Kanchanaburi Travel Forum

I have started planning a trip to Thailand for June next year with my family and I have come across a 3 day, 2 night tour to Kanchanaburi and up the river Kwai out of Bangkok. It takes in a bost ride, elephant ride, train ride and looking at the war museum etc.
Has anyone done this tour and what did you think of it. Or am I beter off to just go to Kanchanaburi and do sight seeing from there.
Thanks
Iancccc

I can tell you a little bit about Kanchanaburi. I took a mini-bus up there from Hua Hin south of Bangkok and managed to see the bridge on the Kwei, Hell Fire cutting and the small museum next to the bridge all in one day. The bridge is modern(ish)and nothing special but is part of a working railway. Good if you are into WW2 things. The area surrounding the bridge is cluttered with tourist shops etc., and when I was there was full of (mainly) Japanese. The museum is very small, very 'home made' and contains photos of the prisoners of war and the construction of the WW2 bridge etc. There is an allied war cemetary not far away, worth a visit to pay ones respects.

Elephant riding is a good bit of fun and a trip on the river is fine. get a longtail type boat with an outboard if you can.

Booking with your travel company or with the rep in Thailand will doubtless cost more than waiting 'till you get to your hotel where you can hook up with the Thai tour operators 'on the ground'. You will get a better deal from them.

Hope this is of some help.

P.

River Kwai/Kanchanaburi/Hellfire Pass tours are pretty popular. I wouldn't sign up for a tour until you get to Bangkok. There are lots of travel agencies that can show you a menu of available tours. Always compare the prices at a couple travel agencies before you make your selection.

One of the tours I went on around 6 years had up sleeping on a barge on the river with thatch roofs, it was pretty good. I wouldn't go more than 2 nights though. There are day tours to this area also.

Hi We took a day trip to Kanchanaburi earlier this year which took in much of what you described,we also had a half hour train ride, it was fabulous. If you stay in the right location an overnight stay would be fabulous. I know a person who recently stayed a few days, walked Hellfire pass etc and had a great time. Make certain your accommodation is in a resort by the river surrounded by the jungle, it is beautiful. See my Kanchanaburi pages for photos etc.
Good Luck