River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms

3 Days | Travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi on this Thailand holiday

5 out of 5 based on 19 reviews submitted.
Short Breaks
From
USD $645
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Leave behind the fast-moving streets of the Thai capital and take time out to experience Ayutthaya, a World Heritage-listed wonder near the border of Burma (Myanmar). Explore this ancient Siam capital with a knowledgeable local guide, and bear witness to timeworn temples, bell-shaped chedis and intricately carved relics of Thailand’s golden era. Travel onwards 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. End the journey amid the buzz of night markets, sidewalk restaurants and colourful, chaotic streets.

Trip overview

Map of River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms including Thailand
Start
Bangkok, Thailand
Finish
Bangkok, Thailand
Theme
Short Breaks
Destinations
Thailand
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 5
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
TTAR
This trip generates 49.15 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • 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.
  • 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
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, EcoThailand Foundation. Donations help educate school children on important environmental issues like climate change, nature appreciation, conservation and sustainability.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip starts early on Day 1 and finishes in the afternoon on Day 3. Therefore we recommend you book pre- and post-accommodation in Bangkok in conjunction with this trip. Our sales team can assist with these extra nights.

Itinerary

Map of River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms including Thailand

Inclusions

Meals

2 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

Private minibus, Songthaew, Train

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights)

Activities
  • Ayutthaya - Ayutthaya Historical Park
  • Bang Pa Inn Palace - Summer Palace
  • Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park Visit
  • Kanchanaburi - Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum
  • Kanchanaburi - Historical Train Journey
  • Kanchanaburi - Tour (WWII museum, Allied War Cemetery, Bridge over River Kwai)

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. This Short Break Adventure starts at 8 am on Day 1 and finishes in the afternoon at approximately 2 pm on Day
2. You will be picked up on Day 1 from the Joining Point Hotel listed in the Trip Note Information for this itinerary. Pick-up will take place between 8 am and 8.30 am in the hotel foyer.
3. If you require pick up from another centrally-located hotel in Bangkok, please inform your booking agent at least 14 days prior to departure.
4. You may enter Thailand under the scheme of ‘Test & Go’ which allows you to enter Thailand with only one day quarantine on arrival. Please check the specific requirements in the website below and we recommend you complete these requirements at least 14 days before arrival to allow time for possible delays in this process.
https://www.tatnews.org/2022/03/thailand-reopening-exemption-from-quarantine-test-go/.
5. You’ll need to organize your T&G package with our start point hotel directly as it’s a package required by the government that will include one night accommodation, airport arrival transfer, 1 PCR test and 1 self-ATK test (for Day 5). Our start point hotels are approved SHA++ hotels to provide this package. Please check the hotel website for specific inclusions in the package and book directly with the hotel. Therefore, we won’t be able to provide booking for pre-trip accommodation or arrival airport transfer at this stage. Departure transfer is still bookable through us.
6. While this T&G scheme with 1-day quarantine is in place, we recommend you arrive at least 1 day before your trip so that you can complete this quarantine before the trip starts. Please inform your agent of your arrival date in Thailand so that our local team can help arrange your Day 5 self-test accordingly.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 19 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Ema · Traveled December 2023
The trip was wonderful, we loved all the places we visited, especially Erawan falls. Our guide was informative and friendly.
Review submitted 14 Dec 2023

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.
Review submitted 11 Nov 2023

JORGE · Traveled October 2023
Review submitted 02 Nov 2023

Neil · Traveled October 2023
Excellent tour Tour leader was fantastic and very knowledgeable, local knowledge goes along way when your are touring
Review submitted 12 Oct 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
Review submitted 10 Oct 2023
River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms
From
USD $645