Tuesday, 3 May 2011

Other World War 2 military sites around Kanchanaburi Thailand


Apart from the Bridge on the River Kwai, being a really fun town, and a very popular getaway for Bangkokians, there are many other WW2 related military sites in Kanchanaburi.

The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery: 7000 Allies rest in peace here along Sanggchuto Road. The most visited of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s 25,000 sites worldwide. Immaculately maintained by a team of gardeners.

The Chung Kai cemetery: 1384 British rest in peace in this original cemetery not far from the main one above
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The Thai Burma Railway Centre: Museum and research centre. A work of passion by Aussie founder Rod Beattie. The definitive account of the whole Death Railway experience, plus invaluable resources for relatives of POWs. 

The JEATH Memorial: Not a mis-spelling of Death, actually an acronym for Japan, England, Australia, Thailand and Holland, soldiers of which helped construct the infamous Death Railway. Built by the chief abbot of Wat Chaichumpol, this monk-run museum is a good repository of photos and artefacts.

The World War II Museum: Situated just west of the bridge on the city side of the river. Houses some Japanese trains and artefacts, and life-like reconstructions of camp life.


Take your time to steep yourself in the atmosphere of the world war 11 stuff, but don't forget to enjoy Kanchanaburi for the natural beauty of the river and mountains, and for the fun restaurants, resorts and bars on offer.


You can treat it as a day trip from Bangkok (2.5 hours by train, bus or car), or why not come up for a few days.

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