This border district is comprised
of three different cultural backgrounds and nationalities; Thai,
Mon, and Kareang. Mon is mainly from Burma, while Kareang is
one of the hill tribes in Thailand. However, the three groups
of people live in harmony here. The name sangkhlaburi actually
means the place where different cultures and beliefs mix together.
The father Uttama of Wang Wiwekkaram temple is the very connection
that draws everyone together, and the famous wooden bridge of
faith is the proof of its people’s devotion and unison.
Sangkhlaburi does not only have a mixture of its people, but
its landscape also can be said to be the mixture of three things
as well. Because of the rich natural forests that adjoin the
Thoong Yai Naresuan National Park, this area originates several
important rivers. And geographically, Sangkhlaburi is the place
where the three main rivers; Song Kalia, Runtee, and Bee Klee,
meet.
Just before you enter Sangkhlaburi, there are some attractions
that you should not miss at the joint between Sangkhla and Thong
Phapume. That is the Khao Laem National Park, where Kuang Si
Nakharin Reservoir, and many small yet captivation waterfalls
are located.
Location: This dam is situated at the Khao
Laem National Park. The park office is at Tambol Prang Ple,
Amphoe Sangkhlaburi, near the highway 323. About 40 kilometers
from the Thong Phapume – Sangkhlaburi junction. You can
either drive to the place, or take the local bus from The Kan
city to Sangkhla.
This waterfall is placed near the highway 323 (Thong Phapume
– Sangkhlaburi). About 33 kilometers from Thong Phapume
city, you will reach this waterfall even before getting to the
park Office. The site will be on you right. There is a parking
lot in the front, and you will have to walk a little to the
waterfall.
Although it is not a very big waterfall, the atmosphere there
is really pleasant and comfortable. The pond is wide and is
suitable for swimming. The water is quite full throughout the
year. The place is always a wonderful picnicking site, and there
are many tourists during weekends and holidays. Near the parking
lot are restrooms, minimart, and restaurant.
This waterfall is about 100 meters before you get to Kreng Krawia
Waterfall. On your lerf there is a road to the parking lot,
from which you have to walk further for 500 metters, in order
to find the waterfall.
Dai Chongthonge Waterfall is a little bit bigger than Kreng
Krawia Waterfall. The water runs downward through the slopes
about 10-15 meters high. It is the place where you can come
at anytime of the year. In rainy season, the water will be full,
making the place totally attractive. Also there are several
ponds you can enjoy swimming in, and the surrounding is really
serene and peaceful.
There is no restrooms or stores near parking lot here, but
you can find them at the Kreng krawia Waterfll.
Before getting to the Sangkhlaburi city, you will pass the khao
Laem National park where some most beautiful scenery can be
found ate the waterfalls and the view spot overlooking the take.
You can find this waterfall by trekking along the nature trail
that starts at the back of the National Park office.
The name of the waterfall is from Kareang language, it means
beautiful. This is a small waterfall, through the 23 floors
from the lowest to the highest, it is only about 2 kilometers.
The most beautiful floor is said to be the 16th floor. You can
come here all year, but the forest will be greenest in rainy
season. Because this waterfall is surrounded by rich and abundant
forest, it is suitable for those who are interested in trekking.
Up there on the highest floor, you can have splendid views over
the Kuang Wachiralongkorn Reservoir. But in case that you really
wish to visit all the floors of the waterfall, you should contact
the office first.
This hill is situated within the area of the Khao Laem National
Park as well. If you are to visit this place, you will have
to contact the park office first. To go up the hill, you must
leave your car at the foot of the hill and prepare water and
foodstuffs for yourself.
Khao Yai, which means a grand hill, had been open only recently.
It is the favourite adventure for those who are tough climbers.
The hill is approximately 1,400 meters from the sea level, and
it takes about 5 hours to reach the top. You will have to trek
through the wild forest until you get to the grassy plain on
the top.
From above, you can see the scenery of the Kuang Wachiralongkorn
Reservoir, and the sunset excellently. It is recommended that
you spend the night on the hill, and wake up early to see the
mountain veiled in mist. The best season to visit Khao Yai is
between September to December.
It takes at least 2 days to visit the top of the hill, and you
will have to be guided by the Park officer. Also, you may hire
the carrior to load you belongings up the hill
This spot is located about 2 kilomters to Sangkhlaburi from
the National Park. To go there, drive on the highway 323 for
about 42 kilometers, pass Kreng Krawia Waterfall, and the Park
offece, you wll see a singpost to the Khao Laem Ranger Unit.
Around the Khao Laem Ranger Unit will be camping lawn. The
sunset there is fabulous. It is near the Reservoir and the surroundings
are very peaceful. You can enjoy swimming, bird watching or
rowing.
The Khao Laem Ranger Unit also provides three houses, for 6-8
persons each, and rents for rent. Around there you can find
restrooms, cooperative store, and boat service as well
The road from Thong Phapume to Snagkhlaburi, so the say, could
be just a road in the northern part of the country. The reason
is because the path here was constructed across the mountains
and is very steep, especially just before reaching Sangkhalburi.
Howerver, due to this extreme height, the magnificent views,
particularly over Kuang Khao Laem Reservoir, can be seen.
Is is said that you would not really reach Sangkhlaburi, unless
you had a chance to walk across this very bridge. The wooden
bridge links The Sangkhla City, which Thai community settles,
across the Song Kalia River, to a Mon villages where Wat Wang
Wiwekkaram situates. To go there, drive from the Sangkhla city
roward Sam Prasop Resort. Before the entrance of the resort,
on the right you will see a parking lot, from which you can
walk to the bridge.
The bridge was built according to the Father Uttama’s
intention. The Father wished to join the Thai and Burmese vommunities
on the oppsite side of the river together. People who devoted
themselve thus cooperated and constructed this bridge totally
the unison betwwn the diferent nationalities. Today, about 10
years has passed, but the bridge is still in good condition.
From the bridge, you can see the view over Kuang Wachiralongkorn
Reservoir, and the Old Temple Under Water very well.
All vehicles are prohibited on the bridge.
Only about 3 kilometers from The Sangkhlaburi city, this is
the very temple that the Father Uttama established to serve
as the center of the Thai, Mon, and Kareang people all alike.
Actually, in old days when the dam had not been constructed,
this temple was situated down the hill where Song Kalia, Runtee,
and Bee klee rivers merged. However, once the dam was built,
the temple must change the location. Leaving the old temple
under the water in the reservoir, the new temple now is up on
the hillside. In summer when the water level is getting low,
you can see the amazing scenery of pagodas under water. There
are rented boat services around there. The boat costs about
300 baht, and can load up to 5-6 persons.
This is one of the famous characteristics of Sangkhlaburi, as
a border district next to Burma. The border pass that is really
famous for both Thai and foreign people called the three Pagodas
Pass, is really and atraction you should not miss. You might
even cross the border to Burma and appreciate its town, temples,
and people’s lifestyles within a single day.
Here is a very important historical site of Kanchanaburi. In
the past, it used to be the passway of Thai and Burmese troops.
Nowadays, it, however, is a pass that relates Thai and Burma
together, and at the same time presents our fair neighbourhood
and friendship.
How to get there: About 3 kilometers from
Sangkhlaburi, take the highway 323 (Kanchanaburi-Sangkhla) until
you reach the kilometer marker 209. There you will find a junction,
drive further for about 18 kilometers, you are there.
The Three Pagodas pass is a compromised area of trading between
Thailand and Burma. Therer you can find Burmese goods such as
wooden furniture, gems, or woven cloths, and things that you
may enjoy shopping. Nevertheless, you should not miss taking
some photos with the famous wooden plate written “The
End of the West Border”.
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The Sao Roi Ton temple is in fact
in Burma, but is not difficult to visit. Inside this building
there are overa hundred of pillars. |
The Golden pagoda can be seen at the
back of the Wat Sai Roi Ton |
How to get there: This temple is in Burmese area, about 1 kilometers
from the Three Pagodas Pass. After you have paid the fee to
enter Burma, drive pass the local market and you will see a
signpost to the temple on your right.
This Mon temple named Wat Sao Roi Ton, or the hundred pillar
temple, is founded by The Father Uttama, in order to create
a friendly relationship between the Thai and Burmese people.
The most fantastic element of this temple is the grand building
that serves as a church. Inside this building, there are over
a hundred of pillars, and that is marble images of Buddha, which
is a very splendid statue.
You can also find another attraction within this temple, that
is the pagoda Thammakiri, pagoda, you can have panoramic scenery
of Tanowsi mountain and of Paya Tongshu city excelletly
Near the Three Pagodas Pass, you will find a large community
that is lively with its market along the roadsides.
In order to get into Burma, however, you have to pay the fee,
for 50 baht per car, and another 25 baht per person at Burma,
Please don’t forget take the ID card with you. For foreigners,
you must have a passport and 2 photographs. Also you have to
pay the fee for 10 dollars, and contact to the immigration office
within Sangkhlaburi first. |
INFORMATION
Dai
Chongthong Waterfall
Kateng
Cheng Waterfall
