Hellfire Pass Museum, Khanchanaburi

Post by **Macca** » February 25, 2015, 4:55 pm

Located approximately 100 kilometres from Khanchanaburi the Hellfire Pass Museum was officially opened in April 1998 by John Howard.
It is a fitting tribute to the soldiers and civilians who died at the hands of the Japanese throughout Asia and in particular the lives lost on the construction of the railway.
"At Konyu cutting the flickering bonfire light on the emaciated workers gave the place it's name- Hellfire Pass"

As well as the museum there is a section of the railway that has been cleared and preserved as best as possible with key information along the stretch of 4 1/2km.

A great achievement by the Australian organisation responsible and a highly recommend definite must visit for anyone travelling to the area.

Post by **ladda3904** » February 25, 2015, 4:58 pm

Thinking about going there with my wife. Any suggestions on Hotels in Kanchantaburi? Not interested in a backpacker paradise!

Post by **Macca** » February 25, 2015, 7:57 pm

ladda3904 wrote:Thinking about going there with my wife. Any suggestions on Hotels in Kanchantaburi? Not interested in a backpacker paradise!

Sorry can't help. Staying with friends and never stayed in a hotel in this area.

Post by **jackspratt** » February 25, 2015, 8:28 pm

ladda3904 wrote:Thinking about going there with my wife. Any suggestions on Hotels in Kanchantaburi? Not interested in a backpacker paradise!

Stayed here a few years ago with my wife.

Comfortable, central and a relaxing drink right on the river at sunset à la Vientiane and the Mekong a few years ago:

http://www.riverkwaibridgeresort.com/

Suggest you check with the usual suspects for best price.

Post by **trubrit** » February 25, 2015, 8:33 pm

ladda3904 wrote:Thinking about going there with my wife. Any suggestions on Hotels in Kanchantaburi? Not interested in a backpacker paradise!

There is a luxury hotel down by the river but I would recommend for a short stay you try the River Kwai Hotel right in the middle of town on the Saeng Chuto Rd, it's only a five minute walk to the main war cemetry which your bound to want to see. A room is about 1,000bht depending when you go but don't take the breakfast inclusive rate it really is just crap, just walk over the road there is a fine guest house, my ex wife used to own ,that do a much better one for about 100bht .If you want a cheaper room they also have a small lodge in the grounds of the big hotel for about half the price, comfortable but more basic.
With regard to the hellfire pass museum, there is another more interesting one located right alongside the cemetry. You can read more about the area here .http://hellfire-pass.commemoration.gov.au/

Post by **reddevil** » February 25, 2015, 10:18 pm

Felix river Kwai resort is one of the better hotels and on the river, you can walk over the bridge from there in around 5 min 2,700 a night. The hotel I stay 2 twice a year is Resotel ( be carefull ) there are 2 and one is 30 km outside the city. This is 3 min drive from Bridge or cemetery and on the river, do not take breakfast there as just across the street there are several farang establishments try One more bar Rob from the UK is a great host and good food in there.

Post by **old-timer** » February 25, 2015, 10:26 pm

Last time OT was there I stayed at the same hotel Jackspratt mentioned which is good enough for a few days.
As for Kanchanaburi it's really a great place to spend a few days. The cemetery and museum and a walk across the bridge ( which is copy of the original) are a must on the agenda.
Another thing that's good fun is to take a long narrow boat with a V8 engine that drives up the River Kwai. It will stop at various places of interest and can move along at incredible speeds.
Also recommended is an experience OT enjoyed when 12 of us rented a raft about the size of a tennis court and basically drifted along the river all night with about 10000 decibels of Thai dance music pumping from the huge speakers. Plenty of Alcohol, a picnic and mosquito spray are compulsory for this all nighter. Thai WFB's thoroughly enjoy themselves on this excursion.

OT................... $\:D/$

Post by **trubrit** » February 26, 2015, 8:05 am

Well OT surprised you didn't mention the River Paradise amongst the attractions . This is a large gold fish bowl style massage parlour located alongside River Kwai hotel I previously mentioned.It has very good Thai restaurant inside. Unfortunately? ladies are not welcome from outside but you can be sure of a splendid choice of willing dining companions from the resident hostesses.I would recommend the ones wearing a blue sash rather than the red, referred to as the "super stars". Twice the price but half the age might be the best way to describe them . :-" $\:D/$

Post by **trubrit** » February 26, 2015, 10:16 am

If wanting to visit the museums about the war this link may be useful.http://hellfire-pass.commemoration.gov. ... ailway.php#'
Of them all I thoroughly recommend the one alongside the main cemetery created by Rob Beattie who appears in the picture.If you go in there say hi to him for me, we spent many a long hour together clearing the pass and investigating the surrounding area with metal detectors, finding many hidden graves in the process.

Post by **old-timer** » February 26, 2015, 10:51 am

trubrit wrote:Well OT surprised you didn't mention the River Paradise amongst the attractions .

I didn't know about this place TB. Thanks for letting us know.
The last time OT visited Kanchanaburi which was years ago, my wife and I were enjoying a hedonistic lifestyle together so I didn't really look out for these types of places.

OT................. $\:D/$

Post by **reddevil** » February 26, 2015, 11:07 am

Here we go TB drags a decent thread down to his own level again, Red card for him please Mods.

Post by **Zidane** » February 26, 2015, 11:17 am

I've done the narrow boat ride down the River Kwai which was great fun,also the floating bungalows.
About six bungalows roped together with a small shop at the end for things like crisps,water,beer etc.
To reach the shop there was a rickety wooden rail which you had to hold as you manoeuvred to the shop along two bamboo poles roped together.....quite an experience with the fast flowing river just inches away and,particularily,if you were carrying something coming back !
But if theres a group of you staying together its a good laugh and experience.
You order your meals from the riverside where you book the accomodation and they bring it out to you by boat at whatever time you wish.

Post by **trubrit** » February 26, 2015, 1:02 pm

reddevil wrote:Here we go TB drags a decent thread down to his own level again, Red card for him please Mods.

Not at all . I am grown up enough to realise that whilst some during the day may enjoy learning about what happened to their forebearers, it is , especially in the heat, a very tiring occupation and therefore look forward to a bit of R@R in the evening , especially those without a companion.I actually worked alongside members of the Australian , British and American military in the clearing of the hellfire pass and none of them complained about the places I took them to in the evening .In fact it gave them a better understanding of the torment the POW's went through having to toil in the heat without the luxury of a cold beer and an air conditioned room to go back to. which we were enjoying .
Whilst you may not enjoy the facility you should show a little more tolerance , as I do, of those that might .Hence my mentioning it as something to do in Kanchanaburi.

Post by **mak** » September 3, 2024, 1:12 pm

Members of the public are invited to attend a commemorative Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass, Kanchanaburi hosted by HMAS Perth, Royal Australian Navy on Sunday 8 September 2024.