Along The Western Border from Kanchanaburi to the Three Pagoda Pass

The land on the western border straddles the Tenasserim Mountain Range. A serpentine road along the Thai-Myanmar border is another dream route for motorists. winding through the splendor of nature and fascinating with the stories of the Second World War. with traces to be found everywhere.
The route skirting forests, mountains, and currents start not too far from Bangkok, just 130 kilometers to the northwest, from Kanchanaburi, a prime tourist destination that is always a top choice among the Thais. The trip along Highway 323 begins as the car enters Kanchanaburi, and can be taken through to the Three Pagodas Pass without problems, provided that your car is fully checked and filled up, as gas stations are scarcer as you get further from the town. Before reaching Kanchanaburi however, on the stretch Tha Maka – Tha Muang. shops line the street. At kilometer 110, to the left, is the production site of the famous Tha Ruea bean vermicelli. Make a stop and enjoy delicacies here before continuing on the route.
Entering the town area, passing Saeng-Xuto Hospital, one finds to the left Don Rak Cemetery, the final rest-place for war prisoners who died building the death railway. Each tombstone tells the touching story. Next to the cemetery, across Khun Chao Nen Road is the Death Railway Museum, giving the detailed story of the construction of the railway.

Turning back to Highway 323, head towards Saiyok District, on widened road, with green hills and lush vegetation on both sides. The first stop is at Tham Krasae Railway Station, where the railway straddles a steep cliff, with the Khwae Noi River down below on another side. From Highway 323, turn left at kilometer 18 into a rural road, crossing the railway to an intersection and turn right to the road along the Khwae Noi River. Passing Wat Lum Sum, about 1 kilometer before reaching Saiyok Resort, a parking area exists on a dirt road to the lookout site.
The route is now lined with stalls selling food and souvenirs on the left. The waterfall is on the right. Saiyok Noi is legendary for its beauty, as described in the Khmer Sai Yok classical song. It is a favorite site for a dip, with bathing facilities provided in the area. 4 kilometers further on Highway 323 heading for Thong Pha Phum District, turn left at the three-way intersection to cross the bridge over the Khwae Noi River. About 1 kilometer further on is another intersection. Turn right and continue for 1 kilometer to Tham Lawa, a famous limestone cave with beautiful stalagmite and stalactite. Ughting has been installed inside the cave, facilitating the visit considerably.
Continuing on the route, 4 kilometers before reaching Thong Pha Phum District, turn right towards Sangkhla Buri District. The road is narrow and climbing, with sharp bends along the way. It is advisable to take a rest at Ban Huai U Long Resort, about 7 kilometers from Thong Pha Phum-Sangkhla Buri Intersection. The resort has been selected as an Unseen Paradise accommodation by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Authentic Vietnamese dishes are served here.

Heading towards Sangkhla Buri District, about kilometer 22 on the right is Kroeng Krawia Waterfall, an attractive small waterfall. The route now runs along the rim of Khao Laem Dam, with several rest places to take in breath-taking views below. At kilometer 69, turn left into Sangkhla Buri, where a traditional lifestyle of the Mon people can be experienced. Follow the riverside road and park in front of Burmese.
After the meal, walk down the Uttama wooden bridge, about 8900 meters long, across the lake to the Mon Village. Motorcycle taxis are available on the other side of the bridge, to take visitors to Wat Wang Wiwekaram, or Luang Pho Uttama’s temple, a Mon temple with distinctive Bodh Gaya pagoda on the hill top.
Turning back from Sangkhla Buri, take Highway 232 and head towards the Three Pagodas Pass, a distance of about 20 kilometers. A Border Patrol Police tent is on the way, where visitors have to register, showing ID card and car registration number. The route ends here at the Three Pagodas Pass, with three white Mon – style pagodas as the highlight. The parking area is on the left, with souvenir shops offering gems, hand-woven textiles to furniture. A border pass can be obtained for a visit to the Burmese side of the border, with similar souvenir shops.

Category: Kanchanaburi