River Kwai Explorer - 4 days

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~~$435~~

$414

River Kwai Explorer - 4 days

4 Days Starting in Bangkok, Thailand and ending in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Visiting: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2686/RKE

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 24

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

Tour operated in:

English

From: $435 $414 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$21

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 4-day journey through Thailand with the River Kwai Explorer tour. Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Bangkok, where you can explore bustling street markets and cultural landmarks. Delve into Thailand's wartime history with visits to the Thai-Burma Railway Centre, Allied War Cemetery, and the iconic Bridge on the River Kwai. Experience unique accommodations, including a night in a floating hotel on the River Kwai Jungle Rafts and a stay in safari-style tents at Hintok River Camp. Discover the rich culture of the Mon Tribal Village, enjoy traditional dance performances, and take a scenic long-tail boat ride along the River Kwai. Conclude your journey with a memorable train ride on the historic Death Railway, offering a poignant glimpse into the past. This small group tour promises an enriching cultural experience, guided by an English-speaking Thai tour guide.

Highlights

Bangkok - Explore Thailand's bustling capital city, home to lively street markets and exciting cultural landmarks
Thai Wartime History - Learn about Thailand's wartime history with visits to the Thai-Burma Railway Centre, Allied War Cemetery, Hellfire Pass, and the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum
River Kwai - Take a long-tailed boat ride along the famous river and visit the Bridge on River Kwai
Death Railway - Take a train ride down this historic railway, built during WWII by prisoners and laborers under harsh conditions
Mon Tribal Village - Enjoy a visit to a Mon Tribal Village and witness their traditional dance performance
Floating hotel - Spend a night in a floating hotel room at River Kwai Jungle Rafts

Itinerary

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Day 1: Bangkok

Location: Bangkok

Accommodation Name: Mandarin Hotel Bangkok

Welcome to Bangkok, the bustling capital city of Thailand! A world-renowned tourist destination, this vibrant city offers an eclectic mix of lively street life, cultural landmarks, and busy shopping areas.

Arriving at Suvarnabhumi or Donmuang Airport, transfer to your hotel for check in. Time permitting, spend the day at leisure exploring Bangkok. While you're here, why not try some tasty street food or take a thrilling tuk tuk ride?

Day 2: Bangkok

Location: Kanchanaburi

Accommodation Name: Hintok River Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bangkok - Hintok River Camp. Today begins with a historical exploration tour to the Kanchanaburi province, where we will learn about the region's wartime history. We will depart bright and early, at 6am.

Our first destination is the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, an interactive museum that commemorates the infamous 'death railway.' Continuing our journey, we pay our respects at the Allied War Cemetery, a solemn resting place for over 6,000 prisoners who sacrificed their lives during the railway's construction.

The next stop is the world-famous Bridge on the River Kwai. After lunch, we visit the chilling Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum. Exhibits and audio displays within the museum pay homage to the workers and their sacrifices.

Then, we walk along Hellfire Pass itself, a challenging section of rock cutting that stands as a symbol of peace amidst the jungle. As the day winds down, enjoy the afternoon at leisure. At night, enjoy a BBQ dinner.

Overnight at Hintok River Camp, in Safari-style tents.

Day 3: Kanchanaburi

Location: Kanchanaburi

Accommodation Name: River Kwai Jungle Rafts

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hintok River Camp - River Kwai Jungle Rafts. This morning, we take a long-tail boat ride to the River Kwai Jungle Rafts, where we will spend the night in unique floating hotel rooms. After checking in, we visit an ethnic Mon Tribal village.

We will also visit the Golden Rock, explore the Buddha image cave, and tour a quaint village school. We'll have time to converse with the Mon people, gaining insights into their history, religion, and culture. We'll watch traditional dance performances, learn to wear the sa-rong costume, and play the saba game. Additionally, we'll make tanaka powder from tree bark, used as a natural cosmetic, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

After a walk along the riverbank trail to a stunning viewpoint of the River Kwai, the rest of the afternoon is free to relax and explore. You can also partake in river jumping or bamboo rafting (booked locally).

At night, enjoy dinner followed by a 45-minute traditional Mon dance display.

Day 4: Kanchanaburi

Location: Kanchanaburi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

River Kwai Jungle Rafts - Bangkok. After a morning at leisure, we will take another long-tail boat ride down the River Kwai.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we will take a journey on the infamous 'death railway,' - the actual train link built by the Allied prisoners during World War II. The train ride along this historic route gives us a unique perspective on the challenges faced by those who built it.

As the day draws to a close, we bid farewell to the River Kwai and make our way back to Bangkok arriving around 6pm depending on the busy Bangkok traffic. We recommend booking a post night accommodation.

What's Included

Accommodation
4 star
Airport arrival transfer on day 1

An airport arrival transfer is provided on the first day of the tour.
Escorted by an English-speaking Thai tour guide

The tour is escorted by an English-speaking Thai tour guide.
All transportation and transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles

All transportation and transfers are conducted in private air-conditioned vehicles.
Guided sightseeing - Kanchanaburi

Guided sightseeing is included in Kanchanaburi.
Entrance fees for all included sites

Entrance fees for all included sites are covered.
All applicable taxes and service charges

All applicable taxes and service charges are included.
Note: Touring is operated in conjunction with other tourist groups, not solely On The Go. Guiding may be in an additional language to English.

Touring is operated in conjunction with other tourist groups, and guiding may be in an additional language to English.

What's Not Included

International flights and visas

International flights and visas are not included.
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
Departure airport transfer

Departure airport transfer is not included.

Accommodation

Experience a blend of luxury and nature with stays at the Mandarin Hotel Bangkok, Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Silom, Hintok River Camp, and River Kwai Jungle Rafts. Enjoy modern amenities, unique floating rooms, and safari-style tents amidst lush landscapes and historical sites.

Age Policy

minimum age is 4 when accompanied by an adult

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with private air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers and transportation. Enjoy a long-tail boat ride along the River Kwai and a historic train journey on the 'death railway', offering a unique perspective on Thailand's wartime history.

Check out our Q&As

What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

The tour includes 3 nights of accommodation: 1 night in a 4-star hotel, 1 night in a safari-styled tent at Hintok River Camp, and 1 night in a floating hotel at River Kwai Jungle Rafts.
What activities are included in the visit to the Mon Tribal Village?

During the visit to the Mon Tribal Village, you will have the opportunity to converse with the Mon people, watch traditional dance performances, learn to wear the sa-rong costume, play the saba game, and make tanaka powder from tree bark.
Is there a guide provided during the tour?

Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking Thai tour guide.
What meals are included in the tour package?

The tour package includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
What historical sites will be visited during the tour?

The tour includes visits to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, Allied War Cemetery, the Bridge on the River Kwai, and the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum.

What is the mode of transportation during the tour?

All transportation and transfers are provided in private air-conditioned vehicles, and there are also long-tail boat rides included on the River Kwai.
Are there any additional costs not covered by the tour package?

The tour package does not include international flights, visas, tipping, and departure airport transfer.
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
How long has the tour company been trading?

Since 1998
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot

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10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)

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05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free. Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions. The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too. On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places. I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace. If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Jan 21, 2025 - Jan 24, 2025

~~$435~~ $414 (USD)