In December, Kanchanaburi transforms into a vibrant place of remembrance with the River Kwai Bridge Week Festival. Celebrating Thailand's history and culture, this event pays tribute to World War II with a unique sound and light show on the famous bridge and much more.
On the trail of a dark history: Train journey Bangkok – Kanchanaburi on the Death Railway (video)
A train journey from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is more than just a means of transportation; it is a journey through time, through landscapes full of stories and tragic events from the Second World War. From the bustling heart of Bangkok, the trail leads you to the historic bridge over the River Kwai, right through the enchanting Thai landscape. This trip offers a unique combination of natural beauty and gripping history, making it an unforgettable experience for any traveler.
What happened to the Railway of Death?
Japan capitulated on August 15, 1945. With that, the Thai-Burma railway, the infamous Railway of Death, lost the purpose for which it was originally built, which was to bring troops and supplies to the Japanese troops in Burma. The economic usefulness of this connection was limited and it was therefore not very clear after the war what to do with it.
'The sun is scorching hot, the rain lashes in gusts, and both bite deep into our bones', we still carry our burdens like ghosts, but have died and petrified for years. ' (An excerpt from the poem 'Pagoderoad' written by the Dutch forced laborer Arie Lodewijk Grendel on 29.05.1942 in Tavoy)
Is the death railway in Kanchanaburi out of order?
Was told today that the train over the death railway in Kanchanaburi would not run for some time. Can someone please let me know about this as this is the first I'm hearing about this.
Reader question: To the River Kwai bridge from Bangkok
We are going to Thailand for the 1st time and are very curious what we will find. We land (29-2) in the morning at about 08.00 am so we immediately have a whole day. On the 3rd day we would like to travel from Bangkok to Brug River Kwai and back to the airport the next day to continue to Koh Samui.
The River Kwai Bridge Week 2017 in Kanchanaburi
For those interested in history, this month is an excellent opportunity to catch up on the events of World War II surrounding Kanchanaburi and the Burma Railway.