River Kawai and Kanchanaburi, THAILAND
Airing Date: Aug 21st, 2006
Kanchanaburi Province is perhaps best known as the setting for dramatic and tragic events centred around the World War 2 occupation of Thailand by the Japanese.
It's history is fascinating. Having effectively occupied the Malay Peninsula, the Japanese Imperial Army started construction of the infamous Thai-Burma "Death Railway", which was needed to help carry supplies to Japanese soldiers in Burma.
The now infamous Bridge on the River Kwai was built by prisoners of war to cross the stretch of water. Over 100,000 POW's would ultimately lose their lives building the railway, forced to work under horrific conditions with many of them buried where they fell.
There are monuments, museums and cemeteries all around the region comemorating the events of 1942-1943, and the "Death Railway" has become the iconic legacy of Kanchanaburi. Visitors can take the rustic local train along the infamous stretch of the Thai-Burma Railway.
The ride ends at the historic 'Bridge on the River Kwai'. Hell Fire Pass Museum consists of a memorial site located within Konyu Cutting (Hellfire Pass).
A Memorial Walking Trail was completed and the Museum was officially opened on the 24th April 1996 with a modern Museum, exhibiting artifacts and the true story of the Thai-Burma Railway. Erawan National Park covers about 210 sq. miles of forest and steep mountains.
It's home to a variety of wild animals and birds. The most popular attraction within the park is the series of waterfalls and shady pools known as the Erawan falls.
The falls are on 7 levels, with the highest level being at the top of a mountain. The River Kwai Jungle Rafts have a little piece of paradise in the heart of the jungle, and a visit to this Floatel moored along the historical river is a unique opportunity to step out of the everyday world into the harmony of nature.
FURTHER INFORMATION
14 day Thailand discovery small group journey from $2199 a person, twin share. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Includes 1 night on River Kwai. Prices correct at 21/8/06.
Travel Indochina - Ph: 1300 365 355, Web: www.travelindochina.com.au
Return flight to Bangkok from $903 ex east coast, $987 ex west coast. Prices correct at 17/7/06.
Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
Thai Airways - Web: www.thaiairways.com.au
