Private River Kwai and Local Village Tour

Our guide for the River Kwai and Thai Village Tour excelled. As someone who grew up in a rural area but has lived in Bangkok for years, her knowledge is incredible.

We went to visit local markets whilst waiting for the regional train to Kanchanaburi – an enjoyable 40 minute journey through rural Thailand. The markets were traditionally Thai with the hustle and bustle of bartering over varied exotic produce, and the people were friendly and inquisitive.

The Bridge Over the Kwai was very interesting, the upper half of the bridge has been reconstructed after it was blown up, but the supports are the originals and the bomb damage is still evident.

The Death Railway Museum was fascinating and moving at the same time. A leisurely half hour or so self-guided tour gives endless information on this period of military history.

The local village tour on the way back to Bangkok was also very interesting, and the scenery is lovely; endless paddy fields and fruit trees are a world away from central Bangkok. The local villagers made us feel very welcome, and we had insights into handwoven fabrics and traditional pottery before watching traditional Thai desserts being made for us.