Thailand

For your next road trip in Thailand, treat yourself to a journey on the tracks of the Death Railway. The tourist train maintains the memory of the prisoners of war who perished during its construction. Here's all you need to know.

The Death Railway, a historical and symbolic landmark of Kanchanaburi

Of all the monuments in Kanchanaburi, the Death Railway, as it's known in English, is undoubtedly the most famous. If you wish to explore the surroundings of the Thai capital, don't miss this wonderfully suspended railway bridge over the River Kwai. What visitor wouldn't be touched by the thought of the war crimes committed on this bridge 90 years ago? Who wouldn't feel a heavy heart recalling the suffering endured by prisoners of war, forced to eat spoiled food, overwhelmed by fatigue, and deprived of medical care? By riding the Death Railway, you'll pass by other iconic sites of World War II, such as the Jeth War Museum or the Krasae Cave. Afterwards, enjoy the shops and gourmet addresses of Kanchanaburi. The journey begins with a touch of sadness but ends in cheerfulness. To see something other than Buddhist temples, rice fields, and waterfalls in the Land of Smiles, riding the Death Railway is a great idea.

A brief history of the River Kwai Bridge

Let's put the Kanchanaburi railway bridge into its historical context. The war was raging in Europe and Asia. Not content with occupying Thai territory, Japan also aimed to torment Burma. But these raids were thwarted by Great Britain. Hence arose the ambitious but reckless idea of building a railway line connecting Siam to Burma.

Faced with a shortage of labor, Japanese officers resorted to extreme measures: they forcibly enlisted captive soldiers from Allied countries and Asian civilians to carry out this task. Out of respect for the Siamese government, Thais were spared. Over 100,000 workers perished during the construction, which, incidentally, was left unfinished. The overwhelming majority of them were English, Dutch, Australian, and Canadian. The colossal project was a white elephant, as the Allies destroyed it with repeated bombings.

Onboard the Death Railway

Kanchanaburi, a remote town in Thailand, is just a 3-hour drive from Bangkok. Its name has crossed oceans due to the terrible events that marked its railway bridge. David Lean's film, titled "The Bridge on the River Kwai," made it famous.

Tourists ride the Death Railway to relive the dark hours of World War II. That said, the beauty of the landscapes is a highlight of the journey. The Death Railway train departs from Kanchanaburi and ends at Nam Tok. To enjoy the best view, passengers are encouraged to take a seat on the left side rather than the right. The countryside is lush with flowers. The river flows with its brown waters, bordered on both sides by tropical shrubs. Mountains stretch as far as the eye can see.

Before boarding, you'll likely enjoy walking on the bridge. Many points of interest await in the vicinity. Photos illustrating the living conditions of prisoners await you at the Death War Museum, located below the wooden pontoon, the preliminary version of the structure before its replacement by a steel bridge. Equally interesting is the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, a private museum run by an Australian chronicler. The Krasae Cave hides within a rocky outcrop. Here, blocks of stone used to build the railway were stored. Prisoners also used this underground passage during bombings. The entrance of the cave is adorned with an imposing Buddha statue.

The Death Railway tourist train is worn by the years. You'll occupy an old-fashioned wooden bench. You'll pass by farmhouses nestled in the hills and rice fields. Everything exudes serenity, making it hard to believe that eight decades ago, these old rails witnessed horrifying scenes of war. Upon reaching Hellfire Pass, you're free to return immediately to Kanchanaburi or continue by visiting the Australian museum near the terminus.

Practical information

Train schedule

There are three departures per day: if you missed the 6 a.m. train, catch the ones at 10:30 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. These schedules are indicative, as punctuality is not a quality of Thai trains.

Ticket price

Head to Kanchanaburi station to purchase a ticket for the Death Railway train. Expect around 100 baht (2.7 €) for a one-way ticket. Ticket issuance begins fifteen minutes before the train's arrival. It's advisable to depart early in the morning to avoid the long queue, as the Death Railway is a sought-after tourist attraction. The station is just a stone's throw from the famous bridge.

How to get there

Public buses serve Kanchanaburi from the capital. Just head to the Mochit bus terminal.