Wanting to skip the usual and touristy Bangkok-Pattaya-Phuket itinerary, our plan to drive through the country led us to the western Thai town of Kanchanaburi (pronounced by locals as gaanjanaburi). The town is a gateway to historical attractions and national parks, including Erawan Falls and the infamous Death Railway.

If you are fond of classic movies, you may have watched The Bridge on the River Kwai. It is based on the novel Le Pont de la Rivière Kwai by Pierre Boulle, which in turn, is based on the historical events of the construction of the 400-odd km Thailand-Burma Railway line. It is believed that the Japanese wanted to invade Burma (now Myanmar) and take control of the region from the British. Hence, the Japanese built the bridge to support its forces during World War II. More than 3 lakh labourers and prisoners of war were made to work under inhuman conditions. More than a lakh died during the construction of the railway line.

One of the most famous sections was the bridge built on the river. The original name of the river was known as Maeklong river. It ran through the Kwai Noi River valley. The author of the book, Pierre Boulle, mistook it as Kwae river and thus was born River Kwai.

The first bridge was built in wood and completed around 1943. Soon, a more modern concrete and steel railroad bridge was built. Parts of the bridge remain, and trains continue to run from Bangkok to Nam Tok station, mainly for tourists and a few regular local passengers. The super slow-moving train provides breathtaking views of the valley and flowing river. Running on hilly terrain, it is a stark reminder of the efforts and sacrifices of the workers who built the track in harsh conditions.

The renovated bridge also includes a walkway and viewing platforms for enthusiastic visitors. The bridge can be crossed on foot to go to the other side. During our evening stroll on the bridge, we were treated to lovely views of the river and also, unexpectedly, the train! A hooter was sounded off, informing people on the bridge of the oncoming train and a cue to move away from the tracks to either side of the platforms.

A pretty and colourful train lazily passed us, its occupants jutting out their heads and waving back. Back on the track for countless photos and selfies, the crowd started to disperse as the sun slowly began to set. Not having enough of the view, we walked towards the numerous restaurants that line up on the riverfront. The Floating Restaurant, which literally floats on the river provides a panoramic view of the bridge.

Witnessing the setting sun and the beautifully lit bridge, along with some local drinks for company, we retired to our hostel, looking forward to our next day in this picture-perfect little town.

Getting there
Train: Two trains leave daily from Bangkok Noi station, and you can directly go to the station and pay for a ticket. The train is clean but slow-moving, slow enough to walk alongside in a few sections. There is a special tourist coach which is a little expensive but provides a more comfortable seating option with light snacks.

Car: We hired a self-drive at the airport and planned to drive to Kanchanaburi. Though the time taken is approximately 2 hours, it took us more than 5 hours to reach the destination, thanks to no proper sign boards in English and the lack of English speaking skills among locals. If you are comfortable with the local language and have a decent internet connection or GPS in your vehicle, the roads are a treat to drive. There is parking available a little walk down the road from the bridge.

Day Trips: Several travel operators in Bangkok provide day trips to the Death Railway. Pick any one of them that is suitable for your pocket.

Stay 
Kanchanaburi has a plethora of options to stay, right from luxurious suites to cheap bunks. Many aggregator sites like Booking.com and Airbnb offer accommodation for all budgets.

Eat 
Many restaurants and hawkers serve Thai cuisine near the bridge. For an authentic experience, visit the night market on the main road, just outside the Kanchanaburi railway station. Traditional, local food is best at roadside stalls.

Vegetarian eaters will have to make extra effort to find anything that does not include seafood. Restaurants serving international cuisine (veg, too) are also available.

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Nupur

*All pictures are mine.