Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

About Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

• Location: 284/66 Saeng Chuto Road, Ban Tai, Mueang Kanchanaburi District
• Opening Hours: 08:00 - 17:00 Monday to Friday and 08:00 - 12:00 on Saturday
• Entrance fee: Free 

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (known locally as the Don-Rak War Cemetery) is the final resting place for many who had been forced to endure the brutal conditions imposed by the Japanese army during the construction of the Death Railway in World War II.

Take A Moment To Honor The Fallen Soldiers

With a scale ​​of 27.200 square meters, Don-Rak War Cemetery was designed as a more fitting burial site and memorial to the fallen, with the soldiers' names, ages, and regiments engraved on the headstones.

For those whose identities remain unknown, a simple inscription reads, "A soldier who died for his country”.

 

History Information About The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

The well-known Burma-Siam railway, constructed by prisoners of war from Commonwealth nations, the Netherlands, and the United States, was initiated by Japan to improve communication for its large army in Burma.

Around 13,000 POWs died during its construction and were laid to rest along the railway, while an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 civilians also perished to sickness, hunger, exhaustion, and mistreatment.

Two groups of workers, stationed in Siam (Thailand) and Burma (Myanmar), labored from opposite ends toward the center. Work began in June 1942 with the Japanese aiming for completion in 14 months. The two sections met near Konkoita by October 1943, and the 424-kilometer railway was operational by December 1943.

Except for Americans whose remains were repatriated, most of the deceased were moved from camp burial grounds and scattered sites along the railway to three cemeteries in Chungkai and Kanchanaburi, Thailand, and Thanbyuzayat, Myanmar.

The Kanchanaburi Memorial, housed within the entrance building of Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, commemorates 11 soldiers of undivided India buried in Thai Muslim cemeteries where their graves could not be maintained.

 

How to Get There

• By Train

The central Bangkok railway station (Hua Lamphong) offers weekend day trips by rail to The Burma Death Railway in Kanchanaburi.

It does stop at the main railway station in Kanchanaburi for approximately 45 minutes to let passengers visit the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. The ticket price for this route ranges about US $20.

• By Taxi

Taxis are among the most popular ways to get around the city. The most common kind of taxi here is a Songthaew, which is a converted pickup truck typically colored orange or yellow.

Tuk Tuk is also widely used here, as are motorbike taxis. The price for Songthaew often ranges from US $0.5 - $3, while Tuk Tuk takes US $1.5 - $4.  

• By Bike

Cycling is one of the best ways to get around town, and plenty of hire is available, including motorbikes, which are still far more efficient than a car.

The city is very bike-friendly, with many of the locals using their bikes as their primary means of transport. The price to rent a bike is about US $4 - $8 per day.

 

Recommended Nearby Attractions For You

JEATH War Museum

Founded in 1977, the JEATH War Museum exhibits photographs and illustrations depicting the living conditions of prisoners of war (POWs) during the construction of the Death Railway in 1942 and 1943.

The acronym "JEATH" stands for Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand, and Holland, representing the nationalities of the POWs involved in the process of building the railway. The entrance fee is 50 THB (~ US $1.4).

The JEATH War Museum (Cre: viator)

Hellfire Pass

Hellfire Pass (also known as Konyu Cutting in Japanese) is a section of the Thai-Burma Railway (the Death Railway).

It is a path that was dug mainly with hand tools through solid rocks by thousands of Allied prisoners in World War II. Tourists can walk through Hellfire Pass and enjoy a stunning cliffside view of the surrounding jungles with a free entrance fee.

Hellfire Pass

Erawan National Park

Established in 1975, Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi Province covers 550 sq km, boasting diverse forests and the famous Erawan Waterfalls.

Open year-round, it charges a 200 THB (~US $5.5) entrance fee for foreigners and offers amenities like public buses from Kanchanaburi and bicycle rentals.

Erawan Waterfalls

 

Local Tips When Exploring Kanchanaburi War Cemetery 

• Have respectful behavior: Maintain a solemn and respectful demeanor while on the grounds. Remember that cemeteries are places of commemoration and reflection for many people.
• Follow rules and regulations: pay attention to any posted rules and regulations, such as restrictions on photography, touching gravestones, or stepping over the graves.
• Dress appropriately: Dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid wearing clothing that can be considered unsuitable or disrespectful in a cemetery environment.
• Be mindful of your language: Keep conversations quiet and respectful. Avoid using loud voices, playing music, or engaging in disruptive behavior.