Hellfire Pass Thailand Tour travel pictures

Bridge on the River Kwai, Armistice Day memorial

Hellfire Pass near Kanchanaburi, Thailand, is memorialized in the movie The Bridge on the River Kwai. Though none of the movie 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 adds to the emotional impact. The chance to see Helffire Pass was why I came here, on a three day tip from Bangkok. My stay at the River Kwai Village resort - one of my favourite places - was serendipity. [Many visitors book extra nights there, which I will do the next time I visit. It was here that I spoke with a woman traveller from Perth, Australia, who first told me about her tour of Borneo, and encouraged me to go there, and I did.] From the River Kwai resort, it's a short drive by van to the trail head and museum that leads to Hellfire Pass. Bring drinking water, as it can be very hot and humid during the hour-long walking tour. There're lots of trails and stairs. See photos of River Kwai, and the Floating market. See local Fruits on the tree and talented carvers. I wrote about this trip : Thai Vacations story Hellfire Pass. Get your own copy of a new collector's edition -> The Bridge on the River Kwai.

.

Hellfire Pass trail marker

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

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 ws November 11 -- Armistice Day.

These people 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.

Approaching Hellfire Pass

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 pick marks and drill holes made by long-ago prisoners.

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

Hellfire Pass

A closer look at the pass. The old rail track is long gone, and never will be relaid, out of respect to the memory of those who died here.

* * * *
The movie made about this area is available on DVD (left) and VHS

Armistice Day

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 the group.

More Thailand travel Pictures and info

Bangkok = River Kwai
Floating Market
Thailand fruits + carvers Thai Wood and vegetables
Thailand Information = Thai vacation travel story

.

Got a question or a tip?

If you have any questions or would like to Comment on any page, please do so here. If you would like to be notified when your comment is online, please include your email name in your Comment.

Add A Comment

Copyright ~ www.snapshotjourneys.com icopyright information ~ member Canadian Freelance Union

Code in the picture:
Your Name(*):
Email:
Website:
Comment(*):

Menu: