The Kwai River Bridge was made famous by the 1960s movie about a bamboo bridge being built by British Soldiers in Burma during World War II. This movie was mostly fiction, the bridge is of concrete/metal construction and it is actually located in Thailand. Thailand Tourism authority offers a great service of train tours. These are low cost trips that you can take that range from day trips to long weekends to various scenic parts of Thailand. Most of the trips begin and end in the Hua Laphong Rail Station, the main rail hub for passengers for the entire country. Pictures of this station are shown above. The station is clean and organized, but beware, it is also VERY busy. As a side note: Thailand uses their rail and bus system as their major artery moving people and products throughout their borders.
The tour that I choose was a day trip that took me almost to the Thai border with Myanmar, ending in the Soiyak Water Falls but making stops in Phra Pathom Chedi, Bridge over the Rive Kwai, the "Death Railway", and the Kanchanabury WWII Cemetery. I will describe each of these stops in detail below. The trip was a full day, starting at 7 am and not returning to Hua Laphong Station until after dark, around 7 pm. The train was un-air-conditioned but was comfortable, at least while we were moving.
Phra Pathom Chedi
Our first stop was at the temple called Phra Pathom Chedi , The Temple main feature was a huge pagoda (see the pictures below. The stop was just long enough to walk from the train station to the Temple without too much rush. To get to the temple we walk through a city market area where you can get anything from a quick snack to a glass of ice coffee.
Bridge over the River Kwai and the "Death Railway
The Bridge was made famous by a 1960's film of the same name. The film, however was in fact fiction based loosely on the events surrounding this bridge. I will not go into detail of the differences between the film and this bridge but will let that up to you. Briefly, the bridge is located in Thailand, not Burma but many people (mostly British soldiers) did give their lives building this bridge for the Japanese during World War II. This is why this railway is known as the "Death Railway" in Thailand. The rail line leading from the Kwai River Bridge to the Soiyak Water Falls appears treacherous but is well maintained and safe for travel. The railway follows the river and often has sheer cliffs overlooking the river and can be quite scenic. However, these conditions lead to many deaths during WWII.
Kanchanaburi WWII Cemetery
The WWII Cemetery in Kanchanaburi is filled with the bodies of the people who gave their lives constructing the Kwai Bridge for the Japanese Army. This stop is quite sobering knowing these men gave their lives building the rail line that was we were just on.
Soiyak Water Falls
The Soiyak Water Fall is the final stop of this trip and it is quite refreshing. The waterfall is augmented in areas with concrete and being an geologist is could tell immediately that it wasn't natural. The industrious Thai People have taken and natural water supply and made is a tourist stop. The surrounding area is a natural area and protected from development, which is good. There are hiking trails leading to the water falls source; a small stream filled with small fish and is icy cold. Also along the trail is a few caves to explore. The Thai People find these areas sacred, as evidenced by the presence of sacred images located in the caves. The trail are quite interesting, having many native plants and animals to observe along the way.
At the very end of the Railway sits an historic train, once used by the Japanese during the construction of the railway. The plaque commemorating the train and the people who died in its construction gave the trip some meaning for me.
We returned to the Hua Laphong Rail Station rather late and I was quite tired, but the trip was worthwhile and I would recommend this trip to anyone interested in learning some about historical Thailand.
For more interesting travel ideas please visit my website: http://www.apllc-connect.com
Copyright 2008 Asia Products LLC.
Christopher Snyder is the Founder and Managing Director of Asia Products LLC and currently is living in Bangkok, Thailand.
He writes on a variety of topics including current events, politics, and travel ideas. He manages an e-commerce store buying products to sell on http://www.asiaproductsllc.com. He is documenting some of his more interesting travels in his Asia Travel Ideas website: apllc-connect.com
You can email him by clicking here
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Snyder
Showing posts with label River Kwai Kwae Bridge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label River Kwai Kwae Bridge. Show all posts
6/3/09
Kanchanaburi River Kwai - Kwae Bridge - By Mountain Bike
Kanchainburi is right up there with the most popular spots to visit in Thailand so this article is about a new way to visit kanchanaburi 'by mountain bike'. The cycling day trip is run by a small mountain bike company based in khaosan road Bangkok.
The trip started at 9.00am with a pick up at khaosan road. The heat smog and traffic of Bangkok can be a little off putting for anyone who is a cyclist but the trip organizers drive you further and further away from the hustle and bustle and as you look out of the car window you gradually see peaceful side of Thailand and its cycling potential. After a 2 hour journey we arrived at kanchanburi railway station with and old engine out and we could immediately began to see towns history. The tour guides off loaded the bikes from the van and armed with a bottle of water, a bicycle and a guide we headed out into the heat on the first leg of our trip. The first thing we noticed was the clean air which made the cycling easy and relaxing and after a few days in Bangkok it was like stepping out into anther world. We first rode through a short part of the town which is quite lively and littered with guest houses and restaurants. Bicycles and motorcycles seem to be the main source of transport for most of the locals who when they see you give a friendly smile an say "sawadee krup" which means hello in Thai.
After about a half a kilometer of riding through the busyish town we turned off left and almost instantly the busy scenery disappeared and we were on the quiet back roads. We rode over rivers and railway tracks and saw local Thai houses, people and plantations, the steady riding pace and frequent stops gave us some great photo opportunities as well.
Finally after a steep climb up a short road we arrived at a place called Kao Poon cave and temple. This cave isn't just a small cave like you usually see it's actually quite big and full of interesting Buddha statues, bats, stalagmites, stalactites and even some monks. The cool air inside the cave also made the 15 minutes we were in there very refreshing.
After the cave the guide took us to take some pictures of a breath taking view of the river Kwai. Then through the market and along the railway tracks to the Chung Kai cutting which was cut by hand by POWs during the Second World War. It's only when you get up close to the cutting that you realize what hard work it must have been to do something like this on such a big scale. Next we followed the guide along some country back roads heading for the river Kwai Bridge. When we first got to the bridge the first thing we noticed before we came around the corner was a strong smell. But the instant we got there we knew where it was coming from, an elephant. Huge elephants live near the bridge next to a souvenir market which sells Burmese's jewelry and accessories.
It was now time to cross the famous river Kwai Bridge, high up above the water walking along the train tracks with gaps on each side this isn't for someone whose scared of heights although its quite safe if your careful and if a train comes there's plenty of time to get out of the way and wait safely on one of the waiting areas.
After crossing the bridge we settled down in a floating restaurant under bridge for some delicious Thai food and then set off on the bikes. We rode back through the town and to the death railway museum which is full artifacts, models and stories from the Thai Burmer railway during ww2. After a quick cup of tea at the museum it was a short ride back to the car and we headed off to the famous Wang Pho Viaduct.
It took us just 45 minutes to get there and the short drive is well worth it, this place is picturesque and the size of the Viaduct is fascinating. It gave us a great opportunity for some photos especially when the train came past. It was now time to head home after along day. I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see most of popular places in kanchanaburi but by different means, bicycle. The guide (Pakkard) was excellent and did everything she could for us. We finished the day feeling good and happy to have done the trip.
Good companies to do this trip with are http://www.mountainbiketoursthailand.com or http://www.mthilltours.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Austin_Morgan
The trip started at 9.00am with a pick up at khaosan road. The heat smog and traffic of Bangkok can be a little off putting for anyone who is a cyclist but the trip organizers drive you further and further away from the hustle and bustle and as you look out of the car window you gradually see peaceful side of Thailand and its cycling potential. After a 2 hour journey we arrived at kanchanburi railway station with and old engine out and we could immediately began to see towns history. The tour guides off loaded the bikes from the van and armed with a bottle of water, a bicycle and a guide we headed out into the heat on the first leg of our trip. The first thing we noticed was the clean air which made the cycling easy and relaxing and after a few days in Bangkok it was like stepping out into anther world. We first rode through a short part of the town which is quite lively and littered with guest houses and restaurants. Bicycles and motorcycles seem to be the main source of transport for most of the locals who when they see you give a friendly smile an say "sawadee krup" which means hello in Thai.
After about a half a kilometer of riding through the busyish town we turned off left and almost instantly the busy scenery disappeared and we were on the quiet back roads. We rode over rivers and railway tracks and saw local Thai houses, people and plantations, the steady riding pace and frequent stops gave us some great photo opportunities as well.
Finally after a steep climb up a short road we arrived at a place called Kao Poon cave and temple. This cave isn't just a small cave like you usually see it's actually quite big and full of interesting Buddha statues, bats, stalagmites, stalactites and even some monks. The cool air inside the cave also made the 15 minutes we were in there very refreshing.
After the cave the guide took us to take some pictures of a breath taking view of the river Kwai. Then through the market and along the railway tracks to the Chung Kai cutting which was cut by hand by POWs during the Second World War. It's only when you get up close to the cutting that you realize what hard work it must have been to do something like this on such a big scale. Next we followed the guide along some country back roads heading for the river Kwai Bridge. When we first got to the bridge the first thing we noticed before we came around the corner was a strong smell. But the instant we got there we knew where it was coming from, an elephant. Huge elephants live near the bridge next to a souvenir market which sells Burmese's jewelry and accessories.
It was now time to cross the famous river Kwai Bridge, high up above the water walking along the train tracks with gaps on each side this isn't for someone whose scared of heights although its quite safe if your careful and if a train comes there's plenty of time to get out of the way and wait safely on one of the waiting areas.
After crossing the bridge we settled down in a floating restaurant under bridge for some delicious Thai food and then set off on the bikes. We rode back through the town and to the death railway museum which is full artifacts, models and stories from the Thai Burmer railway during ww2. After a quick cup of tea at the museum it was a short ride back to the car and we headed off to the famous Wang Pho Viaduct.
It took us just 45 minutes to get there and the short drive is well worth it, this place is picturesque and the size of the Viaduct is fascinating. It gave us a great opportunity for some photos especially when the train came past. It was now time to head home after along day. I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see most of popular places in kanchanaburi but by different means, bicycle. The guide (Pakkard) was excellent and did everything she could for us. We finished the day feeling good and happy to have done the trip.
Good companies to do this trip with are http://www.mountainbiketoursthailand.com or http://www.mthilltours.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Austin_Morgan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)