River Kwai Holidays

River Kwai - soak up Thailand’s history in stunning jungle surroundings

The River Kwai region of Thailand attracts family groups and independent travellers who either make day trips from nearby Bangkok or stay along the majestic river itself to fully appreciate the scenery and history. River Kwai accommodation ranges from luxury resort hotels in sumptuous grounds, to basic family hotels, to traditional moored raft boats. The River Kwai actually begins as two rivers - the Kwai Noi and the Kwai Yai - that flow from the lakes of mountainous Burma on the north west border of Thailand. They converge at the little town of Kanchanaburi which is about 110 km north west of Bangkok, and is where the majority of holiday accommodation is found.

River Kwai - serene Thai setting steeped in history

Staying along the River Kwai, holiday visitors will be astounded at the tranquillity, wildlife and beautiful scenery of the region, despite the southern section of the river’s relative proximity to the chaotic metropolis of Bangkok.
In the Kanchanaburi province you’ll be surrounded by forested hills and wide river vistas, while venturing up-river, the two strands of river narrow and the jungle vegetation becomes wilder and denser. Here the landscape becomes more mountainous and rocky, and you‘ll see remote villages and fantastic waterfalls.
It is Kanchanaburi on the River Kwai that draws vast number of tourists and war veterans, because this is the site of the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai. Visitors will be moved by the sheer numbers of prisoners of war and forced local labour that lost their lives building what has become known as the Death Railway, to speed Japan’s invasion of Burma during the Second World War. At Kanchanaburi there are war museums and cemeteries to visit.

River Kwai - many activities for all the family

Despite its historical connections, Kanchanaburi is a lively Thai town, boasting attractive flower gardens, good restaurants and low-rise hotels. While staying here and around, it’s easy to make trips to the bridge, and further through the jungle to places like Hellfire Pass. Staying in the River Kwai region you can also go trekking, mountain biking, visit hill tribes, go white water rafting or enjoy a slow, sedate elephant ride.

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