Kanchanaburi & Train Ride (WF4)
Description
- 07:30 Pickup from your hotel in Bangkok and travel 2 and 1/2 hours to the River Kwai Bridge which is a historically significant bridge located in Kanchanaburi province. It is one of the major attractions in this region and holds great historical importance due to its connection to World War II. During the Second World War the Japanese Imperial Army occupied Thailand and used forced labor including prisoners of war and Asian laborers to construct a railway line connecting Thailand to Myanmar (then Burma). The construction of the railway was a grueling and challenging task given the difficult terrain and harsh working conditions. The section of the railway that crossed the Mae Klong River (also known as the Kwai Yai River) required a bridge to span the river’s width.
- The River Kwai Bridge was built using wooden and concrete materials and was completed in 1943. The construction involved immense human suffering as thousands of laborers lost their lives due to the harsh conditions, maltreatment and disease. After the war the original wooden bridge was replaced with a stronger steel and concrete structure. Today the River Kwai Bridge stands as a symbol of the past and serves as a memorial to the thousands who lost their lives during its construction.
- The surrounding area is flat and wheelchair friendly, offering great photo opportunities and historical insights.
- 10:30 After the River Kwai Bridge you will board a local train and take a train ride along the Death Railway which runs through beautiful local scenery and historical sites. This route takes passengers across the River Kwai Bridge and through the picturesque countryside of Kanchanaburi province. The journey provides insights into the tragic history of the Death Railway and the significant human suffering that occurred during its construction. As you ride the train you can view the beautiful landcape and remember the thousands of lives lost and the hardships endured by those who were forced to build the Death Railway.
- You will ride along the Death Railway for 1 hour before the train reaches Tham Kra Sae Station where you will disembark and then travel by vehicle to a local restaurant.
- The train has basic seating and boarding assistance will be provided by your tour guide.
- 12:00 Lunch at local restaurant.
- 13:00 After lunch you will travel 1 hour to visit the War Cemetery also known as the Don Rak War Cemetery. The Don Rak War Cemetery is a solemn and significant memorial located in Kanchanaburi and serves as a final resting place for thousands of Allied prisoners of war who lost their lives during the construction of the Death Railway in World War II. The Don Rak War Cemetery is situated close to the River Kwai Bridge and is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and contains the graves of over 6,000 Allied and Asian prisoners of war. Within the cemetery grounds there is a memorial building that displays the names of nearly 12,000 prisoners of war who died while working on the railway but have no known graves. The Don Rak War Cemetery is beautifully landscaped and provides a serene and peaceful environment for visitors to pay their respects and reflect on the sacrifices made during the war.
- The grounds at the Don Rak War Cemetery are flat and accessible for wheelchair users.
- 14:30 After the War Cemetery you will travel a short distance to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre which is an interactive museum, research and information centre dedicated to presenting the story of the Thailand-Burma Railway built during the World War II. This museum showcases an exhibition about the history of the Thailand-Burma railway and the educational exhibition displays information and photographs about the planning and construction processes of the Death Railway as well as the geography and local living condition during World War II before the bombing and end of the railway.
- The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre has ramps and accessible areas. Minor uneven surfaces can be assisted by your tour guide.
- 16:00 Depart from Kanchanaburi to return to Bangkok.
- 18:00-18:30 Return to your hotel.
** Guide times are approximate depending upon local traffic and weather conditions and can also be adjusted to suit your own personal requirements **
** Wheelchairs are not provided during these tours and the customer will need to bring their own wheelchair which needs to be foldable **
** The tour transfer vehicle does not have a wheelchair lift or ramp but our experienced tour guide and driver will assist the wheelchair user **
Tour includes
- Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- English speaking local tour guide
- Assistance for the wheelchair user by tour guide and driver
- All applicable entrance fees
- River Kwai Bridge
- Death Railway train ride
- Lunch
- War Cemetery (Don Rak)
- Thailand–Burma Railway Centre
- Travel insurance