The Bridge on the River Kwai was part of a strategic railway route to Burma in which the Japanese aimed to secure supplies with which to conquer other western Asian countries. It was 415 kilometres long and passed through the Three Pagodas Pass in Sangkhlaburi District, the northern most part of Kanchanaburi province. The Japanese Imperial Army brought the iron bridge from Java during the Japanese occupation of Thailand in World War II. It was then resembled by Allied Prisoners of War (POW) under Japanese supervision. Visiting the River Kwai Bridge and the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery encourages one to contemplate the intolerable treatment Allied prisoners of war, Thais, Burmese and Malayans were subjected to under the Japanese Imperial Army during the construction of the notorious Burma Railway, better known as Death Railway. The work on the railway was completed in 16 months, despite calculations by Japanese engineers that the construction would take at least 5 years!

Founded in 1975 as Thailand’s 12th National Park, the Erawan National Park is home to one of the most popular waterfalls in the country. The major attraction of the park is the 7-tiered Erawan Falls with emerald green ponds. The fall is called after the three-headed elephant from Hindu mythology as the top cataract resembles it. Here you have enough time for a refreshing swim right in the middle of the jungle or even walk to the top level of the waterfalls (if weather permits). Do not forget to bring swimwear and a towel. NOTE: TOTAL TIME IS INCLUDING TRAVELING TIME FROM KANCHANABURI TO BANGKOK