Description

Visit beautiful Thailand and join us on this special Anzac Day departure to learn about the harrowing yet historic events that occurred during the building of the Thai-Burma Railway in WW2. Appropriately known as the ‘Death Railway’, the construction of this railway track resulted in the death of thousands of POWs from several Allied nations. Remember these men and women who never made it home by visiting the key sites from the battlefields and participating in a moving Anzac Day Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass.

$100 FROM EVERY BOOKING MADE IN JANUARY 2020 WILL BE DONATED TO THE NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE

Your Fly, Stay & Tour Package Includes:

• Economy class flights from Sydney to Bangkok, returning from Phuket
• 7 day Anzac Day at Hellfire Pass guided holiday with Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours
• Includes 3-4 star accommodation, 18 meals, excursions, scenic drives & sightseeing, transfers + more
• Economy class flight from Bangkok to Phuket
• 5 nights accommodation in Phuket
• Includes daily buffet breakfast, welcome drink, free Wi-Fi, 10% discount on food & beverage + more
• Return private airport transfers in Phuket

Extend your flights and stay longer - talk to our travel experts about more option

Anzac Day at Hellfire Pass:

Your Tour Includes:

• Services of our expert WW2 Historian
• All excursions, scenic drives and sightseeing as described in the itinerary 6 nights’ accommodation
• Special Anzac Day Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass and visits to the Australian POW camp locations and War Cemeteries
• 6 nights’ 3-star to 4-star accommodation
• Travel by comfortable air-conditioned coach
• Return Bangkok airport transfers
• Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
• All entrance fees as per the itinerary
• All tipping
• Souvenir cap and document wallet

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1 > Tuesday 21 April 2020 | Arrive Bangkok

After arriving at Bangkok airport you will need to collect your luggage and clear customs and make your way to the arrival hall where you will be met by a Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening at the hotel we will meet with our historian and enjoy a welcome dinner at a nearby Thai restaurant. (D)

STAR INCLUSIONS  ★ Welcome dinner in Bangkok

Day 2 > Wednesday 22 April 2020 | Bangkok - Sangkhlaburi

After an early breakfast we depart for the ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’ to learn the true story of its construction and history before having a chance to walk the bridge. We will take a short walk to Bridge Station and have a train ride on the prisoner-of war (POW) built railway. After crossing the Wang Pho viaduct we will disembark at Tham Krasae Station to where we will be met by our coach. We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant beside the viaduct above the famous River Kwai. After lunch we will depart for the area of the former Kinsaiyok Railway Station, POW camp and coal dump to learn the history of this location. We will then continue on to Tha Khanun railway area and the Australian POW camp location. We will then travel north to our accommodation at nearby Sangkhlaburi. (B, L, D)

STAR INCLUSIONS  ★‘Bridge on the River Kwai’  ★ Train ride on the POW-built railway

★ Lunch above the famous River Kwai   ★ Australian POW camp location

Day 3 > Thursday 23 April 2020 | Sangkhlaburi

After breakfast we will depart for an inspection of Wat Wangwiwekaram and the Mon Bride, before taking the short drive to Three Pagodas Pass where the railway crossed the border from Thailand to Burma. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, we will depart Three Pagodas Pass and head to the Shimo Songkurai POW camp area, which includes the old cemetery location and the notorious Cholera Hill. Dinner tonight will be at our hotel. (B, L, D)

STAR INCLUSIONS  ★ Wat Wangwiwekaram  ★ Mon Bridge   ★ Three Pagodas Pass  ★ Shimo Songkurai POW camp area

Day 4 > Friday 24 April 2020 | Sangkhlaburi - Kanchanaburi

We will depart by coach for Kanchanaburi after breakfast, which will take approximately 2.5 hours. On arrival in Kanchanaburi we will visit the Thai-Burma Railway Centre for a historical briefing on the railway and have time to inspect the Museum and Research Centre. We will also visit the adjacent Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and after some free time to explore, we will depart for our accommodation and check in. (B, L, D)

STAR INCLUSIONS  ★ Kanchanaburi  ★ Thai-Burma Railway Centre  ★ Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

Day 5 > Saturday 25 April 2020 | Anzac Day

This morning we depart early to arrive at Hellfire Pass for a 5.30am Dawn Service. After the service we will enjoy a gunfire breakfast and a visit to the Memorial Museum. We will walk around Hellfire Pass to inspect the area and immediate surrounds. There will also be an option to walk the old rail bed to the Hintok Station area where we will be met by road transport. We may also participate in a mid-morning service at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery providing the service is organised by the Australian Embassy. We will enjoy an afternoon at leisure. (B, L, D)

*Note – Walking into Hellfire Pass takes approximately 20 minutes via steps and along the old railway line. The track along the old railway line is rocky and uneven in areas and suitable footwear is highly recommended. The area has very limited seating arrangements.

STAR INCLUSIONS  ★ Hellfire Pass Dawn Service  ★ Memorial Museum  ★ Service at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

Day 6 > Sunday 26 April 2020 | Kanchanaburi - Bangkok

After breakfast this morning we will visit the War Cemetery in town at Chungkai. We will learn about the large POW hospital camp and then proceed to the nearby work area of large embankments, bridges and cuttings. The group will then transfer back to Bangkok where we will enjoy a farewell dinner. (B)

STAR INCLUSIONS  ★ War Cemetery at Chungkai  ★ Farewell Dinner

Day 7 > Monday 27 April 2020 | Depart Bangkok

Unfortunately today our tour comes to an end. A departure transfer from Bangkok hotel to Bangkok airport is included if required to meet your onward flight. (B)