven (RK1)

River Kwai Bridge in Kanchanaburi
Elephant sanctuary in Kanchanaburi

Description

  • 07:00 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 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.
  • After the Don Rak War Cemetery you will travel a short distance to the The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre which is an interactive museum, research and information centre dedicated to presenting the story of the Thailand-Burma Railway built during the World War II. This museum showcases an exhibition about the history of the Thailand-Burma railway and the educational exhibition displays information and photographs about the planning and construction processes of the Death Railway as well as the geography and local living condition during World War II before the bombing and end of the railway. After the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre you will then travel to Elephant Haven (elephant sanctuary) in Kanchanaburi.
  • Lunch at Elephant Haven (Thai vegetarian food).
  • Elephant Haven is a famous elephant sanctuary in the beautiful Sai Yok district of Kanchanaburi which has introduced their elephant freedom project. This project has brought 7 elephants to freedom and your visit will support them to provide the best possible care for the herd. Elephant Haven operates a ‘saddle off’ policy and there is no riding of elephants at this sanctuary. The elephants at Elephant Haven herd have the freedom to roam, socialise, enjoy a mud bath and cool down in the River Kwai which runs through the sanctuary. In this beautiful setting you can observe the elephants behaviour and learn more about their complex social structure. You will watch the elephants playing in a mud pit and can walk with the elephants to the river and help bathe the elephants. You can then walk with the elephants through the forest back to the main project area and feed the elephants. A wonderful elephant experience.
  • 17:30 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
  • War Cemetery (Don Rak)
  • Thailand–Burma Railway Centre
  • Lunch
  • Elephant Haven
  • Bathing & feeding elephants
  • Travel insurance
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