River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms

Intrepid Travel · 3 days
River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms
River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms
River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms
River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms
River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms
River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms
River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms
River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms
River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms
River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms
River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms
3 Days
From AUD $1665
Trip Type
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(10 reviews)

River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms

River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms

Intrepid Travel · 3 days
Duration

3 days

Tour Type

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience 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).

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. 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.

Trip Details

Duration

3 days

Transportation

Private minibus,Songthaew,Train

Tour Type

Guide Language

English

Starts

Bangkok/Ayutthaya/Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Finishes

Kanchanaburi/Bangkok, Thailand

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Bangkok/Ayutthaya/Kanchanaburi
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

Accommodation:

  • River Kwai Bridge Resort or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Kanchanaburi
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

Accommodation:

  • River Kwai Bridge Resort or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Kanchanaburi/Bangkok
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)
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $1,665
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 3 days

Trip Type:

Activity Level: Light

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).

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 28 Sep 2025

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Sarah
Traveled, November 2023

11/11/2023

Well worth the trip! Was very humbling to be able to visit Hellsfire Pass, and the war cemetery and museum. The waterfalls were delightful.

4.5
Neil
Traveled, October 2023

10/12/2023

Excellent tour Tour leader was fantastic and very knowledgeable, local knowledge goes along way when your are touring

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989