River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms

River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms

313 Views
3 Days From

$645

River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms

3 Days Starting and ending in Bangkok

Visiting: Bangkok/Ayutthaya/Kanchanaburi, Kanchanaburi, Kanchanaburi/Bangkok

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

TTAR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $645

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

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.

Highlights

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Travel to the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai for gorgeous views over the water.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Bangkok/Ayutthaya/Kanchanaburi

Location: Bangkok/Ayutthaya/Kanchanaburi

Accommodation: River Kwai Bridge Resort or similar

Meals Included: lunch

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Around 8 am this morning, you’ll be picked up from the joining point hotel to begin your adventure. Your first stop is the Bang Pa Inn Palace – a former summer retreat of Thai kings on the Chao Phraya River. Admire the grounds, which are a combination of European and Thai designed buildings and gardens. Next, visit Ayutthaya – one of the ancient capitals of Siam and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, explore Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon – a temple that might offer a glimpse into the future, as it’s home to a fortune teller! Continue to Wat Phanan Cheoeng – Ayutthaya's answer to the Taj Mahal, this is one of Ayutthaya's oldest temples and home to a 19-m-high Buddha image. Behind the temple is a small 18th-century shrine built to honour a Chinese Princess, who drowned herself because of the king's infidelity. After lunch, move on to the 13th century ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat. The rows of Burmese beheaded Buddhas are very atmospheric and a Buddha head surrounded by Banyan tree roots is perhaps the most photographed site in all of Ayutthaya. Head west to Kanchanaburi and check into your resort, located on the famous River Kwai.

Included Activities:
-Ayutthaya - Ayutthaya Historical Park
-Bang Pa Inn Palace - Summer Palace

Day 2: Kanchanaburi

Location: Kanchanaburi

Accommodation: River Kwai Bridge Resort or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

This morning, you’ll visit Erawan National Park, where you can explore the seven-level waterfall or simply swim and relax. The falls are considered the most beautiful in the country, with glacial blue waters rushing through the forest into bamboo-shaded pools. If you want to make the climb all the way from level one to level seven, it’s about a 1.5-hour hike. After lunch, travel back to Kanchanaburi, where you'll learn about a tragic part of the area's history at Hellfire Pass Memorial, which was built to honour the Allied POWs and Asian conscripts who died while constructing some of the most difficult stretches of the Thai-Burma Death Railway. Travel to Nam Tok Train Station – the end of the original death railway station during World War II, which was constructed by the allied POWs. Ride along the historic tracks alongside the Kwai Noi River, passing through Tham Krasae Station – one of the most beautiful panoramic scenes of the river. After arriving at Kilen Train Station, transfer back to the hotel. Tonight, you have the option to head into Kanchanaburi's famous night markets and try a variety of Western Thai dishes.

Included Activities:
-Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park Visit
-Kanchanaburi - Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum
-Kanchanaburi - Historical Train Journey

Day 3: Kanchanaburi/Bangkok

Location: Kanchanaburi/Bangkok

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast, head out on a tour of the sights surrounding the town. This will include the WWII War Museum, the Allied War Cemetery and the Bridge over the River Kwai. Travel through lush scenery and back to a dark time in the area’s history. You’ll then end your Short Break Adventure and return to Bangkok, where your trip ends at approximately 2 pm. If you’d like to extend your stay in Bangkok, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Included Activities:
-Kanchanaburi - Tour (WWII museum, Allied War Cemetery, Bridge over River Kwai)

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (2 nights)

  • 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)

  • Meals

    2 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

  • Private minibus , Songthaew , Train

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in your selected accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
  • Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for your arrival, especially if you're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible, which means you won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, you can store your luggage and explore the new destination.
  • If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

Included Activities

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

Important Information

  • 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.

Mode of Transport

  • Private minibus , Songthaew , Train

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Saturday

Nov 28, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024
$645

Saturday - Monday

Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 02, 2024
$645

Sunday - Tuesday

Dec 01, 2024 - Dec 03, 2024
$645

Tuesday - Thursday

Dec 03, 2024 - Dec 05, 2024
$645

Thursday - Saturday

Dec 05, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024
$645

Saturday - Monday

Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 09, 2024
$645

Sunday - Tuesday

Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 10, 2024
$645

Tuesday - Thursday

Dec 10, 2024 - Dec 12, 2024
$645

Thursday - Saturday

Dec 12, 2024 - Dec 14, 2024
$645

Saturday - Monday

Dec 14, 2024 - Dec 16, 2024
$645

Sunday - Tuesday

Dec 15, 2024 - Dec 17, 2024
$645

Tuesday - Thursday

Dec 17, 2024 - Dec 19, 2024
$645

Thursday - Saturday

Dec 19, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024
$645

Saturday - Monday

Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 23, 2024
$645

Sunday - Tuesday

Dec 22, 2024 - Dec 24, 2024
$645

Tuesday - Thursday

Dec 24, 2024 - Dec 26, 2024
$645

Thursday - Saturday

Dec 26, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
$645

Thursday - Saturday

Jan 02, 2025 - Jan 04, 2025
$668

Saturday - Monday

Jan 04, 2025 - Jan 06, 2025
$668

Tuesday - Thursday

Jan 07, 2025 - Jan 09, 2025
$668

Thursday - Saturday

Jan 09, 2025 - Jan 11, 2025
$668

Saturday - Monday

Jan 11, 2025 - Jan 13, 2025
$668

Tuesday - Thursday

Jan 14, 2025 - Jan 16, 2025
$668

Thursday - Saturday

Jan 16, 2025 - Jan 18, 2025
$668

Saturday - Monday

Jan 18, 2025 - Jan 20, 2025
$668

Tuesday - Thursday

Jan 21, 2025 - Jan 23, 2025
$668

Thursday - Saturday

Jan 23, 2025 - Jan 25, 2025
$668

Saturday - Monday

Jan 25, 2025 - Jan 27, 2025
$668

Tuesday - Thursday

Jan 28, 2025 - Jan 30, 2025
$668

Thursday - Saturday

Jan 30, 2025 - Feb 01, 2025
$668

Saturday - Monday

Feb 01, 2025 - Feb 03, 2025
$668

Tuesday - Thursday

Feb 04, 2025 - Feb 06, 2025
$668

Thursday - Saturday

Feb 06, 2025 - Feb 08, 2025
$668

Saturday - Monday

Feb 08, 2025 - Feb 10, 2025
$668

Tuesday - Thursday

Feb 11, 2025 - Feb 13, 2025
$668

Thursday - Saturday

Feb 13, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025
$668

Saturday - Monday

Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 17, 2025
$668

Tuesday - Thursday

Feb 18, 2025 - Feb 20, 2025
$668

Thursday - Saturday

Feb 20, 2025 - Feb 22, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 08, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Apr 27, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

May 04, 2025 - May 06, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

May 11, 2025 - May 13, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

May 18, 2025 - May 20, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

May 25, 2025 - May 27, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Jul 27, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Sep 28, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Oct 26, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 04, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Nov 23, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 02, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 09, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Dec 14, 2025 - Dec 16, 2025
$668

Sunday - Tuesday

Dec 21, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025
$668

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Similar Tours