River Kwai Bridge Festival 2025: History, Culture & Light Show

Discover the River Kwai Bridge Festival in Kanchanaburi — a cultural and historical celebration featuring a stunning light and sound show and lively local events.

Annual Commemoration of the River Kwai Bridge

The River Kwai Bridge Week Festival 2025 takes place each year in Kanchanaburi Province to honor the lives lost during World War II when Allied prisoners of war and Asian civilians built the bridge under harsh conditions.
Held from late November to early December, the event allows visitors to relive this historical period through an impressive light and sound performance depicting wartime scenes.

The Spectacular Light and Sound Show

Beyond the multimedia show, visitors can explore historical exhibitions, watch traditional performances, shop for local crafts and street food, and support the Thai Red Cross fair.
The River Kwai Bridge, an iron structure spanning the Khwae Yai River, was part of the Siam–Burma Railway, which connected Thailand and Myanmar. This railway, once used as a military supply route by Japanese forces, was mostly dismantled after the war.

The Dark Legacy of the River Kwai Bridge

Over 60,000 Allied prisoners of war — Australian, British, American, and Dutch — along with up to 250,000 Asian civilians, were forced to work on the railway.
Due to malnutrition, abuse, and tropical diseases, more than 90,000 civilians and 12,000 Allied POWs died, giving the railway its tragic name: the Death Railway.

Practical Information: River Kwai Bridge Festival 2025

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FAQ — River Kwai Bridge Festival 2025

When does the River Kwai Bridge Festival take place?
The festival runs from November 27 to December 7, 2025 in Kanchanaburi.

What can visitors expect at the event?
A spectacular light and sound show, historical exhibits, local food stalls, and cultural performances.

Is the event suitable for families?
Yes, it’s a family-friendly festival with plenty of attractions for all ages.

How to get to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok?
You can reach Kanchanaburi by train, bus, or private car — about 2.5 hours from Bangkok.