Kanchanaburi War Cemetery stands as an essential destination for travelers seeking to explore the haunting history of Kanchanaburi.

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, known locally as Don-Rak War Cemetery, is the main POW cemetery for victims of Japanese imprisonment during construction of the Siam-Burma Railway.

History of Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is situated in proximity to the former POW base camp known as “Kanburi,” which served as a stopover point for the majority of prisoners on their way to other camps. Its establishment was carried out by the Army Graves Service, which relocated all the graves along the southern section of the railway, stretching from Bangkok to Nieke, to this cemetery.

Within the Nieke camp, approximately 300 men, many of whom fell victim to a cholera epidemic in May/June 1943, underwent cremation. Their remains now rest in two graves within the cemetery, with their names inscribed on plaques displayed in the shelter pavilion.

Presently, the cemetery holds the resting places or commemorative markers for 5,085 Commonwealth casualties from the Second World War. Moreover, it includes 1,896 Dutch war graves and one non-military grave.

The Kanchanaburi Memorial, located inside the entrance building of the cemetery, pays tribute to 11 soldiers of the undivided Indian Army. These individuals were interred in Muslim cemeteries in Thailand, where the maintenance of their graves became unfeasible.

The cemetery was thoughtfully designed by Colin St Clair Oakes and is meticulously maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).

Location of Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

Located approximately 129 kilometers northwest of Bangkok, the town of Kanchanaburi is most conveniently accessed by road via the National Highway that stretches north from the capital. Travelers can also opt for bus or train services from Bangkok. Positioned alongside Saeng Chuto Road, which serves as the main thoroughfare in the town, the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is easily found. When approaching from Bangkok, visitors will find the cemetery on the left side of the road, towards the northern end of the town. A signpost from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is prominently displayed across the road, indicating the cemetery’s presence.

Opening Hours

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Tourists’ Reviews

Let’s explore the reviews and feedback shared by fellow travelers on TripAdvisor regarding the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery:

Robert B

CWGC Kanchanaburi Visit
Apr 2023 • Couples
We decided to do our second trip to the CWGC Kanchaburi to pay our respects to the lives represented there of all who suffered whilst POW’s during WW2 building the Death Railway. It was 40 degree heat so gave us an insight to the sort of temperatures the mean would have been up against we barely lasted one hour. However, being ex Royal Signals I managed to take photos of all the graves of the fallen Royal Signals men i hadnt realised there to be so many some circal 260.

Point to note its a cemertary proper respect whilst attending is a must. Its also worthwhile to go to the museum, if you like how about shouting morning tea for the workers tending the graves, We did, they were very thankful.

michael a

A reminder of the lives lost a long way from loved ones
Apr 2023 • Couples
Beautifully maintained, tranquil resting place for a great number of Allied POW’s who lost their lives a long way from home. It was a thought provoking and emotional place, and an opportunity to pay our respects to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in horrific circumstances. We then went to hellfire pass where there is an Australian funded memorial museum.