On the trail of a dark history: Train journey Bangkok – Kanchanaburi on the Death Railway (video)

The train journey from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is a popular route for tourists and locals alike who want to experience the historic and scenic beauty of the region. The route is particularly famous for the Death Railway and the bridge over the River Kwai.

To begin your journey, hop on at Bangkok's Thonburi Train Station. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, this station is the departure point for trains to Kanchanaburi. The station is easily accessible from different parts of Bangkok by taxis, tuk-tuks or local buses.

The train journey to Kanchanaburi takes approximately three hours, depending on the type of train and specific timetable. Throughout the journey, passengers will see Thailand's diverse landscape, from the outskirts of Bangkok to the rural areas with their rice fields, and finally the more hilly regions around Kanchanaburi.

Along the way, the train crosses various stations and landscapes, including Nakhon Pathom, where you will find the famous Phra Pathom Chedi you can spot the tallest Buddhist pagoda in the world. As you get closer Kanchanaburi comes, the landscape changes into a mix of forests, hills and rivers, offering a picturesque experience.

Another tip: you see the most on the left side of the direction of travel.

One-way costs vary, but are usually in the very affordable price range, making it a popular mode of transportation for budget travelers. However, it is always recommended to check in advance for current prices and timetables as these may vary depending on the season and other factors.

Once in Kanchanaburi, travelers can visit the many historical and natural sights, including of course the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, the JEATH War Museum and the Erawan Falls. Remembering the tragic history of the Death Railway, while enjoying the beauty of the region, provides a profound and enriching travel experience.

History of the “Death Railway”

The “Death Railway”, officially known as the Burma-Siam Railway, is a 415 kilometer long railway line that was built during the WWII was constructed between Ban Pong in Thailand and Thanbyuzayat in Burma (now Myanmar). The purpose of the railway was to supply Japanese troops fighting the Allies in Burma.

What made the Death Railway infamous is the tragic history behind its construction:

• Forced labor: The Japanese occupiers used more than 60.000 prisoners of war (mainly British, Australians, Americans and Dutch) and another more than 180.000 Asian laborers (mainly Malays, Tamils, Burmans and others) to work on the railway under extremely harsh and inhumane conditions.
• Tough conditions: Workers faced diseases such as cholera, beriberi, dysentery and malaria, malnutrition, and brutal abuse by Japanese guards. Working in the dense jungle, building bridges and excavating rocks without adequate tools or equipment made the labor unbearable for many.
• High mortality rates: It is estimated that more than 12.000 POWs and tens of thousands of Asian workers died as a result of the inhumane conditions. This is where the nickname “Death Railway” comes from.
• Bridge over the River Kwai: One of the most famous parts of this railway is the bridge over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. The bridge has been the subject of books and the famous film “The Bridge on the River Kwai”.

Nowadays the route from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is a popular tourist route. Many tourists visit Kanchanaburi to see the bridge over the River Kwai and visit the JEATH War Museum and war cemeteries. The journey also offers impressive views of the Thai countryside and surrounding nature, despite the impressive and sad history it is a beautiful train journey.

Video: TRAIN ON THE DEATH RAILWAY 🇹🇭 BANGKOK TO KANCHANABURI

Watch the video here: