Nakhom Pathom.....Today was all about reaching Kanchanaburi after the previous day's disappointment. There were no detours today as we headed directly west arriving in Nakhon Pathom. Here at the railway station I just missed a service to Bangkok and nothing else was expected for a couple of hours. The visit here though was not in vain as I admired the new station building yet to be fitted out. The red and cream decor, typical on the Southern Line is most attractive. While the new building is yet to open, passengers have to use the old ticket office.
Nong Pla Duk.....We continued to Nong Pla Duk where I located this important and historic railway junction noting that this was where the 'Death Railway' line started in 1942. Today it is also being upgraded. The old station building here is cute and I hope they preserve it. I witness what will soon become a piece of history. No activity was expected but a mail train raced through on its way south.
We headed next for Kanchanaburi itself and I had a list prepared for visits. I could just manage one of these on the way but had great difficulty in locating it. One annoying thing about Google Map on android it that it's a trimmed down version compared to PC and couldn't help me. It tried to get as close as I could but then had to used the old tried and trusted method; ask someone. That someone was most helpful, and we had an escort to the site.
Phong Tuk Archaeological Site.....This site has an ancient ruin which looks familiar, but I was not sure about its age as there was no information in English. All I knew was that is Hindu and could be 1,000 years old. All that exists is a base around which the Fine Arts Depart have excavated a trench. I also noted that Princess Sirindhorn visited this site in the past to plant a tree in commemoration.
Nothing else could I established at the time but on the following day I visited Ban Kao National Museum and found answers. Phong Tuk is indeed old, built well over 1,000 years ago in the Dvaravati Era that preceded the Khmer Kingdom.
I was quite happy at this point but it was now a question of moving into the city to do what I came for.
The 259 service to Namtok.....I was well in time to catch the 259 which is and Ordinary Train to Namtok which is as far as the line goes. The route up to Namtok enjoys the best scenery on the 'Death Railway' and was a remarkable piece of construction albeit built by POWs and forced labourers. The 259 is mainly for locals as this train doesn't return the same day: No worries if you have a car to collect you. The train from Kanchanaburi takes over 2 hours, double that by road. This section of line can only remain open due to its historical significance and support by tourists.
With my partner waiting for me all that was needed now was dinner at Namtok and to return to Kanchanaburi and to the comfort of Hop Inn.

Source: Visit