The Death Railway, Kanchanaburi

Railway near Kanchanaburi

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Athikhun.suw

Built during World War II, the Thailand-Burma Railway, often called the Death Railway, is a poignant reminder of human endurance and suffering. It is said that one life was lost for every sleeper laid along the track. The railway, restored after the war, still operates passenger services up to Nam Tok, north of Kanchanaburi. Its most iconic section is the Bridge on the River Kwai, which attracts visitors from around the world. While the railway beyond Nam Tok no longer exists, significant locations such as Hellfire Pass have been preserved as historical sites. These areas, accessible via tours, provide insights into the railway's construction and its critical role in World War II. Enthusiasts can also spot old locomotives outside Kanchanaburi and River Kwai stations, a tribute to the railway's enduring legacy.

The Building of the Death Railway

The railway was built between Nong Pladuk in Thailand (50 km southeast of Kanchanaburi) and Thanbyuzayat in Burma, spanning approximately 415 km. Construction began in June 1942 and was completed in just 15 months. Over 60,000 Allied POWs and 180,000 forced laborers from across Asia were subjected to brutal conditions, with more than 90,000 laborers and 16,000 POWs dying from disease, malnutrition, and mistreatment.

Wang Po Viaduct

One of the most striking sections of the railway is the Wang Po viaduct, a series of wooden trestles curving alongside cliffs with the river flowing below. Taking a train journey along this stretch offers breathtaking views of Kanchanaburi's countryside, but it also serves as a somber reminder of the unimaginable hardship faced by the men who built it. Many lost their lives during the construction of this section, making it one of the most tragic parts of the Death Railway's history.

Hellfire Pass

While the passenger railway ends at Nam Tok, a short 20-minute drive leads to the historic Konyu Cutting, famously known as Hellfire Pass. This stretch of the Death Railway was an immense challenge for the POWs and forced laborers who carved through solid rock and dense jungle to create openings and embankments. Hellfire Pass, the longest of these cuttings, earned its haunting name from the fires that illuminated the night, enabling relentless, around-the-clock construction.

Today, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated Australian-Thai volunteer group, Hellfire Pass has been transformed into a moving memorial walk. Visitors can explore the preserved cutting and reflect on its history, with an informative museum located at the entrance providing context to the hardships endured during its creation.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (899)

Hellfire Pass (Konyu Cutting), Thai-Burma Death Railway, is a preserved wartime memorial and walking site in Kanchanaburi where Allied prisoners were forced to cut a railway pass; the reception area shows a film about its history and provides audio guides and headsets to follow interpretive information along two marked trails (a short blue route and a longer green route), with radios issued for those on the long walk and staff checking for safety; entry is free and donations are welcome, the site is easy to reach from the road between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi and is described by visitors as moving, well maintained, and respectfully presented.

Carmaj14 Vlogz

a month ago

"Hellfire Pass in Kanchanaburi is a perfect getaway for those who want a short hiking experience. They offer two walking options: the short walk (BlueRoute 1) and the long walk (Green Route 2). If you love history, you should not miss this place. It is one of the major historical highlights of Kanchanaburi, built by mostly European, American, Dutch, and Australian soldiers who were captured during the Japanese occupation in World War II. These prisoners of war were forced to work and construct the railway co ecting Thailand and Burma. Hellfire Pass is free for all nationalities. It is not operated for profit, but rather to honor and remember the people who suffered and worked there. At the reception area, they will provide an audio guide with a translator that you can use to listen to the history during your walk. If you choose the long walk, they will also provide a walkie-talkie and will check on you regularly for your safety. At the end of the walk, you need to return the walkie-talkie and audio guide, but they will let you keep the headset as a souvenir. You are also welcome to give a donation in any amount if you wish...."

See More See Less

2 weeks ago

"Hellfire Pass in Kanchanaburi province was built by allied war prisoners during the WW2 Japanese occupation. Japan constructed a railroad betweenThailand and Burma to facilitate the transport of troops and goods between Thailand and Burma and Hellfire Pass was one of the most challenging passes on the route with dense jungle in the mountains. Many war prisoners perished during the construction and the Hellfire Pass memorial was built to honor the war prisoners who suffered and died here. In the reception area there is an interesting movie about the history of Hellfire Pass and the construction of the railway. There are 2 hiking trails that passes through the Hellfire Pass itself. The memorial is easy to reach along the road between Kanchanaburi and Sangkla buri and is a worthwhile and moving stop on the way...."

See More See Less

Richard Stephens

5 months ago

"Amazing place history is clearly explained and the respect that is shown in way the place is perfectly preserved for future generations to see andrespect what these brave men did. The staff are great and helpful Recording and headsets are provided guiding you through the pass My only regret was not having enough time to go on the longer trail, note that provide you with radio for that to contact in case of emergency..."

See More See Less

The The Death Railway appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Kanchanaburi!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!