Kanchanaburi Full Day Tour: River Kwai and Erawan Falls

Bangkok , Thailand

Kanchanaburi Full Day Tour: River Kwai and Erawan Falls

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(307 reviews)

12h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Leave the hustle and bustle of Bangkok behind you for a full day visit to Kanchanaburi province. While nowadays it is a popular destination for travelers all around the world, Kanchanaburi is steeped in the horrifying history of the Death Railway.
This full day tour is a perfect combination between history and nature with visits to the JEATH Museum, the Bridge on the River Kwai and Erawan National Park with its stunning waterfalls.

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS PER GROUP IS 10 PERSONS.

Available options

Kanchanaburi Full Day Tour: River Kwai and Erawan Falls

Pickup included

What's included

A bottle of drinking water

Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle

English speaking guide

Entrance fees for JEATH Museum and Erawan National Park

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The JEATH War Museum is dedicated to the story of the men who worked on the Death Railway. The acronym JEATH stands for the different nationalities of the POWs that worked on the construction of the railway between 1942 and 1943: Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand and Holland (The Netherlands).
The museum displays the actual items that were used for the construction of the Death Railway and it exhibits a large number of photographs taken by prisoners at the time. One of the three galleries featuring photos is housed within a bamboo hut that’s an exact replica of the shelters that the POWs (Prisoners of War) lived in during this time. The museum is also home to a bomb dropped by the allies to destroy the bridge but that failed to explode.

NOTE: TOTAL TIME IS INCLUDING TRAVELING TIME FROM BANGKOK TO KANCHANABURI

Stop 2

The Bridge on the River Kwai was part of a strategic railway route to Burma in which the Japanese aimed to secure supplies with which to conquer other western Asian countries. It was 415 kilometres long and passed through the Three Pagodas Pass in Sangkhlaburi District, the northern most part of Kanchanaburi province. The Japanese Imperial Army brought the iron bridge from Java during the Japanese occupation of Thailand in World War II. It was then resembled by Allied Prisoners of War (POW) under Japanese supervision.
Visiting the River Kwai Bridge and the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery encourages one to contemplate the intolerable treatment Allied prisoners of war, Thais, Burmese and Malayans were subjected to under the Japanese Imperial Army during the construction of the notorious Burma Railway, better known as Death Railway.
The work on the railway was completed in 16 months, despite calculations by Japanese engineers that the construction would take at least 5 years!

Stop 3

Founded in 1975 as Thailand’s 12th National Park, the Erawan National Park is home to one of the most popular waterfalls in the country. The major attraction of the park is the 7-tiered Erawan Falls with emerald green ponds. The fall is called after the three-headed elephant from Hindu mythology as the top cataract resembles it.
Here you have enough time for a refreshing swim right in the middle of the jungle or even walk to the top level of the waterfalls (if weather permits).

Do not forget to bring swimwear and a towel.

NOTE: TOTAL TIME IS INCLUDING TRAVELING TIME FROM KANCHANABURI TO BANGKOK

What's not included

Lunch

Personal expenses

Gratuities for driver and guide (not mandatory)

Life jacket, Erawan Falls

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

51 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

256 reviews

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238

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Bring swimwear and a towel. We also recommend to wear proper walking shoes.

Maximum number of participants per group is 10 persons.

IMPORTANT: The exact meeting/departure time will be informed in a private message via the booking platform the day before before the tour. Departure time can be between 07:00-07:30 hrs depending on the number of participants on your travel date. Please carefully check your message the day before.

Meeting point

The meeting point is at our office (WanderSiam; see photo) in Chao Khamrop Road, opposite the ‘Tai Hong Kong Shrine’ and Phlapphla Chai 2 Police Station (for taxi: สถานีตำรวจนครบาลพลับพลาไชย).

About Bangkok

Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is a dynamic blend of traditional culture and modern urban life. Known for its ornate temples, bustling street markets, and world-class street food, Bangkok offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

Top Attractions

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings that served as the royal residence from 1782 to 1925. It is a stunning example of Thai architecture and houses the Emerald Buddha.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours 500 THB

Wat Arun

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a stunning temple located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is famous for its beautiful porcelain decorations and the iconic prang (spire).

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours 50 THB

Chatuchak Weekend Market

One of the world's largest markets, Chatuchak Weekend Market offers a vast array of goods, from clothing and accessories to food and antiques.

Shopping/Cultural Half day to full day Varies

Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River is the lifeblood of Bangkok. Taking a boat tour along the river offers a unique perspective of the city and its many temples and palaces.

Nature/Scenic 1-3 hours Varies

Chatuchak Park

Chatuchak Park is a large and lush urban park that offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city. It is home to a variety of plants, animals, and recreational facilities.

Nature/Relaxation 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pad Thai

Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, and a sweet and tangy sauce, garnished with crushed peanuts and lime.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Tom Yum Goong

A spicy and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili.

Dinner Contains seafood.

Som Tum

A spicy green papaya salad made with shredded papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and a tangy dressing.

Lunch/Snack Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Mango Sticky Rice

Sweet ripe mango served with sticky rice and coconut milk.

Dessert Vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Erawan National Park Kayaking on the Chao Phraya River ATV tours in Hin Lek Fai Spa and massage treatments Boat tours on the Chao Phraya River Visiting temples and parks Visiting temples and historical sites Attending traditional Thai performances

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the most pleasant time to visit with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. It's peak tourist season with lively festivals and events.

22°C to 34°C 72°F to 93°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Thai
Widely spoken: English, Chinese
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Bangkok is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime, scams, and traffic accidents can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests.
• Avoid unlicensed taxis and tuk-tuks.
• Be wary of jet ski rentals and gem shops.

Getting there

By air

Suvarnabhumi Airport • 30 km from city center
Don Mueang International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Hua Lamphong Railway Station, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal

By bus

Mo Chit Bus Terminal, Ekamai Bus Terminal, Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai)

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and air-conditioned, the MRT is a convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Khao San Road Sukhumvit Chinatown (Yaowarat) Silom Banglamphu

Day trips

Ayutthaya

80 km from Bangkok • Full day

Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. It is known for its stunning temples and historical ruins.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

105 km from Bangkok • Half day to full day

Damnoen Saduak is one of the most famous floating markets in Thailand, offering a unique shopping and dining experience on the water.

Maeklong Railway Market

80 km from Bangkok • Half day to full day

Maeklong Railway Market is a unique market where vendors set up their stalls on the railway tracks, and a train passes through several times a day.

Festivals

Songkran • April 13-15 Loy Krathong • Full moon night in November Vegetarian Festival • September/October (dates vary by year)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Thai phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway to avoid traffic and get around the city quickly and efficiently.
Haggle and bargain when shopping at markets and street stalls, but do so politely and respectfully.
Try street food, but choose stalls with high turnover and good hygiene practices.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites.