Great Asian Railway Journeys: Chiang Mai to the River Kwai (BBC Two Saturday 14 October 2023)

Great Asian Railway Journeys: Chiang Mai to the River Kwai airs Saturday 14 October 2023 on BBC Two.

What is this episode about

Michael Portillo takes a two-part rail journey through Thailand, first from Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi on the River Kwai and then from Bangkok to the southern beach resort of Hua Hin, all while following the directions in his 1913 Bradshaw’s Guide.

Michael volunteers at an elephant hospital on this leg, where they treat elephants injured by landmines and other causes. He also gives making umbrellas and eating northern Thai food a shot.

Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom until it was annexed by the king of Siam, and Michael takes a tour of the city to learn more about its history. Michael travels to Lampang in the south of Thailand to learn how successive Thai kings managed to keep their country free from colonial rule by Britain and France. Through his research, he learns about a British governess who served in the royal court and about the role the British consulate played in expanding British influence within the kingdom.

Michael visits the ancient city of Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, and marvels at the enormous ruins of its temples.

There is a visit to a strange market that any train enthusiast should not miss. Near the Myanmar border, Michael completes this leg of his trip through Thailand by riding the Death Railway, one of the most infamous and, for him, most moving railway lines in the world.

Series 1 (60-Minute Versions)

When can we see the episode

Great Asian Railway Journeys: Chiang Mai to the River Kwai airs Saturday 14 October 2023 at 7:30pm on BBC Two

Featured Image Credit: BBC Two