Kanchanaburi: A Journey Through WWII History Exploring the Death Railway

The Harrowing History of the Death Railway

The station's vintage design entices many tourists to take photos. Thakilen Station serves as the best starting point for exploring the prime section of the Death Railway.

About three hours from downtown Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is Thailand's westernmost province and closest to the Myanmar border. Due to its strategic location during WWII, it became a critical point for Japanese forces, who built a railway connecting Thailand and Myanmar to support their military operations in Southeast Asia.

The construction was arduous; a railway intended to take six years was completed in just 17 months, highlighting the immense human cost—thousands of lives were lost, leading to its grim nickname, the "Death Railway."

Many decorations inside the station maintain a charming old-world feel, with schedules still displayed on blackboards. When trains arrive, the stationmaster rings a bell to signal their entry.

Thrilling Views from the Wooden Bridge

Passengers can experience the thrill of the train traversing this precarious wooden structure, set against stunning river views. Traveling over the wooden tracks feels exhilarating, with breathtaking views of the river alongside the cliffside train route. Onboard, vendors sell snacks, and many locals take the opportunity to purchase refreshments.

Today, the Death Railway is a popular tourist destination. The best route to explore it is to take the train from Thakilen Station to Tham Krasae Station , which includes a passage over the most famous wooden bridge, the Tham Krasae Railway Bridge . Passengers can experience the thrill of the train traversing this precarious wooden structure, set against stunning river views.

Visitors can walk along the Death Railway to explore. Looking down from the wooden bridge can be quite daunting.

Train schedules are sparse, so visitors can walk along the wooden railway bridge after disembarking, feeling the weight of history. Near Tham Krasae Station, there's also Krasae Cave , home to a Buddha statue and interesting rock formations.

Near Tham Krasae Station, there is a Krasae Cave where visitors can see a Buddha statue and explore the area.

Information about the Death Railway

Essential Route: From Thakilen Station to Tham Krasae Station

Ticket Price: 100 Baht

Train Schedule from Tham Krasae Station:

To Thon Buri:

No. 260: 5:57 AM - 5:59 AM

No. 258: 1:36 PM - 1:39 PM

No. 486: 4:09 PM - 4:12 PM

To Nam Tok:

No. 485: 7:33 AM - 7:37 AM

No. 257: 11:47 AM - 11:51 AM

No. 259: 5:47 PM - 5:50 PM

Tham Krasae Station

The Bridge Over the River Kwai

The bridge at Kanchanaburi, initially numbered Bridge 277 , gained worldwide fame thanks to the 1957 Oscar-winning film The Bridge on the River Kwai , which depicted the story of POWs building the bridge during the war. This led to its renaming and transformation into a global tourist attraction.

The bridge spanning the Kwai River is a key scene from the famous WWII film, the Oscar-winning Bridge on the River Kwai.

Spanning the Kwai River , the bridge was constructed during WWII using timber and steel. Although it was partially destroyed by Allied bombing, it was later restored and has become one of Thailand's must-see sites.

A bomb sculpture is located in front of the station to commemorate the WWII casualties. Guests can enjoy close-up views of the train arriving at the station from viewing areas on the bridge.

Scenic Spot for Visitors The bridge's steel structure is a highlight, offering viewing platforms where visitors can watch trains arrive and enjoy beautiful views of the Kwai River. The riverbank is dotted with restaurants and other attractions, and a small market next to the station draws tourists. Every November, the Thai government holds commemorative activities near the bridge, including a night market.

Tourists can walk freely on the bridge, and staff will announce when a train is approaching, ensuring the tracks are cleared.

Travelers can reach Kanchanaburi by train from Thonburi Station in Bangkok, but with only two trains daily and no air conditioning, the journey can be challenging. It’s often recommended to hire a car or join a local tour to visit multiple sites comfortably.

Visitors can take in the scenic beauty of both banks of the river from the bridge.

Information about the Bridge over the River Kwai

Address: Tha Ma Kham, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000

Train Schedule to Saphan Kwae Yai Station:

To Thon Buri:

No. 260: 7:11 AM - 7:13 AM

No. 258: 2:38 PM - 2:40 PM

No. 486: 5:30 PM - 5:32 PM

To Nam Tok:

No. 485: 6:14 AM - 6:16 AM

No. 257: 10:42 AM - 10:44 AM

No. 259: 4:32 PM - 4:34 PM

River Kwai Bridge