Tour Ref WPHFP
Full-day private tour | Approximately 12 hours door to door depending on traffic conditions and time we take at each stop. Hotel pickup around 07:30
A private journey into the history of the Thailand–Burma Railway
Travel from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi for a memorable day exploring the history of the Death Railway. Visit the JEATH War Museum, discover the moving story of Hellfire Pass and its memorial, and walk across the historic Bridge over the River Kwai.
With a private English-speaking guide and air-conditioned transport, you can ask questions, explore at a comfortable pace and learn about the experiences of the prisoners of war and Asian labourers who endured the terrible conditions of railway construction.
Lunch is included, optional boat rides and additional visits can be arranged in advance.
Tour duration: Approximately 12 hours, including travel from and back to your Bangkok hotel.
Please note: This is a long day, and some of the history is distressing. The walk at Hellfire Pass involves uneven, rocky ground. Comfortable shoes are recommended. The itinerary is subject to attraction opening conditions and can be adjusted by arrangement.
Who it suits: Anyone interested in WWII history, including families with older children. Some of the history is harrowing, and perhaps unsuitable for young children.
Prices ( Thai Baht )
Excluding tour extensions
| Group Size | Cost per Person | Total Tour Cost |
| 1 Person | 11,150 Baht | 11,150 Baht |
| 2 People | 6,350 Baht | 12,700 Baht |
| 3 People | 4,890 Baht | 14,670 Baht |
| 4 People | 3,990 Baht | 15,960 Baht |
For larger groups, please email me for a quotation. [email protected]
What’s Included
- Air Conditioned Transport.
- Round trip from your Bangkok Hotel.
- English Speaking Guide.
- Lunch.
- Entry fees for the standard tour – The Hellfire Pass Museum is free but a donation would be appreciated.
What’s Excluded
- Drinks.
- Gratuities at your discretion.
Your Day
- 07:30: Pick-up from your Bangkok hotel
- 09:45: Arrive in Kanchanaburi and visit the JEATH War Museum
- Late morning: Drive to Hellfire Pass (about one hour). Visit the memorial museum, then walk down the track into the rock cutting.
- Lunch: A relaxed break at a local restaurant
- Late afternoon: Back to Kanchanaburi to walk across the River Kwai Bridge and take photographs
- About 19:00: Back at your hotel in Bangkok, depending on traffic
Optional Extensions
please ask for a quote before adding any optional extensions
- Weary Dunlop Museum: .This is a private museum visit that must be arranged in advance
- Scenic long-tail boat ride along the river after Sai Yok Noi
- Long-tail boat ride at the River Kwai Bridge
About Hellfire Pass
Hellfire Pass, known to the Japanese as the Konyu Cutting, was one of the hardest sections of the railway to build. Thousands of Allied prisoners of war, mostly Australian, worked on it alongside Asian labourers, with only basic tools and very little food. Many died of disease, exhaustion and brutal treatment. The nearby memorial museum, funded by the Australian Government, explains the history of the railway in detail and can be very direct about what happened. A walkway leads down into the cutting. Please wear sturdy shoes, as the ground is rocky.
For further reading, please see the Anzac Portal page on the Thailand-Burma Railway and Hellfire Pass.
FAQ
How long is the day?
The tour runs from around 07:30 to 19:00, depending on traffic. It’s a long day, so we can shorten it or skip a stop if you’d like a gentler pace.
Is this tour suitable for children?
It suits older children and teenagers who are interested in history. The Hellfire Pass museum is direct about what happened to the prisoners, so please consider this for younger children.
Are entrance fees included?
Yes, entry fees for the standard tour are included. The Hellfire Pass Museum is free to enter, though donations are appreciated.
Can I add extras to the day?
Yes, I can arrange a long-tail boat ride or a visit to the Weary Dunlop Museum. These extras must be arranged in advance. Please ask for a quotation.
What should I bring?
- Comfortable Footwear.- trainers are suitable for the rough terrain of the cutting
- A Hat
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Insect repellent.
How much walking is there at Hellfire Pass?
After the memorial museum there is a walkway down to the rock cutting. We will take the short path and allow around 45 minutes round trip. Please let me know if there are any mobility issues when you make contact with me.
Interested in this tour?
Would you like to discover the history of Hellfire Pass and the Bridge over the River Kwai with a knowledgeable local guide?
I would be delighted to help you plan your visit. If you have any questions about the itinerary, would like to discuss your travel date, or wish to arrange additional stops, please get in touch.
Contact Wandee to enquire about availability and booking. Please include your preferred date, number of guests and Bangkok hotel, so I can help plan your day.
I look forward to helping you make your visit to Kanchanaburi a memorable one.
Wandee
Licensed English-speaking private tour guide