Hellfire Pass Thailand Tour travel pictures

Hellfire Pass Thailand - Plaque at start of pass trail

At the start of the trail, a marker outlines the route to follow, and gives basic historical information.

The stairs in the background lead down to the start of the trail; the return is by the upper mountain route.

Most tours spend an hour or so here, walking the trail to the pass. If you prefer, make arrangements to stay longer.

Bring lots of water, and pack a lunch. Then you can walk the extensive trails in the area.

And although the midday heat can be exhausting, you will begin to get an idea of the conditions that faced the railroad's builders.

Peace Lookout Hellifre Pass Museum Complex

At the entrance to the park, a museum overlooks the valley beyond.

Many servicemen and dignitaries were gathered outside the museum.

In the time-suspension that hits all travellers, we realized with a shock that today's date was November 11 -- Armistice Day.

We realized that these people gatherng at the museum had come here to walk as a group down to the site of the day's Armistice ceremony at the Pass itself.

Unable to deal with the photos and memorabilia inside, I spent some quiet time on the balcony.

Trail Into Hellfire Pass - Railroad Tracks Removed

After descending stairs at the trail head, then following a path downwards for some minutes, the trail straightens out on the approach to the pass.

This is where many visitors linger, and think, looking at the marks in the walls made by picks,  and drill holes for dynamitemade by long-ago prisoners.

The early morning heat and humidity give us only the merest glimpse of the conditions they suffered.

Though none of the movie Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed here (it was filmed in nearby Burma), and though the infamous train tracks have long been removed, it is still an incredibly moving experience to walk the train bed, and go through the Hellfire Pass.

To make this walk, as I did, coincidentally, on November 11 -- Armistice Day - only added to the emotional impact.

In Hellfire Pass - Standing in the Middle of the Pass

A closer look at the pass.

Those old rail tracks are long gone, and never will be relaid, out of respect to the memory of those who died here.

From the River Kwai resort, it's a short drive by van to the trail head and museum that leads to Hellfire Pass.

Do carry drinking water, as this part of Thailand can be very hot and humid.

The walk into the pass from the trail head takes about an hour, and there're lots of trails and stairs.

Armistice Day at Hellfire Pass Thailand

As we walked through Hellfire Pass, we came across military personel setting up for the Armistice Day service at 11 a.m.

It was a powerful moment:

No one spoke, but there was a lot of throat clearing and eye dabbing from our tour group.

I was staying at the River Kwai Village resort overlooking the River Kwai.

Many visitors book extra nights as it's a lovely spot with pools, trails and a spa.

It was at the resort that I chatted with a woman traveller from Perth, Australia, who was on her way home from a tour of Borneo.

She encouraged me to go there, on my own, and I did the following year.

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