6 Day Fully Escorted Battlefield Tour
From: 17 – 22 February 2019
Fully Inclusive at $2,775 share twin* per person (Land package only)
Single Supplements available at $300
Fully escorted by Australian Military Historian and battlefield guide: Rod Margetts

Please note: This is a small group tour with a guaranteed departure.

Since 1945 prisoners of war and the Thai–Burma railway have come to occupy a central place in Australia’s national memory of World War II.

There are good reasons for this. Over 22 000 Australians were captured by the Japanese when they conquered South East Asia in early 1942. More than a third of these men and women died in captivity. This was about 20 per cent of all Australian deaths in World War II. The shock and scale of these losses affected families and communities across the nation of only 7 million people.

The Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway, the Burma–Siam Railway, the Thailand–Burma Railway and similar names, was a 415-kilometre (258 mi) railway between Ban Pong, Thailand, and Thanbyuzayat, Burma, built by the Empire of Japan in 1943 to support its forces in the Burma campaign of World War II. This railway completed the rail link between Bangkok, Thailand and Rangoon, Burma.

Boronia Travel centre would therefore like to invite you on a memorable journey in February 2019 visiting key sites including the Thai-Burma Railway Centre, Kanchanaburi, the Bridge over the River Kwai, Wampo Viaduct, Shimo Songkurai, Cholera Hill and Hellfire Pass, while hearing moving war stories from your expert guide, Rod Margetts.

About Your Battlefield Guide

This tour is fully escorted by Australian Military Historian and battlefield guide, Rod Margetts. Rod will present information about the background and specific events which occurred, in an interesting and entertaining way. He will personally introduce himself to all tour members via email or telephone prior to departure, and invite you to advise of any subject of particular interest, such as relatives who had fought (and sometimes died) during the conflict. Rod will then research the matter to ensure, where possible, that the tour visits the particular site and that detailed information on the actions are provided.

The Thai-Burma Railway Tour is ideally taken in conjunction with the 77th Anniversary of the Fall of Singapore.

Your Battlefield Tour Includes:

• Fully escorted by Boronia Travel Centre battlefield specialist and Australian Military Historian: Rod Margetts.
• All battlefield excursions, scenic drives and sightseeing as described in the itinerary.
• The opportunity to visit other places of personal interest in the area.
• The best available accommodation in each town or city.
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
• Plenty of Free Time. We understand that you might want to have a break occasionally.
• Services of a local english speaking guide throughout your tour.
• Ground transport in deluxe air-conditioned coaches with toilet.
• All entrance fees as per the itinerary.
• Boronia Travel Centre cap, ticket wallet and luggage tags.
• With the exclusive resources available, Rod Margetts may be able to assist with any family research you may be doing.

Extras:

• Single Supplements are available at $300.
• Boronia Travel Centre uses Singapore Airlines for all their Singapore Tours, and has access to the most competitive discounted airfares available from Australia.
• Group airfare add-on options available upon request.
• Upgrade airfares to business and first class available upon request.
• Spend more time in Singapore or Thailand with one of our accommodation packages available at discounted rates.

Meals Included: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Day 1, 17 February – Arrive Bangkok airport from Singapore, clear Customs & met by Thailand-Burma Railway Centre (TBRC) Guide. Depart by coach for Kanchanaburi which will take approximately 3 hours. If time permits on the way visit Ban Pong Railway Station where the PoWs arrived from Singapore in transit to the railway. On arrival, visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre for historical briefing on railway & inspect Museum & Research Centre. Visit adjacent Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and spend time as you wish. Depart for the Royal River Kwai Resort and check in for overnight.
Overnight: Royal River Kwai Resort, Kanchanaburi

Day 2, 18 February – After breakfast check out before departing for the “Bridge on the River Kwai” for the true story of its construction and history before walking the bridge. Short walk to Bridge Station to take train on the PoW built railway. After crossing the Wang Pho viaduct disembark at Tham Krasae Station where you will be met by road transport. Lunch at local restaurant beside the viaduct above famous River Kwai. Depart for the area of the former Kinsaiyok Railway Station, PoW Camp and coal dump to learn the history of this location. Continue on to Tha Khanun railway area and Australian PoW location. Travel further north to your accommodation at nearby Sangkhlaburi. B L D
Overnight: Sangkhla Resort, Sangkhla Buri

Day 3, 19 February – After breakfast depart for an inspection of Wat Wangwiwekaram and the Mon Bridge, before taking the short drive to Three Pagodas Pass where the railway crossed the border from Thailand to Burma. After Lunch at a Local restaurant, Depart Three Pagodas Pass and head to Shimo Songkurai PoW camp area, including the old cemetery location and the notorious “Cholera Hill”. Dinner tonight will be at our Hotel. B L D
Overnight: Sangkhla Resort, Sangkhla Buri

Day 4, 20 February – After Breakfast travel south to the Australian Hell Fire Pass Memorial Museum then walk to Hell Fire Pass to inspect the area & immediate surrounds. Option to walk the old rail bed to Hintok Station area and meet road transport. Travel back to Kanchanaburi before checking into the hotel. B L D
Overnight: Royal River Kwai Resort, Kanchanaburi

Day 5, 21 February – After breakfast we leave for the first visit of the day to the War Cemetery in town at Chungkai. Learn about the large PoW hospital camp at this location and proceed to the nearby work area of large embankments, bridges and cuttings. This afternoon has been set aside for a half day local culture/sightseeing but a final decision will be taken on this closer to the time and once any changes are made to the itinerary to allow for visit to other sites requested by participants that haven’t been covered. Return at the end of the day to the Royal River Kwai Resort. B L D
Overnight: Royal River Kwai Resort, Kanchanaburi

Day 6, 22 February – The tour finishes today and after breakfast the group will transferred back to Bangkok Airport.

Please Note: Itinerary subject to change according to prevailing circumstances.

Royal River Kwai Resort, Kanchanaburi

Royal Resort and Spa is a beautiful hotel located along the banks of River Kwai. It features spacious accommodations with private balconies and the luxury of an outdoor pool. The guest rooms at Royal River Kwai Resort have large windows which allow the tropical breeze in. They have air conditioning, a minibar and a work space. The bathrooms include a bathtub or a shower. Klou Lad Thong Restaurant serves local specialties in a relaxing atmosphere. Guests can enjoy their meals indoors or outdoors to make the most of the tropical climate. An international menu is available. The Royal River Kwai Resort and Spa has a range of facilities for guests’ comfort. Massages and spa treatments are available at a cost. Alternatively, the pool is ideal for a fun day outdoors.

Our tour members depend on us to provide a once in a lifetime battlefield experience combined with exceptional customer service. We do our best to meet and exceed their high standards, which is what you’d expect from Australia’s leading battlefield tour company. Here’s what our past passengers say about Rod Margetts – our very popular and knowledgeable battlefield guide:

The 75th Anniversary of the Fall of Singapore Tour was a wonderful experience. Thank you for the great information you provided. It is also fascinating to get some personal insights. We had a great group on the trip and Rod’s knowledge made it even more special. Best wishes.
Alan

Rod did an amazing job, and even though he wasn’t well for a few days, didn’t miss a beat. The Vietnamese guides were great, especially Chi who took us to a rooftop bar on the last day to try the most amazing Vietnamese coffee. Once again thanks to the team.”
Kay and John Woolnough

“I want to thank you for the exceptional tour I did with Rod Margetts and the other three tourists. We had the most wonderful tour because the guides, Rod and Sinan were so patient, knowledgeable and enthusiastic and we four felt that the tour was personal and tailored just for us.

Thank you John and your team for putting together such an outstanding tour. It will remain a highlight of my life and I’ll always be glad I went to the hallowed soil of Gallipoli to honour my two great uncles and all the soldiers, both Allies and Turks. With my very best wishes to you and again, my sincere thanks.”
Roslyn Burge

We cannot speak too highly of our guides. Rod and Sinan made sure that the tour was loaded with interest and information, and very enjoyable. Although we were such a small group yet we got the best presentation possible. The way Rod and Sinan worked together was amazing – you would swear it was fully scripted!!  There was no doubt that they enjoy working together, and mutually provided flexibility with the programme showing they had the specific interests of the 4 of us in the group. Didn’t matter whether it was Istanbul or the battlefields, they both covered the interesting and relevant parts so well. This included our visit to Shrapnel Valley Cemetery a second time to place flowers at my Uncle’s grave.  Rod made sure the two “girls” in the group found the headstones etc which were of specific interest to them. We obviously could not take all the information in but what we did assimilate is food for further reading and understanding. By covering the main aspects fully they gave us a sound overview and the basis to look at other material, which we will do.
David Williamson and Andrew Williamson

I need to thank the 3 Tour guides Rod, Mark and Mark who gave everybody a great insight to the campaign, as soldiers we think we know our history but talking to many of the members and they all commented on how much they did not know, again well done. I also need to congratulate you on the 3 local guides who not only assisted in giving us an insight from the Turkish side but on their country, they were outstanding. Once again thank you very much.”
Graham Toll

Gallipoli 2015 – Anzac Day Centenary Tour
Rod, I knew you were a good instructor 35 years ago, but you have taken it to a new level. I had done a lot of reading leading up to the tour, but information overload, inability to relate it to ground and my faulty memory meant that I was having trouble putting it in context (to the extent that I recognised the relevance behind all your daily questions, but couldn’t remember any of the answers). Over a week you put all of that information and feeling for the ground into context in a measured, logical, informed and interesting way. I had wondered how those in the group who might not have been so committed to military history would remain engaged, so for me the proof of your approach was their enthusiasm throughout. The detail of your descriptions and ability to answer questions from left field with your broader understanding was simply outstanding. I re-read Sniffy’s book on the plane on the way home as a good summary of the first couple of days and it all makes sense now. (Actually, better to say I understand it now, as the whole affair certainly didn’t make sense). Thank you.
Garry Kelly

We had the trip of a lifetime, with the help of Rod Margetts, and Sinan (Our Turkish Guide) the Gallipoli trip was absolutely amazing, Rod explained everything in a way everyone in the group understood, my husband and I had the wonderful opportunity of laying a wreath for our Anzac at the Lone Pine Centenary Commemoration, which was televised and recorded by our family at home, a once in a lifetime opportunity. We also attended the Centenary “Smoking Ceremony” for our Indigenous Soldiers, also another once in a lifetime experience.  Rod’s guidance throughout out Gallipoli experience was absolutely fantastic, and Sinan gave us the cultural and the Turkish version of events. I don’t believe there was anything left out.
Margaret & Barry Weston

Our customers depend on us to provide a once in a lifetime battlefield experience combined with exceptional customer service. Visit our page full of client testimonials.