Tiger Temple, River Kwai, Hellfire Pass

Our day started early again, ready for a 7.30am pick up. We headed off bound for our first stop, Hellfire Pass, which took about 2 and a half hours in a luxury mini-bus. It is great being able to travel through the outskirts of Bangkok and beyond and see how the landscape changes. On the way we made a quick stop at the Allied War Cemetery at Kanchanburi.

We arrived late morning at the museum at Hellfire Pass, which is a joint Thai/Australian project (funded by Aus). There is a good display and overview of what these poor men endured whilst working on the Burma railway. It was quite moving and a made us all feel so thankful for where we are and what we have. We then walked down to the trail where the railway was and walked along through the cuttings in the rocks. Some of the track and sleepers are still intact, but most has been removed.

Some of the hand tools they used to cut and drill the rock are still there. We all felt quite moved and humbled by this experience. Next we went to local restaurant for lunch, and once again had a great Thai feast for lunch – it will be hard to come back to sangers and soup every day again.

Our next stop – and our most anticipated – the Tiger Temple. This is a Buddhist monastery and is a sanctuary for animals.

The tigers, about 12 adults and 10 cubs, are reared and cared for by the monks (with the help of volunteers). When we arrived we first saw the 6 month old cubs, which were gorgeous. You are able to pat them and have photos taken. Some of the girls  had photos kissing the tigers on the nose and the boys with their head between their front paws. Some of us had the opportunity to go in for a play session with the 2 month old cubs. We were able to play, cuddle and even feed them. We also got photos which the large adult tigers. It was surreal when you realised where you were and what you were patting.

This was a wonderful experience for us all. Next, and last, stop was at the Bridge over the River Kwai. When we get home we will watch the movie again – which a different appreciation of it. We were not able to ride the death railway today as there had been an accident and the line was closed, but it had been a long day and we were all looking forward to getting back to the hotel for dinner and an early night.