About Bridge over the River Kwai
The Bridge over the River Kwai is a historic steel railway bridge spanning the Khwae Yai River in Tha Makham, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province, western Thailand. Built in 1942-1943 as part of the Thai-Burma Railway, it is internationally known through literature and film. The bridge remains in use for tourist trains, with original curved truss spans and reconstructed central sections, and serves as a memorial and major visitor attraction.
Visitors guide
Visitors can walk along the steel railway bridge over the Khwae Yai River, viewing the curved truss spans and wooden sleepers. The bridge is still active with scheduled tourist trains crossing several times daily. The setting includes river views, riverside walkways, small memorial plaques, and nearby souvenir and food stalls. The area is open and exposed with little shade, and visitors can explore both ends of the bridge and adjacent viewpoints.
Key highlights
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Historic steel railway bridge with distinctive curved truss spans over the Khwae Yai River
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Opportunity to walk across the bridge on the railway sleepers
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Active railway with tourist trains crossing the bridge
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Scenic river views and photography points from both banks
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Proximity to JEATH War Museum and Thailand-Burma Railway Centre