10 Best Bangkok River Kwai Bridge Tours

The tours of the Bridge over the River Kwai are an incredible experience, because as well as seeing amazing scenery, you will learn about the history of the Second World War.

Andressa García

Andressa García

9 min read

10 Best Bangkok River Kwai Bridge Tours

Puente sobre el rio Kwae |©Uwe Schwarzbach

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to learn interesting facts about the bridge and how it was built. You can also visit and photograph other places of interest in the area, including the Burma Railway and the Damnoen Saduak floating market.

Without a doubt, signing up for a tour of the bridge over the River Kwai is one of the best things to see and do in Bangkok, because it allows you to get in touch with nature while enjoying panoramic views of the river. This type of tour is a great option for those interested in Thai history and culture.

1. 2-day tour of the River Kwai with accommodation in a floating hotel

Bridge over the River Kwai|©John Burn
Bridge over the River Kwai|©John Burn

On this 2-day tour of the River Kwai with accommodation in a floating hotel, you can explore the River Kwai region and its surroundings while enjoying the romantic and relaxing atmosphere of a floating hotel. You will visit sites such as the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, the JEATH Museum at Wat Chai Chumphon Temple and the Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery.

During this two-day tour, you will also have the opportunity to take a raft trip on the River Kwai and enjoy the views of the surrounding nature. At the end of the tour , you can stay at a floating hotel and enjoy the tranquillity of sleeping on the waters of the River Kwai. With all these features, this is undoubtedly one of the best tours of the River Kwai from Bangkok that you can take.

Important details

  • Price: You will need to pay around £750 per person.
  • Duration: This experience takes around 2 days to complete.
  • Means of transport: The entire tour is completed by boat.

2. Visit the Erawan waterfalls and the bridge over the River Kwai

Erawan National Park, Thailand.|©Piotr Gaborek
Erawan National Park, Thailand.|©Piotr Gaborek

If you want to visit the Erawan waterfalls and the bridge over the River Kwai, this is the option I recommend. During the tour , you will enjoy sites such as the Bridge over the River Kwai, where you will learn about its history and why it has been so famous since World War II.

You can also visit the JEATH War Museum, where your guide will tell you details about the construction of the bridge and the conditions that prisoners of war had to endure during its construction. The best thing about this excursion from Bangkok is that, in addition to learning interesting facts about the history of this Asian country, you will be able to enjoy a typical Thai lunch.

Details of interest

  • Price: You will have to pay around £130 per person for this complete experience.
  • Duration: This activity takes between 10 and 11 hours to complete.
  • Transport: The entire tour is conducted in a private van.

Book an excursion to Erawan and the Bridge over the River Kwai

3. Rafting tour on the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi

wooden boats on the riverbank|©Korawee Ratchapakdee
wooden boats on the riverbank|©Korawee Ratchapakdee

Without a doubt, rafting on the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi during the day is one of the best things to do in Bangkok during the summer, and even in almost any season. Before starting the rafting tour on the River Kwai, you will be given a brief information and safety briefing to ensure your safety during the tour. During this session, the guides will explain how to use the rafts and the necessary equipment for rafting.

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to stop and enjoy other activities such as swimming, hiking or exploring the area. If you don't like the idea of going on a raft on the River Kwai, you also have the option of signing up for a cruise in Bangkok, one of those that go along the River Kwai.

Important details

  • Price: This activity can cost approximately £100 per person.
  • Duration: The tour can last around 5 to 7 hours.
  • Means of transport: The entire tour is done on rafts.

Book a boat trip in Bangkok

4. Day trip to the Mekong Delta and the bridge over the River Kwai

Evening on the Mekong River, Thailand|©Alex Shcherbakov
Evening on the Mekong River, Thailand|©Alex Shcherbakov

During this tour, you will take a tour of the Mekong Delta, followed by a boat trip on the river, a visit to a local farm, and then on to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, where you will learn about the history of the Death Railway, which was built by Japanese prisoners of war.

On the tour, you will see many beautiful landscapes, but you will also have interesting experiences such as riding elephants in the jungle and learning about animal care on local farms.

In addition, during this tour you will have the opportunity to sample Thai and Cantonese cuisine. This is an experience that is as educational as it is entertaining, fun and delicious. With all these features, this tour certainly qualifies as one of the best food tours in Bangkok.

Details of interest

  • Price: Prices start at £35 per person.
  • Duration: The entire tour can last around 10 hours.
  • Transportation: Partof the trip is by boat and part by private car.

5. Bicycle tour of Kanchanaburi with a visit to the Bridge over the River Kwai

kanchanaburi|©Half Man Half Shark!
kanchanaburi|©Half Man Half Shark!

This is undoubtedly one of the best bike tours in Bangkok, as it allows you to discover the town of Kanchanaburi. The experience begins with a visit to the Bridge over the River Kwai and its museum, where you will learn about its history and importance during World War II. Later, you will hop on a bike to explore Erawan National Park.

One of the things you'll love most about Erawan National Park is its many nature trails and waterfalls where you can enjoy the scenery, connect with nature and take incredible photographs. Of course, in the middle of the tour, you'll have the opportunity to visit the bridge over the River Kwai, and the best part of this experience is that you'll be doing it on a bike, which makes the tour even more fun.

Details of interest

  • Price: This tour costs approximately £125 per person.
  • Duration: The activity takes around 9 hours to complete.
  • Means of transport: The entire tour is done by bicycle.

Book a bike tour in Bangkok

6. Train ride on the Death Railway and visit to the Bridge over the River Kwai

Dead Railway|©Yontrakarn Markpol
Dead Railway|©Yontrakarn Markpol

On this tour, you will discover the Burma Railway and one of the most famous sites along it, the Bridge over the River Kwai, located in the town of Kanchanaburi. This bridge is one of the most iconic symbols of the railway line and has been featured in numerous films and books.

On this train ride along the Death Railway, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the jungle and surrounding mountains, but you will also have the opportunity to learn about the shocking history of this means of transport. Your guide will take you to the Bridge over the River Kwai, where you can see it in all its glory. This is definitely a tour you should include in your list of things to do during your 3-day trip to Bangkok.

Interesting details

  • Price: To enjoy this type of tour, you will need to pay around £75 per person.
  • Duration: This experience takes between 9 and 10 hours to complete.
  • Means of transport: The entire tour is completed by train.

7. Take a ferry trip to see the city from the river and visit the famous bridge over the River Kwai

River ferry|©Taelum Warren
River ferry|©Taelum Warren

During this tour, you will enjoy wonderful views of the city from the river, as well as the natural beauty of the landscape, while learning more about the history of the bridge over the River Kwai and its importance in World War II. You will also be able to see the bridge up close, walk across it, and observe and photograph the surrounding landscape.

You can combine this experience with others such as a visit to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and the old Burma Railway, where your guide will give you a more specific and in-depth insight into the history. This trip is undoubtedly one of the best experiences to do in Bangkok at night because, in addition to the tour, you will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner and live entertainment during the trip.

Details of interest

  • Price: To enjoy this experience, you will need to pay around £55 per person.
  • Duration: This experience takes around 10 hours to complete.
  • Means of transport: The entire tour is completed by ferry.

8. Full day trip to the Bridge over the River Kwai, the Death Railway and the war cemetery in Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi_Cemetery|©Daniel Garzón Moreno
Kanchanaburi_Cemetery|©Daniel Garzón Moreno

This tour takes you to see the Burma Railway, as well as visiting the Bridge over the River Kwai and the war cemetery in Kanchanaburi. During this trip, you can also take a train ride on the Death Railway, during which you will have the opportunity to see the surrounding landscape.

Your guide will take you to visit other important historical sites in the region and provide valuable information about the events that took place at each location. The best part is that after exploring this area, you can board the train that connects Thailand and Myanmar. The last stop on the tour will be at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, which houses the graves of some 7,000 prisoners of war who lost their lives while building the railway.

Interesting details

  • Price: You will have to pay around £120 per person to enjoy this complete experience.
  • Duration: The entire tour can last between 11 and 12 hours.
  • Transportation: The tour is completed by private car.

9. Full day of bamboo rafting on the River Kwai with a visit to the bridge

wooden boats on the riverbank|©Korawee Ratchapakdee
wooden boats on the riverbank|©Korawee Ratchapakdee

This bamboo rafting experience on the river will be fun. In fact, it's an activity that you would include on your list of things to do in Bangkok with children and young people, thanks to the adrenaline rush it provides. During the raft trip, your guide will help you explore the history and legends of the province of Kanchanaburi in Thailand.

The experience is a full-day private excursion, so during that time you will not only be able to go bamboo rafting, but you will also be able to visit the Bridge over the River Kwai to learn about its history linked to the Second World War. But in addition to the river, you will also be able to visit the Erawan Waterfall and Tham Krasae Cave, important tourist attractions in the area.

Details of interest

  • Price: The tour costs approximately £170 per person.
  • Duration: This experience takes a full day to complete.
  • Transportation: Part of the tour is done on bamboo rafts and the rest by private car.

10. Bangkok's Bridge over the River Kwai and Hellfire Pass Tours

Hellfire Pass Thailand|©stephen whieldon
Hellfire Pass Thailand|©stephen whieldon

During this tour, you will visit Hellfire Pass, a 75-metre-long and 25-metre-deep section of rock excavated by hand by prisoners of war during World War II to serve as part of the Death Railway.

Your tour guide will tell you everything you want to know about this site where prisoners of war and forced labourers who worked on the construction of the railway were subjected to extremely harsh conditions, mistreatment, lack of food and water, and disease, which caused the death of many of them. During the walk along the trail located in the Hellfire Pass area, you will be able to get a historical glimpse of the unfortunate events that took place there.

Details of interest

  • Price: To enjoy this experience, you will need to pay around £140 per person.
  • Duration: The entire tour lasts approximately 10 to 12 hours.
  • Transportation: Partof the trip is by private car and part is on foot.

Tips for a tour of the bridge over the River Kwai in Bangkok

River Kwai, Thailand|©rigelnova
River Kwai, Thailand|©rigelnova
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the entire tour, keeping in mind that you will be walking a bit on this type of tour.
  • If you are travelling with children , ask your guide if the trip you plan to take is suitable for them.
  • Read a little about the history of these particular places so that you can enjoy your visit even more.