Bridge Over the River Kwai
Short Break Cycle tour in Thailand | 3 days ex Bangkok | US$320
Explore the Thai-Burma Railway and the Bridge Over the River Kwai while cycling to ancient temples through friendly countryside.
Closer to Bangkok than you think is the famous Bridge Over the River Kwai, part of World War II's Death Railway that linked Thailand and Burma. On this active three day ride you'll board the train for a ride on the famous railway line, visit an ancient Khmer temple, cycle to the infamous Hellfire Pass and enjoy three days in the beautiful country side of West Thailand.
Cycling on small back roads as well as many unsealed roads gives a great opportunity to explore the rural communities of Thailand while also visiting the famous WWII sites.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Death Railway, Ancient Temples
After picking you up from your hotel in Bangkok it is 2-3 hours transfer to Kanchanaburi where we stop to visit the WWII cemetery in the city. From here you board the Thai-Burma Railway for a ride through history along a railway line. The train carries you over the infamous "Bridge Over The River Kwai' and north west towards Burma. Following the course of the Kwai Noi River the train passes slowly as it crosses original trestle bridges built by the prisoner of war labourers. At Tam Krasae you will disembark from the train and have lunch before transferring to the Khmer ruins at Muang Sing. At the peak of the Khmer Empire, centred out of Siem Reap in Cambodia, this region was on the outer edges of the Kingdom. Muang Sing is a Khmer ruin from this period. The ruins are largely incomplete but it is a peaceful place and the perfect starting point to the cycling part of your journey. Today's ride is an easy 33km on small back roads through villages and farmland that make for a great introduction to the region. We will make stops at anything interesting seen along the way. The great joy of cycling back roads is that you never know what will be happening from one week to the next.
Day 2 | Countryside Cycling
After cycling out of town we cycle all the way to tonight's resort. The support vehicle will be on duty if you need it but if you can ride the entire 42km you'll enjoy a full day of cycling in Thailand. The ride to the end destination is mostly on unsealed roads with a little bit of rolling terrain. You will pass endless villages and countryside as you continue following the general course of the Kwai Noi River
Day 3 | Hellfire Pass, Sai Yok Noi
This morning you will take you on an easy 23km ride to Hellfire Pass. Hellfire Pass is a legendary part of the story of the Thai-Burma Railway. While cutting a pass through the limestone rock hundreds of prisoners died here. A highly informative memorial museum has been built here and there are tracks built to explore the Pass. After lunch at Sai Yok transfer back to Bangkok.
Extend your holiday!
Want to see more of Kanchanaburi? Consider adding a Lake Raft House experience to the bike tour to make a week long journey in this beautiful and diverse province. Kayaking, elephant riding, waterfalls, caves, swimming in Khao Laem Lake and relaxing on the sundeck are all waiting for you on our Kanchanaburi Adventure.
Kanchanaburi Adventure | 7 day bike and lake house tour
Facts and Information
Style
fully supported cycling
Grasshopper Leader
This tour will be led by a Thai cycling guide.
Inclusions
support vehicle, local guide, all meals, entry fees, imported 24 speed mountain bike
Group Size
minimum 2, maximum 12
Accommodation
2 nights hotel
Single Supplement
Single supplement is not optional on this tour. If you are travelling alone and we can not pair you with another traveller you will have to pay the supplement.
Meals Included
2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Difficulty
moderate