2 days 1 night : Anzac Day 24th - 25th April Code. A1
*Private Tour :
1 pax 2 pax 3 pax 4 - 5 pax 6 - 7 pax 8 pax
17,300 Baht 12,400 Baht/person 10,900 Baht/person 9,350 Baht/person 8,650 Baht/person 8,150 Baht/person
*Group Tour : 8,150 Baht/person
*Babies and toddlers under 2 years old: Free of charge. *Children under 11 years old: 70% of adult rate.
This two-day journey invites you to walk in the footsteps of history and remembrance. From the stories preserved in Kanchanaburi’s wartime museums to the breathtaking landscapes along the River Kwai, every moment brings you closer to the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the past. The highlight is the ANZAC Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass — an experience that stirs the heart long after the sun rises. This is a tour for travellers seeking not only discovery, but understanding.
Itinerary
Day 1
06:30 - VIP Hotel Pickup. Start your day of exploration with effortless luxury. We'll collect you right from your Bangkok hotel's doorstep, ensuring a smooth, timely, and stress-free beginning to your unforgettable journey. Your exclusive morning awaits!
08:30 - JEATH War Museum — A Journey Through the History of the Death Railway. Discover one of Kanchanaburi’s most meaningful and emotionally powerful sites. The JEATH War Museum (known internationally as the War Museum) preserves the real stories behind the construction of the infamous Death Railway during World War II. Step inside an authentic bamboo POW camp replica and explore rare photographs, sketches, and personal artifacts once traded by prisoners for food. These exhibits reveal the brutal conditions that claimed the lives of more than 16,000 Allied prisoners of war and nearly 100,000 Asian laborers during the railway’s intense 16-month construction. Designed in original wartime style, the museum offers an immersive, real-life perspective — far more impactful than any modern building could provide. A visit to the JEATH War Museum is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and an inspiration to cherish peace for future generations.
09:15 - Step into Kanchanaburi’s dramatic wartime history at the World War II Art Gallery and Museum, just a short stroll from the legendary Bridge over the River Kwai. Founded in 1995 by Mr. Aran Chansiri, this immersive museum brings real WWII stories to life through powerful exhibits and rare, eye-opening artifacts. Discover an impressive collection of wartime weapons, relics, and authentic Japanese military vehicles — cars, motorcycles, and boats — alongside historical photographs and unique collectibles such as swords, grenades, and ancient coins. Explore recreated POW prison cells, view the remains of over 106 prisoners of war, and see the original wooden River Kwai Bridge, preserved before the modern structure was built. Set along the scenic River Kwai Yai, this is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking meaningful, thought-provoking experiences and a deeper connection to Thailand’s wartime past.
10:00 - Discover the Iconic Bridge over the River Kwai. Step into history at the Bridge over the River Kwai, part of the legendary Thailand-Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway. Built during World War II by Allied POWs and forced Asian laborers under Japanese command (1942-1943), it’s a site of incredible stories and unforgettable moments. Over 100,000 laborers and more than 12,000 Allied POWs tragically lost their lives due to harsh conditions, disease, and starvation — a powerful reminder of human courage and sacrifice. Though bombed multiple times in 1944-45, the bridge was rebuilt and today stands as a symbol of resilience and history. Famed worldwide through the novel and 1957 film "The Bridge on the River Kwai," the site offers more than history. Marvel at the original WWII-era steel arches, stroll along the bridge for unforgettable photos, and ride the scenic Kanchanaburi-Nam Tok railway, still in operation today — an experience that brings history to life.
10:45 - Experience one of Thailand's most scenic and thrilling rail journeys! Departing from The Bridge over the River Kwai, your train adventure culminates on the historic Wampo Viaduct — a hand-built, wooden trestle clinging precariously to the face of the mountain cliff. Gaze out at the river below as you traverse this narrow, exhilarating stretch on the way to the Krasae Cave station. An approximately 90-minute ride packed with dramatic views and history.
12:45 - Your Local Thai Lunch Mission! Seek out a dish you’ve never tried before and embark on a true flavor adventure. Embrace the Heat: Don’t shy away from a touch of mild chili sauce on the side. Thai cuisine is a masterful dance of four flavors — spicy, sweet, sour, and salty — ready to excite your taste buds. Instead of just grabbing lunch, treat this as an exploration of authentic Thai flavors. Find the “secret ingredient” or unique preparation that makes this restaurant truly special.
14:00 - Remembering the Cost: Anzac Eve at Hellfire Pass, Kanchanaburi. To stand at Hellfire Pass (Konyu Cutting) on April 24th — Anzac Eve — is to witness a site of monumental tragedy transitioning into a sacred memorial ground. It is here, far from the familiar shores of Australia and New Zealand, that the spirit of Anzac Day feels its most raw and immediate, commemorating the thousands of Allied Prisoners of War and Asian labourers who were forced to carve this railway through solid rock.
Visiting one day before the famous Dawn Service becomes a unique pilgrimage into the quiet anticipation and solemn preparation for the ceremony. You won't just see the memorial; you will observe the reverence required to host this international act of remembrance.
The Quiet on Anzac Eve:
Final Staging: You will likely see the logistical preparations of the Australian and New Zealand Embassies, Thai Army personnel, and volunteers who carefully set up seating, lighting, and the commemorative area down in the deep cutting — often by torchlight, mimicking the hellish conditions faced by the POWs.
Pilgrimage & Reflection: On this day, the site often draws early visitors and families of veterans who use the time before the crowds to walk the Memorial Trail in solitude. This allows for a deeper, personal connection to the history of the place — to walk the same ground where men toiled through 18-hour shifts under the flickering glow of bamboo fires, which gave the cutting its chilling name.
Pre-Service Gatherings: Many visitors stay at nearby resorts along the River Kwai, where informal gatherings and talks are held on the 24th, helping focus the community’s mind on the history before the early morning walk into the cutting for the 5:30 AM Dawn Service.
Your visit on Anzac Eve will be a powerful prelude, allowing you to fully absorb the profound atmosphere and the weight of history before the sun rises on the day of commemoration.
15:30 - Check-in at Home Phutoey River Kwai. Settle into the serene jungle surroundings of Home Phutoey River Kwai, your riverside retreat in Kanchanaburi.
18:30 - Dinner at Home Phutoey River Kwai. Enjoy a delicious dinner at Home Phutoey, overlooking the tranquil waters of the River Kwai. As evening falls, the atmosphere along the River Kwai becomes especially meaningful. Nearby lodges and resorts host informal talks and remembrance gatherings, bringing travellers together to honour the fallen and reflect on the history ahead of tomorrow’s Dawn Service. It’s the perfect setting to unwind, connect, and prepare for a truly unforgettable ANZAC Day experience.
Day 2
02:30 - Depart Home Phutoey River Kwai for Hellfire Pass. Rise early and set out on a pre-dawn journey to Hellfire Pass, arriving in time to experience the solemn atmosphere before the ANZAC Day Dawn Service. This early departure ensures you witness the site in its most reflective and unforgettable moments.
03:00 - Arrive at Hellfire Pass to attend the Dawn Service. The Dawn Service takes place deep within the cutting, offering a powerful and reflective experience. To reach the site, a short walk is required:
Walk Time: Around 20 minutes from the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre to Konyu Cutting.
Path: The trail follows the historic railway bed, with numerous steps and a rocky, uneven surface, allowing you to step back in time as you walk.
Footwear: Sensible shoes are strongly recommended, and a small torch (flashlight) is essential, as the walk takes place in darkness before dawn.
Mobility Assistance: A golf buggy service is generally available upon request for elderly visitors or those with limited mobility, ensuring everyone can take part in this memorable experience.
05:30 - Commencement of the Dawn Service. Anzac Day, observed every 25 April, marks the anniversary of the Gallipoli landings in 1915. Although the campaign failed militarily, the courage, endurance, and mateship shown by the soldiers created a legacy honoured by Australians and New Zealanders to this day. Originally focused on First World War veterans, Anzac Day now commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who have served or fallen in wars and peacekeeping missions. The Hellfire Pass Dawn Service is one of the most moving ceremonies held outside Australia and New Zealand. During the Second World War, thousands of Allied POWs — many Australian and New Zealanders — were forced to carve the Thai-Burma Railway under brutal conditions. Hellfire Pass (Konyu Cutting) remains one of the most significant and tragic sites, symbolising the suffering of more than 60,000 POWs and countless Asian labourers. At first light, visitors gather at the memorial installed by the Australian Government in 2005. The service is attended by military officials, ambassadors, Defence Attachés, veterans, and the public. Attendance has grown over the years, with more than 1,100 people in 2012. For those unable to walk into the cutting, the ceremony is broadcast live at the top of the site.
06:15 - End of Dawn Service. After the service, all guests are welcome to a complimentary Gunfire Breakfast — tea, coffee, Anzac biscuits, and more — served beside the Interpretive Centre building.
08:30 - A scenic long-tail boat ride to the Chungkai War Cemetery.
09:15 - Thailand-Burma Railway Centre (TBRC). A modern, professionally curated museum in Kanchanaburi, located right beside the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. The centre tells the powerful story of the WWII Thailand-Burma “Death Railway,” built under brutal conditions by Allied POWs and Asian labourers. Founded by historian Rod Beattie, the museum presents clear, engaging exhibits across eight galleries, including authentic tools and artefacts, detailed models of the railway, POW transport boxcar and medical hut replicas, and a moving gallery honouring the tens of thousands who died. Fully air-conditioned and easy to explore, the TBRC provides an essential understanding of the railway’s history through artefacts, personal testimonies, and accurate research.
10:00 - Cenotaph Ceremony at Donrak War Cemetery. Following the Dawn Service, visitors often proceed to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery for a second commemoration, highlighted by wreath-laying from Thai officials and performances by local youth that honour the enduring Thai-ANZAC connection.
11:30 - Culinary Pause. Delight in fresh, authentic Thai dishes in a comfortable setting, pairing memorable flavours. Conclude the morning’s tributes with a refreshing break featuring regional dishes — an ideal moment to gather your thoughts. The perfect interlude after the moving ceremonies.
12:30 - Say “Laa Kon” (goodbye) to the rivers and mountains as we journey toward the buzzing heart of Thailand. Hit the road from Kanchanaburi to Bangkok and leave behind the province’s historic charm as the scenery shifts from tranquil countryside to vibrant city life.
15:00 - Arrive at your Bangkok hotel. Welcome to Bangkok’s dynamic streets — the city that never sleeps and always inspires.
Tour includes :
- Private air-conditioned van with driver.
- Fuel and toll fees.
- Licensed English-speaking tour guide.
- meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Accommodation at Home Phutoey River Kwai.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Bangkok.
Admission to :
- JEATH War Museum.
- Art Gallery and War Museum.
- Bridge over the River Kwai.
- Train ticket.
- Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre.
- Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass.
- Long-tail boat ride to Chungkai War Cemetery.
- Thailand-Burma Railway Centre.
- Cenotaph Ceremony at Don Rak War Cemetery.
Excludes :
- Personal expenses.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Breakfast on Day 1 & dinner on Day 2.
