SANGKHLABURI TOUR - 7-11 October 2013
SANGKHLABURI TOUR - 7-11 October 2013 |
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Sangkhlaburi…….Sangkhlaburi is located in the far west of the province of Kanchanaburi, forming the border with Myanmar accessed only by the Three Pagodas Pass. A big part of the district is covered by the Khao Laem Reservoir, an artificial lake formed by the Vachiralongkorn Dam in the Khwae Noi River.
In 1939 the district Wang Ka (วังกะ) was renamed Sangkhlaburi, which was previously the name of a minor district of Thong Pha Phum. On May 20 1941 the district was downgraded to a minor district, part of Thong Pha Phum district consisting of four tambon. It was again upgraded to full district status on July 27 1965. Today the town of Sangkhlaburi is artificially separated from the Mon village of Wangkla on the opposite side of the reservoir resulting from the dam construction. In the dry season light traffic can cross a wooden bridge constructed over the reservoir; quite a tourist attraction. Sangkhlaburi is recognized as a sanctuary for those wishing to escape urban life and has a wealth of natural features. While there is some new development in the form of resorts, this remote location is sure to be spared commercialism for the foreseeable future. Three Pagodas Pass…….Three Pagodas Pass (Thai: ด่านเจดีย์สามองค์ Darn Chedi Sam Ong) is on the Thai-Myanmar border but the border has effectively been closed to foreigners since 2007. It is located between Sangkhlaburi in Thailand and Payathonzu in Myanmar. The Three Pagodas Pass was for centuries along the main land route between India and South East Asia. The strategic location was last exploited by the Japanese during World War II, who used POW labour to build the infamous Death Railway to ferry supplies into Burma. Kanchanaburi…….An important gateway to the Western Highlands, Kanchanaburi was used on this tour for a stopover only and therefore does not feature in the tour program. However a visit was made to this provincial capital in 2011. For details Click here. |
Itiniary……..For full report click on travel log Day 1, Bangkok to Kanchanaburi. Day 2, Kanchanaburi to Sangkhlaburi via Tong Pha Phum Day 3, Tour - Sangkhlaburi Day 4, Tour - Sangkhlaburi Day 5, Sangkhlaburi to Bangkok via Kanchanaburi and Tong Pha Phum Excursions.....(These were entirely by motorbike) Mon Bridge, Mon Village, Chedi Puttataya, Wat Wang Wiwekaram, Wat Somdet, Three Pagodas Pass, Keaw Savan Bandan Cave, Khian Thong Waterfall, headwater of Songkalia River Accommodation Baanmafueng (Kanchanaburi).....In the main street. Aircon, fridge, TV, wifi, hot shower. rating good 650 baht, 1 night Tongtawan (Sangkhlaburi).....Through the town down towards the river, RH next to Weaving for Woman. Aircon, TV, hot shower, wifi (only available in certain locations), overall rating good, personal service outstanding, 600 baht (discounted), 3 nights |
Weather Overast in the morning, sunny spells in the afternoon, hot and humid 25-30c Dining out Sangkhlaburi does not have much in the way of Western foods although Western style breakfast is provided at some resorts. Most restaurants provide Burmese, Mon or Thai style foods or a mixture of these. Street food and fast food is also available Transport used Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, minivan from Mochit Mai Bus Station, 120 baht Kanchanaburi to Sangkhaburi (5 hours), slow bus, 130 baht Sangkhlaburi to Bangkok, (7.5 hours) 2nd class government bus, 249 baht minivan, city bus, taxi meter and motorbike taxi used in Bangkok c.100 baht motorbike rental 200 baht/day from Blue Rock Bar/Restaurant, fuel 155 baht |