Tour 3: Two Day

PERSONAL PILGRIMAGE TOURS OF THE THAILAND-BURMA RAILWAY

TOUR 3: TWO DAY

DAY 1

Visit and walk the famous 'Bridge On The River Kwai'

Travel to location of chosen camp sites and/or working locations of ex POW/relative, viewing old railway locations along the way.

Gain a first hand understanding of what became a life-changing event for around 300,000 people who were involved in building 415 kilometres of railway by hand under conditions that very few can imagine.

Morning/afternoon tea and lunch at appropriate times

Travel to the famous Three Pagodas Pass stopping to view significant locations during the trip. Keepsakes and souvenirs available if interested at this historic location.

Visit the “Weaving for Women” project at Sangklaburi prior to dinner

Dinner and overnight at Sangklaburi on the Thailand/Burma (Myanmar) border.

Day 2

Return journey including viewing railway historical sites on the way.

Explore the railway in person and gain an understanding of what took place during it’s construction. Feel the emotion as you stand at a site of personal significance or reflect on events that overwhelmed your fellow countrymen/relatives over 60 years ago.

Morning/afternoon tea and lunch at appropriate times

Hellfire pass & walking trail Visit the Hellfire Pass Museum and walk the notorious Hellfire Pass Cutting, a large man made cutting through a rock mountain where many POWs suffered torturous conditions. Walk the walking trail that follows the original railway bed and experience bridge sites, bomb craters and large embankments built by POW labour over 60 years ago. For those not feeling so adventurous or up to walking, more time can be spent in the museum or observing the line from a vantage point. In any event this will be a worthwhile historical experience.

Return to Kanchanaburi

Detailed and comprehensive guided tour of the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre in Kanchanaburi

This privately owned interactive museum opened in 2003 resulting from over 11 years of research by it's creator, (Australian) Rod Beattie. The 2 story air conditioned building adjacent to the War Cemetery is home to the true and incredible story of the railway from it's inception, through construction completion and operation, to it's final cessation after the end of WWII. Be captivated as the full story unfolds revealing all the facts and statistics of this amazing engineering feat, including many relics recovered from along the line and pow camp sites, and full details of the tragic human cost. An educational and moving experience is assured.

Visit to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

A beautifully kept cemetery and memorial to some 7000 allied prisoners who perished along the line and were moved post-war to this eternal resting place.

A fitting tribute following the visit to the museum after two days of An unforgettable experience.

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