FAQs
Frequently Asked Question
Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Q: What is the admission fee for the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre?
A: Entry to the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre is free for all visitors. The facility is funded and operated by the Australian Government. If you wish to contribute, donation boxes are available within the Centre.
Q: Is there any entry fee for schools or organized visit?
A: There is no entry fee for schools or group visits. However, if your group has more than 20 people, please book in advance. Visit our ‘Planning Your Visit’ page to submit your group details.
Q: What are the opening hours of the Centre?
A: The Centre is open every day from 09:00 to 16:00. Holiday closure dates are listed in our annual closure notice.
Q: Is it possible to enter the walking trail before 09.00?
A: If you arrive at the Centre before 09:00, you can wait in the outdoor seating area or car park. Visitors cannot enter the trail until the morning cleaning is finished at 09:00.
Q: Does the Centre close for holidays?
A: Yes, the Centre closes on the following days:
- 1 January – New Year’s Day
- 13–15 April – Songkran Festival
- Week 1–Week 3 May – Annual Maintenance closure (exact dates vary each year)
- 5 December – National Day
- 24–27 December – Christmas period
- 31 December – New Year’s Eve
Q: How long does it take to complete the walking trail?
A:The short trail (Blue Walk) is approximately 500 metres from the Centre to the Hellfire Pass memorial and takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. It’s the most popular and shortest route to the Pass.
The long trail (Green Walk) is 2.6 km from the Centre to Hintok Road. It takes approximately 1.5 hours one way or 3 hours for a return trip.
For the long walk, good physical fitness is needed due to steep climbs and declines. You must also carry a two-way safety radio, which can be collected for free at the visitor service counter.
Q: How should I prepare for the walking trail?
A: For the best experience, wear sturdy shoes, bring drinking water, and apply sunscreen and insect repellent before starting.
Make sure to allow at least one hour to visit both the Centre and the trail before the closing time at 16:00.
If you’re doing the long walk (2.6 km), be sure to collect a safety radio from our staff before starting it.
Q: Is the walking trail accessible for wheelchair users or visitors with physical limitations?
A: The Centre offers a free golf buggy service for elderly visitors, those with physical limitations, and visitors with health issues. The buggy takes you to and from the Hellfire Pass cutting in approximately 30–40 minutes. Please let staff know at reception if you need this service.
Note that the golf buggy is limited to those in need and one minder. Family and friends are asked to walk alongside.
Q: Is there a pick-up service at the end of the 2.6 km trail?
A: No, the Centre does not provide a pick-up service at the end of the trail. Visitors must walk back, making the total round trip approximately 5.2 km.
If you have a private driver or taxi, they can wait for you at the end of the trail (Hintok Road) and pick you up. However, make sure to arrange this with your driver beforehand, as they will need to drive 3–4 km on a local road with steep curves.
Q: What will I see on the long walking trail?
A: The long walking trail extends approximately 2 km beyond the Hellfire Pass memorial and has more challenging terrain. Along the way, you’ll see traces of engineering work from the Burma-Thailand Railway, including smaller cuttings, a large embankment, and spots where trestle bridges once stood.
There are several audio tour stops that provide details about each location.
Q: Why do I need to carry a safety radio?
A: Visitors on the long walking trail must carry a safety radio so Centre staff can communicate with you and check your location for safety. The radio is also important in case of emergencies, like accidents or sudden trail closures, as mobile phone signals may be limited in some areas.
This service is free, and you can collect the radio on the lower floor of the Interpretive Centre.
Q: How can I take a public transport to Hellfire Pass?
A: Visitors can reach Hellfire Pass by bus or train. For more details, please refer to the ‘How to Get There’ section on this website.
Q: How far is Hellfire Pass from Kanchanaburi township?
A:
Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre is approximately 80 km from Kanchanaburi city centre. It takes around 1 hour by car or 1.5–2 hours by bus.
The journey involves winding country roads with several climbs over hills. Visitors are advised to take a morning bus to have enough time to explore the Centre and walking trail before it closes at 16:00.
Q: How do I return to Kanchanaburi town by public transport after visiting the Centre?
A:
By Bus: A public bus stop is located on the main road (Highway 323) opposite the Centre’s main entrance. You can wait there for one of the red buses heading to Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal. Buses run approximately every hour, but schedules may not be precise. It’s advisable to arrive at the bus stop early: we recommend being there no later than 17:00.
The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours and costs around 60 THB.
By Train: The nearest train station is Nam Tok, approximately 20 km south of the Interpretive Centre. Train services are limited, so visitors should consult the State Railway of Thailand‘s timetable when planning their trip.
As of August 2024, two trains depart from Nam Tok Station to Kanchanaburi in the afternoon: one at 13:00 and another at 15:00.
Please note there is no taxi service available from the Centre to the train station. Visitors need to arrange transportation themselves or take the public bus, alighting at Tha Sao, followed by a 5-minute walk to Nam Tok Station.
Q: What is an audio tour and how much does it cost?
A: The audio tour is a service we offer to enhance your visit. It includes an audio player and earbud to listen to stories from former prisoners of war about the construction of the Burma-Thai Railway and key locations.
This service is free, including free disposable earbuds. You can collect the audio device on the lower floor of the Centre. One ID card (such as a driving licence or passport) is needed as a deposit, which will be returned when you give back the device. For families or groups, only one ID card is required.
Q: What languages are available in the audio tour?
A: The audio tour is available in Thai, English and Dutch.
Q: Can I book audio devices in advance?
A: No, the audio devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: Is the Audio Tour Guide service available all day?
A: The audio tour is available until 15:00, as the Centre closes at 16:00. Please plan your visit accordingly if you wish to use the devices.
Q: Can the audio tour be accessed online?
A:Yes, audio files and transcripts are available online for those who wish to listen on their personal devices or at home. Please visit: https://www.dva.gov.au/recognition/commemorations/memorials/memorials-asia-pacific/hellfire-pass-interpretive-centre-audio-guide
Q: Are pets allowed inside the Interpretive Centre and on the walking trail?
A: Yes, Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre is pet-friendly. Pets are allowed both inside the building and on the walking trail.
Q: What do I need to do if I want to bring my cat or dog here?
A: If you’re bringing your pet, please ensure you have the following:
- Leashes (required)
- A waste bag and related cleaning supplies (required)
- Portable drinking water and treats
Pet carriers like backpacks and strollers are welcome, however please note that the outdoor walking trail has uneven gravel surfaces and may not be suitable for wheeled carriers.
