River Kwai Rafthouse

Raft House on River Kwai

“We cruise the Bangkok canals on a longtail boat and visit the massive Reclining Buddha at the Wat Pho temple before heading westwards to Kanchanaburi. Aboard a floating rafthouse on the River Kwai, we glide upstream, visiting the Golden Dragon Temple (locally known as Wat Ban Cave) and relaxing. We sleep and eat on board for a night. A day trip to Erawan Falls gives us the opportunity to swim in refreshing limestone pools.” - Intrepid Travel Guide

The Death Railway

During the Japanese invasion of Thailand during World War II, the Death Railway was built. The Japanese wanted to transport weapons and ammunition so they could attack India and Burma. Over 16,000 allied prisoners of war and over 90,000 workers from Thailand, Burma, Indonesia and Laos died building the railway. The were malnurtured, tortured and beaten. The River Kwai bridge, crucial to the railroad’s operation, was destroyed in 1945.