We will take a long ride west of Bangkok to Kanchanaburi. We go to see the Buddha inside Krasae cave which was used as a camp site for war prisoners and then we take a short walk on the wooden railway bridge to catch a view of the river and the mountain. We then reach the furthest point of the tour, Hellfire Pass, the long drive of more than 3 hours is worth it. This is the most impressive war memorial in Kanchanaburi province. The railway cutting, famed for its cost in life, is part of the ‘Death Railway’ that was constructed during World War II by war prisoners. The memorial is well maintained and the museum is very informative. A walk through the pass reminds us of the harsh and cruel conditions the prisoners of war had gone through. It is said that for every railway sleeper, one life was lost.
We stop for lunch at a nice riverside resort.
Then, we visit Kanchanaburi’s most popular attraction: the famous Bridge over the River Kwai. We take a speed boat ride to enjoy the views of both the bridge and the Kwai river.
The trip’s final stop is Don Rak War Cemetery to remember those who lost their lives during World War II, the cemetery contains the remains of 6,982 allied war prisoners who perished during the construction of the ‘Death Railway’.
This private tour from Bangkok is organised exclusively for you, no others will join.
Lizm –
This trip was fabulous – would recommend this company highly. I have been to the River Kwai before but this was far more comprehensive and the service was great. Petch was fabulous, very knowledgeable and great company. She was interested and keen to help. One of the best guides we have had.
Pete Morris –
A great tour. Very comprehensive and informative. Although we covered a lot of ground in 12 hours we never felt rushed. Excellent guide and driver and vehicle. Can not speak highly enough of Air. Very informative, easy to talk to, easy to understand. Willing to share so much knowledge. We had fun as well.
Sandra C. –
Tour with Air was all we hoped for. New Interpretive Centre at Hellfire Pass is very well done together with the walk to the Khwae Noi Valley Lookout and going through Konyu Cutting alone was quite an emotional experience. We didn’t feel rushed at all and the delicious lunch, Mr Dorn’s van and Air’s lovely, fun personality made for a great day. Booking process and all communication with Michiel was first class.
Hermie –
A great experience. We could not fault both our guide and driver who were professional, friendly and great company for the day. Being Australian this was an important day for giving us the opportunity to visit and pay homage to the many allied soldiers who worked and perished on construction of the railway. We would make special mention of Ms Petch’s obvious genuine respect for the Australians and other allied soldiers.
Gerard –
Overall a very good day. Ms Air was a very competent and pleasant guide.
Youldena –
Had an amazing day with our guide Air, she was both friendly and informative. Our driver was courteous and very helpful. Definitely recommend this tour, but if you have mobility problems Hell Fire Pass would probably be a challenge. Ironic I am posting this on ANZAC day. What those poor souls went through is incomprehensible, very very sad.
Note from BKK Tours: for clients with mobility problems, upon request the staff at Hellfire Pass can arrange transport into to the pass.
James S. –
Exceptional. I had high expectations and the tour exceeded all of them. The professionalism of both the guide and driver made sure the tour ran timely and smoothly, but it was their attention to detail and caring for our comfort that really impressed. We saw absolutely everything we wanted to see and not once were we ever rushed or pressured about time. The food at lunch was great and we were given lots or water and cold wet towels every time we returned to the van. Air bought coffee and snacks for us as well to add to the enjoyment of the experience. It was just wonderful to be looked after like that as we were able to enjoy the features that we came to see so much more.
Definitely value for money.
Tom –
Very good, provided with a delicious Thai lunch and a refill of cold water and cold towels every time you got back on the van as it was a very hot day. A perfect day for everyone. A great tour guide, Raht was very friendly and knowledgeable, spoke great English and really added value to our day. Initially we thought this tour was expensive just for three of us, but by the end of the day we thought it was worth every cent. The price included private tour, all entry paid for, fantastic lunch.
David E. –
Petch is a credit to your company, she is a diamond at her work, best guide in town. BKK Tours is not the cheapest, but the best by far.
Lisa A. –
The day was perfect from start to finish. Ms Air and our driver Mr A looked after us so well, making us feel very special and imparting lots of relevant history about the places we visited. Also they were great fun to travel with and it was wonderful to have so many delicious foods and drinks provided along the way. They really were perfect hosts and we cannot wait to travel with them next time!
Simon J. –
Air was totally amazing very informative, knowledge of the tour, and points out interesting things on the drive there. Wasn’t expecting all the wonderful things Air got for me to try as a chef I really appreciated them all.
Marni –
Fantastic day to honour the lives of those lost during this theatre of war. Air our guide and Mr S our driver were wonderful. Long day, but memorable day. Lest we forget!
Bert –
Fabulous, well organised tour with great guide & driver.
Don –
The tour was exceptionally good and our guide Air was friendly and provided all information required. Both myself and daughter were extremely happy with the service of this company.
Marriott family –
Amazing Tour! Educational and inspirational- thoroughly enjoyable. Ms Air is informative, personable and funny. We learnt so much more than just history, but also the Thai lifestyle and Thai beliefs.
Kerryn F. –
A very emotional and humbling tour. Our guide Onn was a wealth of information and took great pride in her job. Don our driver was always there with his face wipes to cool us off, nothing was too much trouble.
Peter W –
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour to River Kwae. We were in a fantastic luxury mini bus, all just for us two. Our guide Petch looked after us well and answered all my questions and our driver was extremely skilled at dealing with the traffic jams. Lunch was really great and caused me to start eating more Thai food. Very interesting trip and moving also at the memorial.
Nancy H. –
Excellent tour. The best so far! Thank you BKK Tours for providing us with a very knowledgeable and friendly guide, Air and our driver Yos with his immaculate van and his cautious driving.
As well as the several tour stops, providing us with coffee, treats, water, face cloths, an amazing lunch, a boat ride and regular toilet stops was a lot more than we (7 Aussies) expected. Please pass on our gratitude and congratulations to Air and Yos for the manner in which they conducted this tour.
David and Sue –
Stunning service. The transport was first class and the driver made us feel very safe. Ms Emmy was wonderfully knowledgeable and a perfect guide and host. Also great value for money. Lunch was very good in a lovely surrounding.
Michael L. –
BKK Tours are the way to go. My wife and I did the tour to Hellfire Pass and the River Kwai in January ’18. What a great value tour it was. Lunch was fantastic. Onn, our guide was very friendly and helpful. Great tour guide. Also our local driver was great and he a had a very nice van for transport. Good team who went out of their way to please. We saw everything we had planned and thanks to BKK, had a great time. BKK also support local drivers and staff, great to see.