Waterfails and Hellfire

Amongst the wandering, museums and eating at the night market we did in Kanchanaburi, two main locations stood out. The first was the spectacular Erawan Falls.

Yes, yes this is.

These rate at least as good as any waterfalls I've seen. As you climb to the top there are seven labelled tiers, though I think in reality it's all pretty much one long, consistent waterfall. Rachel and I were determined to make it to the top, even if it cut our swimming time drastically (we were very keen to catch the last bus).

Just some of my photos of these stunning waterfalls

As we trekked along the path, I heard a crunch to my left. I stopped suddenly to examine, expecting to see a bird or something.

The "path" between tiers six and seven could hardly be called a path, however, and we found ourselves treading over slippery rocks and branches to avoid getting our shoes wet. The so-called 'path' was largely underwater, as there was so much water coming down the falls (the rainy season had only recently ended). It became quite the challenge, but we made it!

Falls at tier six

Sliding down the waterfall at tier four

And the last waterfall was worth the effort.

Final tier

The following day we made sure to check out Hellfire Pass, which is a segment of the Death Railway where the POWs and Asian labourers working under Japanese rule had to cut through enormous amounts of rock. It earned its name because at nighttime, during its construction, the flames of the torches reflected on the workers' faces and bodies, calling up images of hell.

A piece of original railway (left) and an Australian flag (right)

It's now on Thai military ground, but the Australian government co-funded a museum and memorial on the site. There was quite a lot of information, as well as accounts of slave workers (both in written and drawn form) and even a video of some of the survivors. It contrasted astoundingly with the peace and stillness of Hellfire Pass as it is now.

Tree growing in the middle of the pass

We had intended to do the long trek along the old railway pass, and were even given a walkie talkie so reception could check on us frequently, but after we reached the viewpoint we turned back.