River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms

3 Days | Travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi on this Short Break Adventure

5 out of 5 based on 27 reviews submitted.
Short breaks
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EUR €525
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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.

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 49.96 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. 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.

Is this trip right for you?
  • On Short Breaks, you maintain a good level of independence and freedom, with the added bonus of having the details sorted out for you. You’ll have lots of free time and you won’t be accompanied by a Trip Leader. This means that all included activities and tours will be run by different local Intrepid partners, and these may operate independently from each other. The included activities and transfers will operate on a join-in basis, which means that you could have your Adventure all to yourself, or others may join you along the way. If you would prefer to travel in a group with a dedicated Trip Leader, just get in touch with your booking agent and they will take you through some alternatives.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

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.

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 27 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.

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Allan · Traveled September 2024
The quality of this trip exceeded our expectations. We were a small group with an exceptional guide. We enjoyed each of the sites that we visited and were impressed with the variety that was included in the tour. We saw historical, geographical, religious and cultural sites that provided a much clearer understanding of this amazing land and its people.
Review submitted 14 Sep 2024

Peta · Traveled August 2024
My husband and I did the River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdom Trip. Amazing. So well organised at every turn. Fantastic and well versed Guide in Nai, he is just the best. Visited wonderful places, did fantastic things, and had a ball. Great crew. A must do. Loved this Intrepid Trip.
Review submitted 06 Sep 2024

Amy · Traveled June 2024
A great trip with lots of fun and interesting activities which caters to all.
Review submitted 05 Jul 2024

keri · Traveled June 2024
This tour was well worth it. Knowledgeable tour guide, Sasha made it so enjoyable.
Review submitted 22 Jun 2024

Tara · Traveled June 2024
Our tour was well planned out and the timing was great our guide was knowledgeable, friendly and a pleasure to be around
Review submitted 22 Jun 2024
River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms
From
EUR €525