Attractions information

Bridge over the River Kwai

The Bridge over the River Kwai was built during World War II for the Japanese Army using Allied POWs.

Altogether, 61,700 British, American, Australian, Dutch and New Zealand soldiers and a large number of Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Malaysian, Thai, Burmese and Indian labourers were involved.
Two bridges were actually built side by side. A wooden trestle bridge, which is no longer there, was completed in February 1943 and an eleven span steel bridge completed in April 1943.

This bridge had been dismantled by the Japanese and brought to Kanchanaburi from Java in 1942. The central spans were destroyed by Allied bombings and rebuilt by British Army Engineers immediately after the war.

It was part of the strategic railway linking Thailand with Burma. During the construction of the bridge over the Khwae Yai River - River Kwai as it is known among foreigners - the brutalities of war, disease and starvation claimed thousands of POWs lives.

The bridge was immortalised in the book by Pierre Boulle entitled The Bridge Over The River Kwai and later in the movie of the same name. Unfortunately, he had never been to Kanchanaburi or he would have known that the railway does not cross the River Kwai. It actually crosses the Mae Klong River, so the Thai authorities simply renamed the river to aid tourism!

Attractions information

Erawan National Park

Erawan National Park is 550 sq. km. of deciduous forest with high mountains and valleys, located in Kanchanaburi Province. The mountains protect the park from the eastern monsoon. Its major attraction is the Erawan Falls, a magnificent seven-tiered waterfall which you can climb if you feel inclined.

Erawan National Park is in the Tenasserim Mountain Range and is one of the finest natural attractions in the country. The park is best known for its seven-tiered waterfall topped by a rock formation shaped like a three-headed elephant. From its crest, clear water tumbles 1,500 meters down steep-sided cliffs in a series of cascades to rock pools shaded by dense foliage.

The park is open all year although the Rainy Season from May to October is not the best time to visit as there are frequent storms throughout that period. The Cool Season runs from November to January and this is a much more pleasant time to visit. February to April is the Hot Season and temperatures get quite high, but you have the pools at each level to cool off in!

The park contains five different wildlife habitats for mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and freshwater fauna. There are elephants, tigers, sambar deer, wild boar, white-handed gibbon, langur, Siamese hare, red flying squirrels and king cobras to be found in the park.

Attractions information

Elephant Ride Bareback

In Thailand, elephants are the most revered of all animals and still play an active part within Thai society and culture.

In the past they have been used at the forefront of battles and in more recent times to assist in the logging trade. Now, visitors have the opportunity to ride them.

Despite their vast size, elephants are remarkably agile and are particularly adept at negotiating the narrow tracks in the forest. It's a little nerve wracking, especially when they are going downhill and so make sure you hold on tight.

They often pause along the way, bending far out to pluck some tasty morsel, oblivious to you perched high on their back.

Attractions information

Ride & Bathe Elephants

In Thailand, elephants are the most revered of all animals and still play an active part within Thai society and culture.

In the past they have been used at the forefront of battles and in more recent times to assist in the logging trade. Now, visitors have the opportunity to ride and bathe them.

Despite their vast size, elephants are remarkably agile and are particularly adept at negotiating the narrow tracks in the forest. It's a little nerve wracking, especially when they are going downhill and so make sure you hold on tight.

They often pause along the way, bending far out to pluck some tasty morsel, oblivious to you perched high on their back.

The mahout will jump off during your trek and invite you to slide down onto the elephant's neck and take control. Be warned that their hair is prickly so shorts are not the best attire for this experience.

And also you will be able to bathe the elephants in the waters of the local river. You'll get wet, so don't forget your swimmers. We'll provide the life jackets for you if you want.

Important Information

Not every tour includes bathing the elephants. Please check the Tour Programme.