A narrow passage through solid rock, steep walls on either side, silence all around. At Hellfire Pass, the suffering of the men who built the Death Railway becomes tangible. For many travellers it is the most moving moment of their journey along the River Kwai.
History
In 1943, prisoners of war and Asian labourers cut through the rock of Konyu by hand – the largest cutting on the entire railway, about 75 metres long and up to 25 metres deep. They worked day and night; the flickering torchlight on the emaciated men gave the pass its name. During the six weeks of construction, 69 men were beaten to death by guards, and many more died of cholera, dysentery, starvation and exhaustion. In the 1980s, Australian survivors rediscovered the overgrown cutting and campaigned for the memorial that stands here today.
What you will experience
The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, built by the Australian government together with the Royal Thai Armed Forces Development Command, explains the history with photographs, objects and the testimony of survivors. From the museum a trail leads down to Konyu Cutting and further along the former railway line towards Hin Tok. Every year on 25 April, Anzac Day, a dawn service is held here.
Good to know
- The path to the cutting includes steps; sturdy shoes and water are recommended.
- This is a place of remembrance – please behave quietly and respectfully.
On these cruises
You visit Hellfire Pass on the following RV River Kwai cruises:
- 7D/6N River Kwai Heritage Cruise – Day 3 (Wednesday)
- 4D/3N River Kwai Cruise (upstream) – Day 3 (Wednesday)
- 4D/3N River Kwai Cruise (downstream) – Day 1 (Thursday)
Compare all River Kwai cruises
Also along the way
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery & Railway Centre · JEATH War Museum · Lawa Cave (Kaeng Lava) · Bridge over the River Kwai
