The two-hour train ride from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok, which crosses the bridge over the River Kwai then heads into the jungle, is a beautifully scenic ride. Yet the history of this line is enough to bring tears to anyone’s eyes. Tens of thousands of prisoners-of-war and even more Asian labourers died during its construction, and then it was hardly ever used.

Sights en route

Three trains a day chug along the route, passing a hair-raising section where the line clings to a cliff face and more enjoyable scenes of the pretty Kwai Noi River. There’s not much to see in Nam Tok, but you can arrange boat trips on the river from here, or travel 18km further north to see the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum and walk along the pass itself.

Practical Info

Trains leave Kanchanaburi Station three times a day, and tickets cost B100.