Bridge Over the River Kwai

Thai Holiday Guide

Also known as: Death Railway Bridge, Bridge on the River Kwai

This steel bridge is one of important historical landmarks and memorials in Thailand. It is almost a symbol of the province and is a recommended place in Kanchanaburi travel guide. The history of the bridge is well known, as it was part of the railway lines in World War II and had seen its share of conflict and bloodshed. After World War II, the damaged bridge was renovated by the Thai government in 1946. The Bridge of the River Kwai Memorial Week is held during late November to early December every year, where there is an exhibition about World War II and the history and archaeology of the bridge. Folk performances, local goods markets, and other entertainment are also scheduled at the event. Situated not far from the bridge is Don Rak or Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, another important World War II-related place as it is where remains of the prisoners of war who had died while building the railway were buried. Opening Hours: Daily 24 hours Location: Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi Province Tel: 0 2621 8701-9

Visitor Information

Entry Fee: Free (Thai nationals: Free)

Getting There

Bridge Over the River Kwai is located at Maenam Khwae Road. View on Google Maps.

Tips for Visitors

Respect local customs and signage.
Allow extra time for travel to remote locations.
Check opening hours before your visit, as they can change seasonally.
Bring sun protection, water, and comfortable walking shoes.

Within Walking Distance

Art Gallery and War Museum

146 m away Museums kanchanaburi

View place →

Thailand-Burma Railway Centre

2.5 km away Cultural Heritage kanchanaburi

View place →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee to visit the Bridge Over the River Kwai?

Entry is free for all visitors, both Thai nationals and foreigners. You can walk across the bridge at any time — it is open 24 hours a day.

How do I get to the Bridge Over the River Kwai?

The bridge is on Maenam Khwae Road in the Tha Makham sub-district of Mueang Kanchanaburi district.

What is there to see and do at the bridge?

You can walk across the original Death Railway steel bridge over the Khwae River. Nearby is Don Rak, the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, where Allied prisoners of war who died building the railway are buried — the two sites make a natural pairing.

What is the Bridge Over the River Kwai Memorial Week?

A commemorative event held annually in late November to early December. It includes a WWII exhibition covering the bridge's history and archaeology, folk performances, a local goods market, and other entertainment.

What is the historical significance of the bridge?

The steel bridge was built as part of the railway lines used during World War II and has seen its share of conflict and bloodshed. After the war the damaged bridge was renovated by the Thai government in 1946. It remains an important historical landmark and is considered a symbol of Kanchanaburi province.

When is the best time to visit?

The bridge can be visited year-round — it is open 24 hours a day. Timing a visit to coincide with Memorial Week in late November to early December adds the cultural events and WWII exhibition to the experience.