Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Memorial Walking Trail
Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Memorial Walking Trail, Tha Sao: Hours, Address, Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Memorial Walking Trail Reviews: 4.5/5
Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Memorial Walking Trail
Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Memorial Walking Trail
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
A memorial dedicated to the Asian labourers and Allied prisoners of war who suffered and died constructing and maintaining the Burma-Thailand railway during WW II. Note: The Centre has resumed its operations since 25th September 2020 with hygienic and COVID-19 precautionary measures applied. For more detail please visit our official website.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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4.5
2,364 reviews
Excellent
1,744
Very good
527
Average
82
Poor
6
Terrible
5
Alton
Derby, UK31 contributions
A must
Dec. 2020 • Family
Do not miss this museum.
Be prepared to spend 2 - 4 hrs here.
There are a few ‘local’ food stores selling Thai meals for 50BHT etc
Free filtered water just before you set out along the trail
Be prepared to spend 2 - 4 hrs here.
There are a few ‘local’ food stores selling Thai meals for 50BHT etc
Free filtered water just before you set out along the trail
Written January 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vi C
Bangkok, Thailand80 contributions
A Historic and Fun Place to Visit
Dec. 2020 • Family
The hellfire pass is just a awesome place for all ages and levels of fitness, the walk through the pass itself is free, but I think if you wish to go thought the museum before the actual trek you have to pay.
The view is amazing but the historical symbolism of the place is just overwhelming.
As you walk along the trek there are a lot of informative signs telling you about the POWs that worked there and general information of where you are and what happened there. There are two points that you can get to throughout the trek( point 1 and 2) they state that getting from the start of the trek to point two(the end) takes about 3h. But I’m think it took me and my family about 1:30 taking a lot of stops and pictures. You don’t need to be too fit for the whole trek and I think it is totally worth it.
It is led by the Australian government, well maintained and they just did a really good job!!
Totally recommend it, it is a must in Thailand!!
The view is amazing but the historical symbolism of the place is just overwhelming.
As you walk along the trek there are a lot of informative signs telling you about the POWs that worked there and general information of where you are and what happened there. There are two points that you can get to throughout the trek( point 1 and 2) they state that getting from the start of the trek to point two(the end) takes about 3h. But I’m think it took me and my family about 1:30 taking a lot of stops and pictures. You don’t need to be too fit for the whole trek and I think it is totally worth it.
It is led by the Australian government, well maintained and they just did a really good job!!
Totally recommend it, it is a must in Thailand!!
Written December 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Khairil AR
Ko Kret, Thailand138 contributions
History of ‘Hellfire Pass’
Aug. 2020 • Friends
Had a very good guided tour (@Mick). The railway built during WW2. Not a place to miss. Imperative centre offers an overview of the area. The walkway down the history. Staffs were excellent, English speaking.
Written August 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jane N
London, UK854 contributions
Not to be missed
Jan. 2020
If you can go to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, War Cemetery and the River Kwai Bridge in Kanchanaburi first as this will give you a good background to what you are going to see.
To get the most out of this when you get here watch the film first (into the museum and turn right), then go to the Pass and then do the museum. It is very moving when you see what these brave men went through and how many died.
There are a lot of steps down to the Pass and then you have to climb up those steps to get back up. There are no toilets in the Pass or the museum. As you exit turn left, follow the path and the toilets are on the left (very clean). There are also a few 'shops' selling drinks, snacks and ice cream.
A big thank you to the Australian and Thai Governments for this memorial.
To get the most out of this when you get here watch the film first (into the museum and turn right), then go to the Pass and then do the museum. It is very moving when you see what these brave men went through and how many died.
There are a lot of steps down to the Pass and then you have to climb up those steps to get back up. There are no toilets in the Pass or the museum. As you exit turn left, follow the path and the toilets are on the left (very clean). There are also a few 'shops' selling drinks, snacks and ice cream.
A big thank you to the Australian and Thai Governments for this memorial.
Written April 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
J0ymermaid
Bangkok, Thailand126 contributions
Historical sight
Aug. 2019
This historical sight is around 80 km from Kanchanaburi and can be best reached if you have your own transportation. There is not much left from the original trail, just a few pieces of the track. However, if you are interested in history, it gives you a good impression about the environment the POW had to work and live. So if you are on the way to the North it is definitely worth a stop.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Escape26979538828
2 contributions
Hellfire Pass Memorial
Jan. 2020
How do you start a review of such a place? How can you think clearly after reading what these Prisoner's of War went through and seeing evidence of it in photographs and secret drawings? Not forgetting the unnamed thousands of Asian labourers also made to work on the Thai-Burma Railway. The interpretive centre is excellent and is the gateway to Memorial Walking Trail. I challenge you to not be moved after reading and listening to the accounts of what went on. The entrance into the museum is dark and on the walls are recorded with the names of everyone who worked on the railway interspersed with words such as 'father', 'son', 'brother', 'those unnamed', etc. A railway pattern done by lights is on the floor. It is eerie, sad and totally moving. I only went to the Memorial which involves walking through Hellfire Pass. To actually see the rock face that was blasted out by hand is incredible. Weary Dunlop's ashes are in Hellfire Pass behind a plaque. The whole idea of the Railway built in 14 months instead of years speaks of the cruelty that man can impose upon each other and justify it because it is war. It is a must see place in Thailand and I am grateful to my good friend who took me there by car from Bangkok. From the interpretive centre there are steps going down to the memorial walkway, which itself is easy to walk on. It is beautifully maintained and testimony to the collaboration between the Thai and Australian Governments. Long may it continue.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dmitch2050
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK102 contributions
Why
Feb. 2020 • Solo
Visited here with a small group. Reading the information inside was horrendous to read what those men had to endure. But it was even more horrendous when we walked through the pass we had clothes sun screen hats and shoes and we were shattered and yet those guys had to work sometimes bare footed, loin cloth only , only water they could carry using hand tools to dig through granite and forced to work up to 20 hrs in the day you could not help but shed a tear. Thank you to the Australian Govt for supporting this place, we should never forget and I could only ask WHY are we so nasty to each other
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janka K
Brno, Czech Republic3,637 contributions
Hiking trail to see a piece of history
Nov. 2019
The place for sad memories. I recommend to put on some comfortable sport shoes and walk on hiking trail to the spot where the actual Hellfire Pass is. Additional information can be read/seen in the museum next to the parking place.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Toitiwid
Bangkok, Thailand9 contributions
Emotional Story of the Death Railway
Apr. 2019
The exhibitions inside the museum are classified into three sections;
1. Display history of WWII
2. The movie featuring the death railway and WWII
3. Memorial Walking Trail to the Chong Khao Khat, which POWs in WWII once used hammer & tap cutting through solid rock to be a railway pass and there is still a railway trace left.
Before setting off on the memorial walk, you’re advised to wear sturdy shoes, carry water, wear a hat and sunscreen. The walk is not circular and If you intend to do the full route, it’s suggested that you notify the museum and ask for radio as there’s no help provided on the walk.
1. Display history of WWII
2. The movie featuring the death railway and WWII
3. Memorial Walking Trail to the Chong Khao Khat, which POWs in WWII once used hammer & tap cutting through solid rock to be a railway pass and there is still a railway trace left.
Before setting off on the memorial walk, you’re advised to wear sturdy shoes, carry water, wear a hat and sunscreen. The walk is not circular and If you intend to do the full route, it’s suggested that you notify the museum and ask for radio as there’s no help provided on the walk.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kimberleynun
Bangkok, Thailand34 contributions
Must see
Feb. 2020 • Family
Very good museum with short or long walk along death railway track bed. Can walk to hellfire pass within 20mins. Excellent free audio guide brings the visit to life. Emotional, sensitive and pertinent.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LeeAnn B
Needmore, PA8 contributions
Is Hellfire reopened since Covid shutdown?
dmitch2050
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK102 contributions
Sorry I went before lock down no idea if it is open but so worth while and so impressive, haunting, so sad to see what they had to endure
Megan D
0 contributions
Hi I'm looking at doing the River to Ruins visiting the River Kwai and Ayuthaya ancient city 3 day trip. Can you tell me whether the hellfire pass walking trail is included in the trip.
Thanks megan
EarlRay60
Kent, UK1,050 contributions
I'm not in a position to fully answer this question. I have however, walked the Hellfire Pass trail.
Geordie1943
Adelaide, Australia19 contributions
Hi, would you say this Memorial and Walk is suitable for someone with reduced mobility to access?.
clintgsy
28 contributions
Hi there,I would have to sorry but not really as from the museum which is at the top of the hill you take a long walk down a framed stair case and some of the steps are strap to the path which is at the bottom and from there you walk along the rail way which the path is very Stoney and has some of the rail way sleepers still in place.
I would how ever say if you do travel by mini bus etc to the museum the area at the top but the car park and the museum walk way and also in the museum are ok for access.
Hope this help in some way.
Thanks Clint.
TK'saranya B
0 contributions
มีค่าใช้จ่ายในการเข้าชมหรือไม่ หากไปเป็นกลุ่มใหญ่มีลดหรือไม่
Ernest H
London, UK1 contribution
We are planning to go to the museum next Friday, 12 May. The grounds are said to open at 07.30, we were hoping to start on the trail earlier so that it would not be so hot. Is that possible? Is it the same route there and back? How long would it take to walk the trail there and back and are there shady seats to sit and wait?
Thank you
Sue R
Northallerton, UK39 contributions
Not sure if you can access the path before the museum opens. However the narrative on the headset is very much worth waiting for. The simple narrative along with the 1st hand recounts is a major part of the experience
bubblymud
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia386 contributions
Hi, may I know the public bus 8203 from Kanchanaburi main bus station to Hellfire Museum, the bus is located at which platform? Is it B1?
Christian T
Saint Paul, MN134 contributions
I don't remember the exact platform, but the Kanchanaburi bus station is very easy to navigate and the staff are very helpful pointing out the correct buses.
Kanchanaburi buses have their bus number painted on the side of them, makes them very easy to find :)
KPoland00
2 contributions
Hi! How much upper body work would be needed to walk the track? e.g. are there any ropes that you have to pull yourself up with? I am wanting to go, however will not have the ability to really use my upper body to pull or push at any stage. I'm fit, but have read it has some challenging steep areas.
Thanks!
Christian T
Saint Paul, MN134 contributions
There was no ropes or real upper body strength needed, I remember there were a lot of stairs to walk down to get from the main building to the start of the path. Path itself not too taxing.
lisacraig2017
Taree, Australia6 contributions
Hi,wanted to do private tour from bangkok mainly to see and walk hell fire pass,also bridge over river kwai,how long should you allow for both of these?
Matt L
Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand178 contributions
No real need to do private tour as will just get ripped off to a degree.
The Bridge is easy. Train from Bkk stops at Kwae River Bridge. Check Thai railways site for times.
Can also get the train through to Nam Tok station.
From Nam Tok station just get a taxi from Nam Tok to Hellfire pass..about 800THB return.This will take you to Hellfire Pass memorial. Depending on just how much of the track is open it should take about 4 hours to walk.
Great train trip by the way.Sit on LHS of train when leaving River Kwai Bridge
Email these guys
hellfire-pass commemoration gov au/.They will tell you how much of the track is currently open.
And here is some help with your trains
railway co th/
Hope it helps
Enjoy the track
Amazing
edu48d
40 contributions
My 84 year old mother is visiting us in December and she wants to visit Hellfire Pass and the museum. She knew veterans who were prisoners and who worked on the railway.
Is there any way to get down to the pass apart from the steps? My wife and I visited the museum and Pass last year and mum will not cope with steps!
Thank you in advance
David E
Ken W
London, England, United Kingdom79 contributions
No am afraid not and it's a rocky walk
Frequently Asked Questions about Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Memorial Walking Trail
- Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Memorial Walking Trail is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- We recommend booking Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Memorial Walking Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 18 Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Memorial Walking Trail tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Memorial Walking Trail:
- Private Tour to Bridge over River Kwai and Hellfire Pass incl trainride (From C$183.67)
- Private Tour: Death Railway, Hellfire Pass and Erawan Waterfall (From C$225.50)
- From Kanchanaburi: Hellfire Pass and Bamboo Rafting (From C$224.48)
- 2-Day River Kwai Jungle Rafting (From C$254.78)
- Private : Kanchanaburi World War II Highlight Tour (From C$159.18)
- Hotels near Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Memorial Walking Trail:
- (0.00 km) Somnuk Elephant Camp
- (0.00 km) Suantan Resort
- (0.01 km) Our House Tha Sao Guesthouse
- (1.92 km) Krit Raft House
- (1.37 km) Saiyok Yai Coffee Resort
- Restaurants near Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Memorial Walking Trail:
- (0.00 km) Rimnam Cafe’
- (0.00 km) Phae Sai Yok View
- (0.00 km) Krua Kon Loy
- (3.68 km) Panax Pizzeria
- (10.43 km) Baan Tang Rim Kwae