THE DEATH RAILWAY
ABOUT THE DEATH RAILWAY
The Death Railway was built during WWII and the line stretches 414km across western Thailand and into Burma, crossing over the River Khwae Yai via the Death Railway Bridge. The Death Railway is a standing testimonial of a story that many wish had never happened.
Started in 1942 by Allied POWs, under the orders of the Japanese army, the construction was finished 16 months later, three years and eight months short of the original timeframe. It cut through some of the most rugged terrains – limestone cliffs and craggy mountains – resulting in over 100,000 deaths due to sickness, malnutrition and exhaustion. This rail route linked Thailand’s Ban Pong (Ratchaburi) with Thanbuyuzayat, Burma, to carry supplies across into India. You can trace the Death Railway route by hopping on the train at Tha Kilen Station (near Prasat Muang Singh) to the terminal station at Nam Tok (Sai Yok Noi Waterfall). This 77-km section passes through the most beautiful section of the Death Railway – as it crosses over the wooden viaduct hugging the cave-ridden cliff – and some of the most picturesque countryside in the country. The journey takes two hours.
Displays at the JEATH War Museum honour the prisoners of war who died building the bridge. The Thailand–Burma Railway Centre explores the wider history of the railway. Nearby, thousands of Allied soldiers are buried at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE DEATH RAILWAY
The best route to take to witness the Death Railway is from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok. The views on this route are picturesque however it’s the history that makes the ride so special.
Alternatively, you can take the bus straight up to the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, just north of the line’s current Nam Tok terminus, which provides an equally illuminating introduction to the railway’s history, then return to Kanchanaburi by train.
our review
During our visit to Kanchanaburi we decided to take a ride on the 'Death Railway'. At first it sounded scary, Death Railway, however there is really nothing scary about it (apart from perhaps the rigid train lines here and there) – but it really is a peaceful scenic trip which you can ride (if you choose to) all the way from Bangkok to close to Burma.
We didn't ride it the whole way (as it would have taken all day – the trains are very slow) however we rode it for about 2 hours from Kanchanaburi station so we could get the famous view of the train passing the side of the mountain.
The train carriages were busy and jam packed full of tourists. There are also only a certain amount of carriages assigned for 'tourists' as a lot of the local Thai people still use this train as transportation (for a smaller price).
Try to avoid getting a guide or a booked trip through a concierge as they will charge you extortionate prices and there's really nothing they can tell you that you aren't able to see for yourself.
Overall it was well worth a visit if you're staying in Kanchanaburi.
TOP TIPS
A good tip, to get the best views, is to make sure you sit (or stand) on the right-hand side of the train on the journey back to Kanchanaburi, and on the left-hand side when travelling towards Nam Tok.
COST
100 baht each way.
OPENING HOURS
Trains to Bangkok:
Dept: 07.19 Arr: 10.25
Dept: 14.48 Arr: 17.40
Trains to Nam Tok:
Dept: 10.35 Arr: 12.35
Dept: 16.26 Arr: 18.30