Bridge over the River Kwai – A famous landmark from World War II, part of the Death Railway built by prisoners of war under Japanese control. Bridge over the River Kwai – A Historic Landmark. The Bridge over the River Kwai is one of Thailand’s most famous historical landmarks, located in Kanchanaburi province. It is a key part of the Death Railway (Thai-Burma Railway), built during World War II under Japanese occupation.
History & Significance
- The bridge was constructed in 1942-1943 as part of Japan’s strategic effort to build a railway linking Thailand and Burma (Myanmar) to support military operations.
- The railway, spanning 415 km (258 miles), was built by Allied prisoners of war (POWs) and forced laborers from various Southeast Asian countries.
- The harsh working conditions, extreme weather, and brutal treatment led to the deaths of over 100,000 workers, including 16,000 Allied POWs.
- The bridge gained worldwide fame after being featured in the novel The Bridge on the River Kwai (1952) by Pierre Boulle, which was later adapted into an Oscar-winning movie (1957).
The Bridge on the River Kwai
Current Status & Attractions
- Today, the bridge stands as a memorial and tourist attraction, with some original steel structures still in place.
- Visitors can walk across the bridge, though trains still operate on the tracks.
- A scenic train ride along the Death Railway offers breathtaking views of the River Kwai and surrounding jungle.
- Every year, the River Kwai Bridge Festival (late November – early December) features sound-and-light shows depicting the bridge’s wartime history.
Nearby Attractions
- Kanchanaburi War Cemetery – The resting place of thousands of Allied POWs.
- JEATH War Museum – Displays artifacts, photographs, and first-hand accounts from POWs.
- Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum – A significant section of the Death Railway, where visitors can walk through a historical railway cutting.
How to Visit
- 📍 Location: Kanchanaburi, about 130 km west of Bangkok
- 🚆 By Train: Take a train from Bangkok’s Thonburi Station to the Bridge Station.
- 🚗 By Car/Bus: Around 2.5 – 3 hours from Bangkok.
The Bridge over the River Kwai is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in World War II heritage.
Kanchanaburi Tour Visit River Kwai Bridge
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- Kanchanaburi 2 Days 1 Night
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Kanchanaburi Hotel – Places to Stay Near The Bridge Over the River Kwai
Kanchanaburi offers a variety of accommodations near the historic Bridge over the River Kwai, catering to diverse preferences and budgets. Here are some notable options:
Felix River Kwai Resort
Felix River Kwai Resort is a four-star resort located along the banks of the River Kwai Yai in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, just a five-minute walk from the historic River Kwai Bridge. The resort spans approximately 53 acres (133 rai) of lush tropical gardens and offers 255 well-appointed rooms and suites, each featuring Thai decor, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private balconies with river or garden views. Felix River Kwai Resort Kanchanaburi near The Bridge Over the River Kwai
River Kwai Bridge Resort
River Kwai Bridge Resort in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, offers a blend of relaxation and historical significance. Here’s a summary of what you can expect:
Location: Situated near the River Kwai Bridge, about 4 kilometers from the city center.
Rooms: The resort offers well-appointed rooms with modern amenities. Facilities:
Outdoor pool. Fitness center. Spa with massage services. Restaurant and bar. Garden.
Free Wi-Fi. Parking. Check-in/Check-out: Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM, and check-out is until 12:00 PM. River Kwai Bridge Resort Kanchanaburi near The Bridge Over the River Kwai
Good Times Resort
Good Times Resort Kanchanaburi is a 3-star hotel with a casual atmosphere, located 1.5 km from the city center.Here’s a summary of the resort’s features: Facilities: Outdoor pool, open-air restaurant, free Wi-Fi, parking, 24-hour front desk. Rooms: Offers various room types, including Superior and Deluxe rooms. Location: Situated 3 km from the Bridge over the River Kwai. Price: Guest reviews: Guests have praised the helpful staff and pleasant atmosphere.is Good Times Resort Kanchanaburi near The Bridge Over the River Kwai
Dheva Mantra Resort
Dheva Mantra Resort is situated in Kanchanaburi, near the River Kwai. Provides a tranquil and serene environment. Relatively close to attractions like the Bridge Over the River Kwai and the JEATH War Museum. Accommodations: Offers a range of rooms and suites, including Superior Rooms, Family Deluxe Rooms, and Junior Suites. Rooms feature amenities like air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, mini-bars, and private balconies with garden or pool views. The rooms are designed with Thai elegance. Facilities and Amenities:
Outdoor swimming pool. Spa services. Fitness center. Multiple dining options. Free Wi-Fi and parking. Jacuzzi and Sauna. Miniature golf. Atmosphere: Known for its peaceful and relaxing ambiance. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery. It is considered a luxury location. Dheva Mantra Resort near The Bridge Over the River Kwai
Monaz River Kwai Kanchanaburi
Felix River Kwai Resort is Monaz River Kwai Kanchanaburi is a 4-star hotel that offers a comfortable stay near the historical River Kwai in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Here’s a breakdown of key information:
Key Features:
Monaz River Kwai Kanchanaburi Resort Location: It’s situated in Kanchanaburi, providing convenient access to the famous River Kwai and surrounding attractions. The hotel is relatively close to the city center. Accommodations: The hotel offers 31 well-appointed rooms designed for guest comfort. Amenities: Outdoor swimming pool. Garden area.
Restaurant. Free Wi-Fi. Free parking. Shared lounge/TV area. Proximity to Attractions:
Close to the Bridge Over the River Kwai. Easy access to war museums and historical sites.
Near to Kanchanaburi Railway Station. Monaz River Kwai Kanchanaburi Resort near The Bridge Over the River Kwai
Tara Bed and Breakfast
Tara Bed and Breakfast Hotel in Kanchanaburi offers a comfortable and convenient stay for travelers exploring the historic region. Location: Situated in Kanchanaburi, providing relatively easy access to popular attractions. Close to the River Kwai and other historical landmarks. Near the Kanchanaburi Railway Station. Accommodations: Offers well-appointed rooms with essential amenities. Rooms include features like air conditioning, refrigerators, and satellite/cable TV. It has 15 rooms. Amenities: Free Wi-Fi in public areas.
Laundry facilities. Tour/ticket assistance. Luggage storage. Front desk with limited hours.
General Information: Check-in: 2:00 PM. Check-out: 12:00 PM. The hotel has a 2 star rating.
There is no onsite parking. Tara Bed and Breakfast Hotel near The Bridge Over the River Kwai
The Glory River Kwai Hotel
The Glory River Kwai Hotel in Kanchanaburi is a well-regarded accommodation option offering a pleasant stay along the famous river. Here’s a summary of its key features:
Location: It’s situated in Kanchanaburi, providing scenic views of the River Kwai. The hotel offers a balance of tranquility and accessibility to local attractions. It is near to the Bridge over the River Kwai. Amenities: Outdoor swimming pool. Free Wi-Fi in public areas. Free parking. Restaurant. Garden. Rooms with balconies, many offering river views.
Accommodations: The hotel provides comfortable and modern rooms. Rooms often feature amenities like air conditioning and satellite/cable TV. General Information:
It is a hotel that provides a good value for the cost. Payment at the hotel is cash only.
Check in is from 2:00 PM, and check out is before 12:00 PM. The Glory River Kwai Hotel near The Bridge Over the River Kwai
The Peace River Kwai cafe bed & breakfast
The Peace River Kwai cafe bed & breakfast Location: It is located in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, near the River Kwai. More precisely it is located in Tambon Ban Tai, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi. It is in close proximity to the death railway, and the bridge over the river Kwai. Type of Establishment: It’s a combination of a cafe and a bed & breakfast, offering both accommodation and dining. General Information: It provides a place to stay with easy access to historical sites. It is a location where people can experience the local area. To get the most up to date information about check in and check out times, and room availability, it is best to check with online booking sites. Finding More Information:
For booking and detailed information, you can refer to platforms like: Booking.com: This platform provides details on room availability, pricing, and guest reviews.
Trip.com: This is another platform that provides hotel information and booking services. The Peace River Kwai cafe bed & breakfast near The Bridge Over the River Kwai
Kanchanaburi City Hotel
Kanchanaburi City Hotel is a family-run establishment located at 368 Maenam Kwai Road, Tha Makham, Mueang, Kanchanaburi, Thailand. The hotel is conveniently situated approximately 200 meters from the historic Bridge on the River Kwai, making it an ideal base for travelers interested in exploring this significant landmark. The hotel offers a variety of room types to cater to different guest preferences. Kanchanaburi City Hotel near The Bridge Over the River Kwai
River Kwai View Hotel
River Kwai View Hotel is located near the Bridge Over the River Kwai. Here are some of the amenities and features: Free WiFi Free parking Free English breakfast 24-hour front desk
Air conditioning Terrace Restaurant Electric vehicle charging point Soundproofed rooms
Family rooms Shuttle service (additional charge) Non-smoking rooms ATM/banking services Luggage storage Banquet hall Rooms have LCD TVs with cable channels, free tea/instant coffee, and electric kettles. The hotel is close to: JEATH War Museum (1 min walk) Bridge Over the River Kwai (2 min walk) Thailand-Burma Railway Centre (4 min drive)
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (4 min drive) Kanchanaburi Skywalk (6 min drive) . River Kwai View Hotel near The Bridge Over the River Kwai
Bamboo House
Bamboo House Kanchanaburi offers the following: Free Wi-Fi Free parking Airport shuttle (free) Restaurant Family rooms Non-smoking rooms 24-hour front desk Air conditioning
Balcony Garden view Refrigerator Massage Ticket services Boating Terrace Shops Luggage storage It is located by the River Kwai and is a 10-minute walk from the River Kwai Bridge and War Museum. Bamboo House near The Bridge Over the River Kwai
Scenario Cafe and Hostel
Scenario Cafe and Hostel is located at 388 Maenamkwai Road, Kanchanaburi, near the Bridge Over the River Kwai and JEATH War Museum. Here’s a summary of what it offers: Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, free parking, a coffee shop/café, a communal refrigerator, and a shop. Rooms: Family rooms, non-smoking rooms, and rooms with air conditioning. Some rooms have balconies and river views. Options include double, king, triple, and family rooms, some with private bathrooms. Services: 24-hour front desk. Check-in/out: Check-in is from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and check-out is until 12:00 PM. Scenario Cafe and Hostel near The Bridge Over the River Kwai
These accommodations provide convenient access to the Bridge over the River Kwai and other local attractions, ensuring a comfortable stay while exploring the historical and natural beauty of Kanchanaburi.
