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Rickshaw Travel
Thailand & Laos
Traveller waving from train

The River and the Railway

Bite-sized trip
  • Itinerary:
    Bangkok - River Kwai - Erawan waterfall - Kanchanaburi
  • Duration:
    3 days / 2 nights
  • Price:
    from £264 per person (excluding flights)
This River Kwai rafts trip is one of our favourite bite-size trips, taking you through the diverse landscape along the River Kwai- an essential experience in Thailand. You will begin with a visit to a market with local fresh produce. From there, you'll visit a museum on the construction of the Burmese Railway and take a boat to your home for the night - a unique floating guest house on the River Kwai. The following day, you'll take a swim in the aquamarine pools of Erawan falls and ride the rails of the infamous Death railway to the Bridge over the River Kwai.
Couple stood on River Kwai bridge

Day 1 – Bangkok to Kanchanaburi

Early this morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Bangkok by minibus. Your first stop will be a market with shops and fresh fruit stalls. After stocking up, you’ll continue your journey into the tropical province of Kanchanaburi where you’ll stop for lunch before visiting the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum where you will learn all about the building of the Death Railway and those that worked and died here.

Next you’ll continue on to your floating accommodation where the rest of the afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish. You’ll have your own en-suite hut, complete with a hammock to laze in and although there’s no electricity, the banks of the river will be lit with flickering oil lamps. In the evening you will enjoy a local dinner at the restaurant where traditional dances are performed.

Day 2 – Kanchanaburi – Erawan waterfalls – Death Railway

After waking up in your floating hut, you’ll begin your journey by longtail boat. Your first stop today is the Erawan National Park. The waterfalls here have seven levels with a height difference of 1500m. Depending on your walking speed, it will take about 1 hour to reach the top but your efforts will be rewarded when you relax in the sparkling waters.

After a tasty lunch you will continue your journey to Nam Tok station to ride the rails on the infamous Burma Railway. The haunting Death Railway was built by POWs during the Second World War and your guide will explain the shocking history of the rails. Next you’ll hop back in the minibus for the short drive to the Bridge over the River Kwai. The historical bridge is an amazing sight, and part of the original viaduct remains today.

After your time on the bridge comes to an end you’ll head to a comfortable hotel located near the river in central Kanchanaburi. Your room has its own balcony overlooking the lush tropical gardens and there’s a swimming pool, perfect for a pre-dinner dip.

Day 3 – Departure from Kanchanaburi

This River Kwai trip finishes after breakfast today. From here you will continue with your Thailand adventure.

Accommodation

Kanchanaburi accommodation jungle raft
Kanchanaburi accommodation jungle raft hammock
Kanchanaburi accommodation jungle raft oil lamps

For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options

1Option

The River and the Railway - In Style accommodation

  • Price:
    From £354 per person (excluding flights)
  • Included:
    In Style accommodation, excursions, transport and meals as described above

For this bite-sized trip we have an alternative option available for your accommodation. Our In-Style version is something a bit more special or unique but still with lots of local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your accommodation for this bite-size trip select our In Style option below.

This bite-sized trip combines well with