River Kwai, Train Ride, Krasae Cave & Muang Sing Historical Park (RK3)
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. - At the River Kwai Bridge you will board a local train and take a train ride along the Death Railway which runs through beautiful local scenery and historical sites. This route takes passengers across the River Kwai Bridge and through the picturesque countryside of Kanchanaburi province. The journey provides insights into the tragic history of the Death Railway and the significant human suffering that occurred during its construction. As you ride the train you can view the beautiful landcape and remember the thousands of lives lost and the hardships endured by those who were forced to build the Death Railway. You will ride along the Death Railway for 1 hour before the train reaches Tham Kra Sae Station where you will disembark and then travel by vehicle to a local restaurant.
- Lunch at local restaurant.
- After lunch you will visit Krasae Cave which is located right next to the Death Railway. Within Krasae Cave there is a Buddha image enshrined and this cave is also known as ‘Krasae Buddha Cave’ or ‘Krasae Cave Temple’. Krasae Cave is one of the points along the Death Railway route where workers encountered formidable geological obstacles. Krasae Cave provided a natural shelter and protection for the railway workers during construction where it served as a rest stop and a place to take refuge from the harsh weather conditions and the danger of bombing raids by Allied forces. Krasae Cave is situated beside the scenic Khwae Noi River and offers stunning views of the surrounding limestone cliffs and lush vegetation making it a picturesque and historically significant site.
- After Krasae Cave you will travel to the Muang Sing Historical Park. The history of Muang Sing Historical Park goes back to a period between 857 and 1157 when the Khmer Kingdom was flourishing. Records show that this town was abandoned until the reign of King Rama I (1782-1809) when the name Muang Sing first showed in chronicles of this time period. Muang Sing was a fortified town protecting the town of Kanchanaburi and was built in the Bayon-style therefore similarities between the Muang Sing Historical Park and the Angkor Wat are very apparent. The architecture at Muang Sing Historical Park is very old and beautiful and there are four large monuments located in the historical park surrounded by a laterite wall.
- 18:00 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
- Death Railway train ride
- Lunch
- Krasae Cave
- Muang Sing Historical Park
- Travel insurance