From/ To: BANGKOK
Duration: 18 Hours approx.
Departs: 24th April 2026 - 10:30pm
Departure: Guaranteed
Tour type: ‘Join-in’/ Small Group

Overview:

This tour is a great opportunity for anyone with limited time in Bangkok but who wants to attend an Anzac Day Service. Travel to Hellfire Pass in good time to join the very emotional Anzac Day Dawn Service. Meet other Anzac Day travellers at the Gunfire Breakfast before visiting Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and the Bridge over the River Kwai. Have lunch at the Floating Restaurant beside the bridge before returning to Bangkok.

Why Anzac Day at Hellfire Pass?

Hellfire Pass is a profoundly significant site for Australians, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the POWs during the construction of the Burma-Thailand Railway. The events that transpired here, especially during the brutal 'Speedo' period, highlight the immense suffering and resilience of those who endured forced labour under unimaginable conditions.

The rediscovery and preservation of Hellfire Pass in the 1980s serves as a tribute to the memory of the POWs and the countless lives lost. The walking track and museum offer visitors a deeply moving and educational experience, allowing them to grasp the scale of the construction and the human cost involved.

The Anzac Day Dawn Service held at Hellfire Pass since 1990 is particularly moving. It offers a solemn opportunity to reflect on the courage and sacrifices of those who suffered there, while also fostering a connection between Australian history and the beautiful cultural and natural surroundings of Thailand.

Join the deeply moving Anzac Day Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass. Learn the story of the Burma-Thailand Railway and delight in the Thai cuisine, culture and magnificent scenery on this 1-day tour.

Highlights:

• Anzac Day Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass with Gunfire Breakfast

• Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre (museum)

• Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

• Long tail boat ride

• Lunch at the Floating Restaurant

• Bridge over the River Kwai

If you find that you are unable to join a tour that has been booked, confirmed and paid in part or in full, the paid amount of that tour less any unrecoverable costs, may be converted to a voucher. The value of that voucher may be used towards the same tour with a later departure date or any other HWT tour.

If a refund is requested, the following cancellation fees may be deducted from the paid amount:

• Greater than 10 days prior to tour start date - 10% of total tour amount + any unrecoverable costs

• 10 Days or less (including 'no show') prior to tour start date - No refund

• Anzac Day Dawn Service, Hellfire Pass – Moderate-High

• Kanchanaburi War Cemetery - Low

• Floating Restaurant - Low-Moderate

• Bridge over the River Kwai - Moderate

• Floating Restaurant - Low-Moderate

There is no compulsory tipping on the tour and any tip is discretionary by you. Your guide and driver are paid a good salary for the hard work they do but if you do choose to give a tip, this supplementary amount is always appreciated. If you believe you were treated well and received excellent service during your tour by the guide and driver, then feel free to tip an amount that you are comfortable with. If you distribute a tip between the guide and driver, please present it to them separately to avoid confusion.

• Registration with the Australian Department of Veteran Affairs, for the Anzac Day Dawn Service, is preferred to assist the organisers.

• All customers must have comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of the tour.

• This tour is conducted in accordance with the Terms, Conditions and Policies (Terms) of Historic War Tour Pty Ltd (HWT). By booking a tour with HWT, you acknowledge that you have read and understand these Terms and accept them.

Depart Mercure Bangkok Siam Hotel / Ibis Bangkok Siam Hotel (same location), Bangkok: 24th April 2026, 10:30pm

(Please note: There is only one pick-up / departure point in Bangkok)

Gather in the concierge area of the Mercure Bangkok Siam Hotel / Ibis Bangkok Siam Hotel (same location), your Central Bangkok pick-up point, by 10:15pm. Meet the other members of the tour before boarding your minivan/bus for the trip to Hellfire Pass, about 4 hours after leaving Bangkok. A short stop is planned enroute.

Arrive at the Hellfire Pass Interpretative Centre and walk (about 20 minutes) down the stairway to the old railway bed and then onto Hellfire Pass where you will join others for the Anzac Day Dawn Service starting at 5:30am. Once the service is finished, mingle with other travelers at the Gunfire Breakfast before exploring the exhibits at the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre.

Depart about 9:00am for the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and join in a private Wreath Laying Ceremony at the cemetery’s Cross of Sacrifice. After, walk around the beautifully landscaped grounds where nearly 7,000 POW’s are buried and begin to understand why the railway became known as the “Death Railway”.

Travel to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai by long tail boat, on the River Kwai. This is not only a lot of fun but is very cooling on a hot day. Gain a unique perspective of the bridge from the river itself and then have lunch at the Floating Restaurant with amazing views of the bridge.

After lunch, take the short walk across the bridge before setting-off on your return trip to Bangkok arriving at the Mercure Bangkok Siam Hotel / Ibis Bangkok Siam Hotel (same location) about 4:00pm approx. (25th April 2026)

(Please note: There will be only one arrival / drop-off point in Bangkok)

Meals included: Lunch

Hotel: Own arrangement