If you're a history and movie buff, you've probably heard of The Bridge on the River Kwai. This classic war movie depicts the construction of the ‘Death Railway', one of the most notorious events of the Pacific War during WWII. And on this daytrip from Bangkok, you'll explore the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and the railway bridge – by car, boat and rail.
Kanchanaburi is just over two hours' drive west of Bangkok, and on arrival, you'll delve straight into history at the Thailand–Burma Railway Centre. This museum explains the horrors of the Death Railway, and overlooks a large green, which is the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. After the visit, you'll cross the road and pay respects to the almost 7,000 Allied soldiers – including many British – who lie here.
Next, a longtail boat will take you along Mae Klong River to visit the modern bridge over the River Kwai – the original was blown up. After lunch in a nearby restaurant, you'll board a train and cross the river along the original railway.