Back to the History, Hellfire Pass the 2nd World War
One of the city includes in our tour program, the city that I have been here again and again…..why?
Some of history is not for sad but for think, why it happen and what should we do in the same situation?.
Kanchanaburi is a town in west Thailand. It’s known for the Death Railway, built during WWII. The line crosses over the River Khwae Yai via the Death Railway Bridge. Many War Museum honor the prisoners of war who died building the bridge. The Thailand–Burma Railway Center explores the wider history of the railway. Nearby, thousands of Allied soldiers are buried at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.
HELLFIRE PASS MEMORIAL MUSEUM
One of the Museum that the people known as the Museum of “Chong Khao Kad”, it is a part of the Death Railway that was built cruelly by prisoners of war during World War II. Hellfire or Chong Khao Kad is a spot where the railway needed to cut through the mountain, which was really impossible but the POWs and labors were forced to use hand drills, picks, and shovels to carve the rock so that a train could pass. The 500-meter-long pass was incredibly completed in six months in 1943, with many lives were sacrificed. The pass is no longer in use and it becomes the museum to exhibit related tools and photographs about the historical event to remind people of the importance of world peace.
Memorial Walking Trail – The walking trail follows the alignment of the original Burma–Thailand railway from Hellfire Pass through to the Hintok Cutting.
During the Second World War, thousands of forced local laborers and Allied Prisoners of War suffered and died constructing and maintaining the Burma–Thailand railway.
In their memory.
HELLFIRE PASS TREKKING TRAIL – This is a part of the Death Railway constructed during the Second World War using POW labor to cut through the mountain. Along a 4-kilometer walking trail made by the Allied prisoners, today visitors can envision the difficulties faced in constructing the Death Railway using simple tools. Take a closer look at this historical Hellfire Pass, walk along remaining railroad tracks and even walk into the cutting!
More Thing to do!
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak) and Chungkai War Cemetary
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is located on Saeng Chuto Road, the main road through the town. During the construction of the Burma-Siam railway, approximately 13,000 POWs died and were buried alongside the railway. An estimated 80,000 to 100,000 civilians also died in the course of the project. There are 5085 WWII Commonwealth casualties buried or commemorated in this cemetery as well as 1896 Dutch war graves and 1 non-war grave.
Located on the banks of the River Kwai, just outside the town of Kanchanaburi, Chungkai War Cemetery is a smaller and less visited memorial site. There are now 1426 Commonwealth and 313 Dutch WWII burials in this cemetery.
Bridge over the River Kwai (Kwae)
This steel bridge is one of the most important historical landmarks and memorials in Thailand and probably the most photographed landmark of Kanchanaburi. The history of the bridge is well known, for the WWII battle that took place here, and the subsequent Hollywood movie that immortalized events. The damaged bridge was renovated by the Thai government after the war in 1946. Visitors are able to walk across the bridge to the other side of the river, but should be mindful of trains and motorcycles.
Bridge Over the River Kwai Memorial Week is held during late November to early December every year, which includes a WWII exhibition as well as the history and archaeology of the bridge, local performances and stalls selling souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Tham Krasae Cave
Visitors with sufficient time should take a death railway train from River Kwai Bridge for a 2-hour ride to Tham Krasae Cave. Tham Krasae station marks the start of the long viaduct by the cliff built by the Prisoners of War during WWII, part of the infamous Death Railway.
Erawan Waterfall
Erawan Waterfall is acknowledged as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand. The waterfall is 1500m high and has seven tiers, each of which with a safe swimming area. Besides the waterfall, the park is also home to a handful of limestone caves which visitors can spend time exploring.
Elephant Camp
Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to the Elephants Camp. Here visitors can watch elephants playing in the mud, gather food to feed them and help bathe them in the river.
Season Fruits Plantation at the River Kwai
“Economic development must be done step by step. It should begin with the strengthening of our member foundation, by assuring that the majority of our member has enough to live”
Khun Somchai tries to follow the word of his Majesty, ……..
An example of Thai Farmer who have planted many kinds of fruits such as rambutan, durian, mangosteen, Santol, rose apple,
jackfruit, custard apple, cashew nut, papaya, sweet tamarind, grapefruit, Bilimbing Cucumber, etc.
More than 40 Rai in his area (1 Rai = 1600 Square mater), work with his Family and Neighbor
