River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms
Experience Overview
Leave behind the fast-moving streets of the Thai capital and take time out to experience Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonder near the border of Burma (Myanmar). Explore this ancient Siam capital with a knowledgeable local guide, and see timeworn temples, bell-shaped chedis and intricately carved relics of Thailand’s golden era. Travel to the shady town of Kanchanaburi and pay tribute to the brave POWs who perished while building the infamous Hellfire Pass and Bridge on the River Kwai. Delve further into World War II history on a visit to the War Museum and Allied Cemetery before this historical sojourn completes the loop back in Bangkok.
Highlights
- Explore the ancient and modern history of Thailand with a three-day trip from Bangkok, taking in Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya.
- Uncover a golden age of Siam with the royal residences and atmospheric temples of ancient Ayutthaya.
- Swim in idyllic rock pools fed by waterfalls in the seven-tiered Erawan National Park. If you’re game, you can even take a short hike to the top for views across the jungle.
- Take a ride on the Death Railway and learn all about this tragic part of history at the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum.
- Travel to the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai for gorgeous views over the water.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2766
Tour Type:
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private minibus,Songthaew,Train
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: TTAR
Starts: Bangkok/Ayutthaya/Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Finishes: Kanchanaburi/Bangkok, Thailand
Duration: 3 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (2), Lunch (2),Accommodation: Hotel (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,505 ($502 /day)
Itinerary
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Around 8 am this morning, you’ll be picked up from the joining point hotel to begin your adventure. Your first stop is the Bang Pa Inn Palace – a former summer retreat of Thai kings on the Chao Phraya River. Admire the grounds, which are a combination of European and Thai designed buildings and gardens. Next, visit Ayutthaya – one of the ancient capitals of Siam and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, explore Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon – a temple that might offer a glimpse into the future, as it’s home to a fortune teller! Continue to Wat Phanan Cheoeng – Ayutthaya's answer to the Taj Mahal, this is one of Ayutthaya's oldest temples and home to a 19-m-high Buddha image. Behind the temple is a small 18th-century shrine built to honour a Chinese Princess, who drowned herself because of the king's infidelity. After lunch, move on to the 13th century ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat. The rows of Burmese beheaded Buddhas are very atmospheric and a Buddha head surrounded by Banyan tree roots is perhaps the most photographed site in all of Ayutthaya. Head west to Kanchanaburi and check into your resort, located on the famous River Kwai.
Included Activities:
- Ayutthaya - Ayutthaya Historical Park
- Bang Pa Inn Palace - Summer Palace
Accommodation:
- River Kwai Bridge Resort or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll visit Erawan National Park, where you can explore the seven-level waterfall or simply swim and relax. The falls are considered the most beautiful in the country, with glacial blue waters rushing through the forest into bamboo-shaded pools. If you want to make the climb all the way from level one to level seven, it’s about a 1.5-hour hike. After lunch, travel back to Kanchanaburi, where you'll learn about a tragic part of the area's history at Hellfire Pass Memorial, which was built to honour the Allied POWs and Asian conscripts who died while constructing some of the most difficult stretches of the Thai-Burma Death Railway. Travel to Nam Tok Train Station – the end of the original death railway station during World War II, which was constructed by the allied POWs. Ride along the historic tracks alongside the Kwai Noi River, passing through Tham Krasae Station – one of the most beautiful panoramic scenes of the river. After arriving at Kilen Train Station, transfer back to the hotel. Tonight, you have the option to head into Kanchanaburi's famous night markets and try a variety of Western Thai dishes.
Included Activities:
- Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park Visit
- Kanchanaburi - Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum
- Kanchanaburi - Historical Train Journey
Accommodation:
- River Kwai Bridge Resort or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, head out on a tour of the sights surrounding the town. This will include the WWII War Museum, the Allied War Cemetery and the Bridge over the River Kwai. Travel through lush scenery and back to a dark time in the area’s history. You’ll then end your Short Break Adventure and return to Bangkok, where your trip ends at approximately 2 pm. If you’d like to extend your stay in Bangkok, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Included Activities:
- Kanchanaburi - Tour (WWII museum, Allied War Cemetery, Bridge over River Kwai)
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Sarah - Traveled, November 2023
Well worth the trip! Was very humbling to be able to visit Hellsfire Pass, and the war cemetery and museum. The waterfalls were delightful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/11/2023
Neil - Traveled, October 2023
Excellent tour Tour leader was fantastic and very knowledgeable, local knowledge goes along way when your are touring
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2023
Steven - Traveled, October 2023
Brilliant trip, excellent accommodation and tour guide was the best we have had on all of our tours so far, knowledgeable and courteous Highly recommended for those trying to expand their horizons
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2023
Tania - Traveled, September 2023
Fantastic experience. Our trip leader was friendly, knowledgeable and everything was perfect!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Geoff - Traveled, August 2023
Excellent trip, our guide was great, even found dragon boat racing to watch. Respectful of cultural aspects and some good fun activities yo do.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/21/2023
Teresita - Traveled, July 2023
The places are worth seeing, add to how local people appreciate their history
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
Isabella - Traveled, May 2023
This River Kwai trip was absolutely brilliant, particularly because we only had a week in Thailand. The sites were amazing and the nature of the tour meant we saw a huge amount in just a few days. The frequent stops to try different Thai food and snacks were very welcome! It was excellently organised and led by the welcoming, friendly, knowledgable and enthusiastic Nai. He even gave us lots of recommendations for our last few days in Bangkok. What a wonderful guide and what a wonderful country! We had a brilliant time and I would recommend this tour to anyone. It’s jam-packed but well worth it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/09/2023
Caitie - Traveled, May 2023
Nai you gave us the most incredible few days experience filled with history, temples, beautiful locations and a tonne of food. Kap khun ka!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
John - Traveled, April 2024
All WWII buffs should take this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2024
Ema - Traveled, December 2023
The trip was wonderful, we loved all the places we visited, especially Erawan falls. Our guide was informative and friendly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
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