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Sangkhlaburi
is located 230 km to the north of the province and borders to Burma
at Three Pagodas Pass to Muang Phya
Tong Sue which is the commercial area of Myanmar and famous for
wooden furniture.
The border crossing at the Three Pagodas
Pass is closed at the moment.
Historians
believe the earliest visitors to the region were the Mons, who entered
present-day Thailand sometime around the beginning of the Christian
area and later established Dvaravati. Even today, warfare, political
turbulence, and migrations continue to define the ethnic and social
landscape of Sangkhlaburi region. Many of the Karens, Mons, and
Burmese who have settled in the region over the centuries have become
political refugees, unable to obtain Thai passport or permits for
residence and work. Most remain stateless individual wanderers -
shunned by both Thais and Burmese.
However,
Sangkhlaburi has a lot of natural attractions such as waterfalls,
rough jungle and the Khao Lam Dam which flooded a valley of Sangkhlaburi
and also parts of the old city. The old half
sunken temple is a beautiful scenic area especially at sunset
and sunrise. Local hill tribes (Mon)
build most of their houses on the water as raft-houses.
The people there impress with their charm and their natural kindness.
How to go there
Visitors
can go to Sangkhlaburi by V.I.P. bus,
mini bus or non-aircon
bus. The tough one amongst you can take a 230 km ride through
breathtaking nature by motorbike.
Attractions:
Three Pagodas Pass
 The
Three Pagodas Pass played always a role in the Thai history. It
was the gateway for the overland trade route from the Gulf of Martaban
and the Gulf of Siam - the conduit for the culture, religion, and
political institutions of India. This pass is named after the three
miniature pagodas and is located about 22 km from Sangkhlaburi.
Centuries ago this was the spot from where marauding Burmese armies
marched into Thailand on their traditional invasions. It also marks
the rugged Thai - Myanmar border and is the site of a small thriving
border market.
Admission fee: free
How to go there: own vehicle, bus,
travel agency
Wat Wang Wiwekaram
 This
temple is situated on the hill side in Sangkhlaburi. Its pagoda
was built in the style similar to Pha Phutta Khaya in India and
its temple is housed with huge Buddha image made of marble. The
monastery abbot Luang Pho Uttama is
highly respected among Thai people, hill tribes and Burmese.
Admission fee: free
How to go there: own vehicle, bus,
travel agency
Dai Chong Thong Waterfall
This waterfall is located at the left hand side on the route Kanchanaburi
- Sangkhlaburi. Please turn left after a 180 km journey and follow
the signs. The water of this waterfall runs into a water reservoir
of Khao Lam Dam. You have to trek about 15 minutes to the waterfall
through a nice and rough jungle.
Admission fee: free
How to go there: own vehicle, bus,
travel agency
Kreng Kravia Waterfall
 This
small but lovely waterfall is located on the way to Sangkhlaburi
after 180 km. The peaceful waterfall is on the right hand side near
the National Park Visitor Center on highway 323.
Admission fee: free
How to go there: own vehicle, bus,
travel agency
Wooden Mon Bridge
It is the longest wooden bridge in Thailand and it was built for
comfortable transportation of people living in Sangkhlaburi and
Mon Villagers. Nowadays the bridge is closed for vehicles but you
can still walk over the wooden bridge. The bridge is a popular place
to see an unforgettable sunset or sunrise at the dam. You also can
take a bath like the Mon kids.
Admission fee: free
How to go there: own vehicle, bus,
travel agency
Takien Thong Waterfall
 This
small but lovely waterfall is on the way to the Tree
Pagodas Pass. Turn right and follow the signs after about 9
km you will reach the falls.
Admission fee: free
How to go there: own vehicle
Sawan Bundarn Cave
 This
cave is located on the way to the Tree Pagodas
Pass. Turn right and follow the dirtroad for about 1 km. The
cave is maintained by friendly monks.
Admission fee: free
How to go there: own vehicle, travel
agency
Adventure tours
Some travel agencies offer elephant-trekking
and bamboo rafting in immediate vicinity
of Sangkhlaburi. Canoeing and kayaking
on the dam or going there by motorboat.
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