Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (DonRak)
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (DonRak) things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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The notorious Burma-Siam railway, built by Commonwealth, Dutch and American prisoners of war, was a Japanese project driven by the need for improved communications to support the large Japanese army in Burma. During its construction, approximately 13,000 prisoners of war died and were buried along the railway . Two labour forces, one based in Siam and the other in Burma worked from opposite ends of the line towards the centre. The Japanese aimed at completing the railway in 14 months and work began in October 1942. The line, 424 kilometres long, was completed by December 1943. KANCHANABURI WAR CEMETERY is only a short distance from the site of the former 'Kanburi', the prisoner of war base camp through which most of the prisoners passed on their way to other camps. It was created by the Army Graves Service who transferred to it all graves along the southern section of railway, from Bangkok to Nieke. Within the entrance building to the cemetery will be found the KANCHANABURI MEMORIAL, recording the names of 11 men of the army of undivided India buried in Muslim cemeteries in Thailand, where their graves could not be maintained.
MickpreetMickpreet
80
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is the home of a large Commonwealth War Grave. 5,085 grave sites of Australians, British and Indians are at this site - all were killed during World War 2 - most during their time as a prison of war while constructing the Burma-Thai railway. There are also 1,896 Dutch war graves and 1 non-war grave. The graves of those who died during the construction and maintenance of the railway (except for the Americans) were transferred from camp burial grounds along the railway line into three cemeteries at Chungkai and Kanchanaburi in Thailand and Thanbyuzayat in Myanmar. Kanchanaburi is located a couple of hours northwest of Bangkok - and is accessible by train or car. The Hell Fire Pass Memorial Museum is located 66kms northwest of here and is worth visiting if you're in this region - it is located at Tha Sao, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi.
Brenden WoodBrenden Wood
20
Arouses mixed feelings when the group you are visiting consists of a German couple, British mother and daughter duo, Japanese expat and Thai guide. Same explanation by the Thai guide had different emotions to the members of the group. Whatever, a look at arrays of graves gives you an insight of horrors of wars, displaces families and lost lives. It should be taken as a lesson from the past to avoid repeating the mistakes. As per the explanation by the guide, the bodies of soldiers with rich relatives mostly from American and other rich counties went back to their countries. But bodies of poor soldiers and the ones who could not be identified lie here. Very generous for the Thais to give the bodies respect and resting place for them.
Sudershan Singh GusainSudershan Singh Gusain
90
The last resting place of 6982 Australian, British and Dutch Prisoners of War who perished while constructing the Burma Railway, also known as Death Railway, under extreme duress during WWII. Imperial Army of Japan treated the POWs inhumanly leading to 16000 deaths. POWs were given only 600 calories of food everyday and had to work 12 hours daily living in sub-human conditions. Commonwealth War Graves Commission owns and maintains the cemetery 1939 - 1945 The citation at the entrance reads - " IN HONOURED REMEMBRANCE OF THE FORTITUDE AND SACRIFICE OF THAT VALIANT COMPANY WHO PERISHED WHILE BUILDING THE RAILWAY FROM THAILAND TO BURMA DURING THEIR LONG CAPTIVITY..... "
Md. Montasir MamunMd. Montasir Mamun
50
All things should end with a punch and here it is at the end of Kanchanaburi trip. Visit the bridge then the museum and finally the final resting place of Bravehearts. I just walked and walked along the headstones reading one by one. Most of them are in the twenties and its really humble moment to understand the sacrifices they did for us. Very nicely kept and very peaceful place. Well, they deserve that, don't they?
RajeshRajesh
80
Very modest and well done. It is both very well kept and subdued. I went and found Chaplain Alexander Dean's grave although the sign at the front did not indicate anything that stood out about him. Well worth walking through for a half hour and letting the names and significance of the cemetery wash over you. Well maintained memory of the 6900 Allied PoWs who lost their lives in the Second World War.
Abhishek JoshiAbhishek Joshi
30
Nearby Attractions Of Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (DonRak)
JJ Night Market Kanchanaburi
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Basic Info
Address
284/66 Sangchuto Rd, Ban Tai, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
Map
Website
cwgc.org
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Reviews
Overview
4.6
(316 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
accessibility
Description
The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is the main prisoner of war cemetery for victims of Japanese imprisonment while building the Burma Railway. It is on the main road, Saeng Chuto Road, through the town of Kanchanaburi, Thailand, adjacent to an older Chinese cemetery.
attractions: JJ Night Market Kanchanaburi, Railway Museum, Wat Thewa Sangkharam, Wat Thaworn Wararam, วัดป่ากุลสุวรรณ์, Mae Phra Rachini Church, restaurants: On’s Thai-Issan Vegan, Zab Zab แซบ แซบ, Bell's Pizzeria, Sabaijit Restaurant, น่านน้ำ Beach & Restaurant, AVE THAI FOOD & GOOD BEER, Aussie Rules Bar, BOJANGLES BAR AND GRILL, Kuawtong Coffee, Sky Blue Coffee

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