Kanchanaburi Trips & Tours

Brush up on your WWII knowledge in the city and province of Kanchanaburi, gateway to the Wild West.

A few hours from the streets of Bangkok, in the western, Myanmar-bordered province of Thailand, is Kanchanaburi. Today, it’s a modern, hectic city and if you’re visiting, it’s probably not for the bright lights but rather to delve into the history books. The city is synonymous with the bridge that crosses the River Kwai, part of the infamous Burma-Siam or ‘Death’ Railway that was orchestrated by Japanese forces in 1943 and achieved with the manpower of 300,000 men, 60,000 of whom were Prisoners of War. During the building, hundreds of thousands of men lost their lives and Kanchanaburi is now a powerful memorial to those that perished. Most visit the infamous Hellfire Pass, the most dangerous section of railway and just north of the city, the Allied War Cemetery, and the Railway Museum. If you’re around for longer, follow the river as it winds north to Erawan National Park and breathe in the fresh air on hikes, treks and walking trails through the greenery.

What to do in Kanchanaburi

There is history at every turn in Kanchanaburi, most recognisable as the site of the very real bridge over the River Kwai. You will have the chance to remember this tragic era whilst walking the very same paths (including the notorious Hellfire Pass) that thousands of Thai people did as they were forced to build what became known as the 'Death Railway'. Scenic trails surround this poignant landmark, which you can explore on hikes into Erawan National Park, ending with a cooling dip in the nearby falls.