River Kwai & Erawan Falls: Thailand's Iconic Full-Day Escape

It was a 2 hour drive from our hotel to the JEATH museum, but we (me, husband, 16yo daughter) had just arrived in Bangkok so were happy to spend this time looking out the window at the suburbs and then the farms. JEATH museum was really interesting, and we would have liked to spend a bit longer here. The tour from our guide felt a bit rushed. She also spoke incredibly quickly so we only caught the odd word she was saying. The exhibitions themselves were really interesting but old and tired, some with faded photos that are barely visable. It's a pity no one has updated the exhibits to preserve the information and continue to honour the POWs. The boat ride to the bridge over the River Kwai was excellent, and seeing the bridge and then a train come over it was great. From there we did another hour in the car to Erawan. We had lunch first at a stall the guide recommended, but found the food bland. There are changing rooms in the carpark (toilets have no flush, no paper and no soap, so go prepared). Then on to the falls themselves. It's a 600m walk from the car park to the base of the falls (mostly in shade - we were there about 1.30pm). Another option is to pay for a golf cart to drive you, to conserve your energy for the climb. We walked, and it was fine. The falls and pools are beautiful, really spectacular actually. The first 3 levels are pretty accessible, even for the unfit. We climed to fall 4 where my daughter enjoyed sliding down the rocks. I climbed further (and it was a longer and steeper climb), to fall 5, which was really picturesque and had a few different swimming spots. This is the last level for swimming, with falls 6 and 7 being scenic only (and bragging rights that you made it to the top). We had 2.5 hours, and then made our way down to the van for the long drive back to Bangkok (3 hours). It's worth going to the museum and the falls, but the driving felt too much. I'd suggest staying the night in Kanchanaburi to break up the drive, if possible.

Highly recommend this tour, very good experience with a mix of history, culture, nature, and adventure. Lots of fun, and our guide and driver were so incredibly nice and great at their job.

Fun experience! The waterfalls were scenic and our guide was very knowledgeable about the museum we visited. Definitely a solid day trip

A good combination of the history of the region and the spectacular scenery. As an Australian, I wanted the honour the history and sacrifice of our diggers who gave so much. The JEATH museum was a place to offer thanks and respect to those who gave their service and their life, but the displays in some cases were a little tired. The longboat ride along the rivers gave a sense of life in Kanchanaburi. Being able to walk on the famous bridge was also a chance for reflection. Our guide Na was very knowledgeable and full of advice and support. Our driver was also very friendly and made us feel safe throughout the journey. The Erawan Falls were a real highlight for me. I do love nature. The seven different levels of the falls all provided a different aspect to the stunning natural wonder. Take Na’s advice to take the golf cart to level 1 and back just to give more time for the climb, your insta photos and a dip. But watch the fish as they can do more than just nibble. An extra 30 mins at the falls would have been great, but it is a lot to fit into one day. Lunch at the falls was also wonderful. A thoroughly enjoyable day trip from Bangkok.

Great trip! The driver Nou, and guide Ja were very nice and helpful, we learned a tning about difficult history of II world war in Thailand, got to see famous bridge over river Kwai and then had time to marvel at and swim in beautiful Erawan Waterfall. Overall great experience and impeccable organisation from the bureau and whole staff. I highly recommend.

Great day trip from Bangkok! Na was very knowledgeable about the history of the river kwai bridge and made the trip really fun. The waterfalls are beautiful and we had a great time swimming with the fish in the pools at Erawan

We really enjoyed our trip, it was very informative and we loved listening to Na about the death railway and we managed to see a train cross where Na took our photos for us and on the boat across the water. We also went to the waterfall and Na showed us the most picturesque locations and explained the history of the prisoners using the waterfall. We highly recommend others to book onto the tour and we would book again with the company for additional tours. Thank you Na!

The tour was really enjoyable. Worth booking. Our tour guide 'Na' was friendly and knew all the good spots. Highly recommend!

Great time, very fun waterfall. Our tour guide Na was great, made it very engaging and fun. You can slide down one of the waterfalls which made it very exciting.

A very good experience all round. Our tour guide, Na was very informative and friendly and it was a pleasure to spend the day with her. She took some amazing photos for us which we will treasure from our trip. The driver was friendly and drove with care and attention. Highly recommend this trip. One of the best I have had in Bangkok to date.