Thailand

In western Thailand, the town of Sangkhlaburi attracts visitors with its bridge, its tumultuous lake, and its pagodas lost in the hills. Here's a detailed overview!

If your idea of travel is synonymous with adventure and cultural immersion, then the destination of Sangkhlaburi will completely satisfy you. Located six hours by bus from Bangkok, northwest of Kanchanaburi, Sangkhlaburi, the beautiful mountainous town, presents a glimpse of rural Thai life. Crossing Lake Khao Lem, which plays a vital role in agriculture and fishing while also causing havoc during floods. Immersing oneself in the Mon tribe, where Buddhism and animistic practices coexist. Enjoying a leisurely stroll on the Uttamanuson Bridge. Its hillside villages, waterfalls, and wooded cliffs, not to mention the wonderful nearby Khao Lem National Park, make Sangkhlaburi a hotspot for natural tourism. A must-stop for a perfect vacation in Kanchanaburi!

History

Sangkhlaburi saw waves of Burmese immigration starting in the 1950s. The Mon and Karen families fled to Thailand to escape the civil wars tearing apart Myanmar, their home country. They settled in the rural town of Kanchanaburi.

After the construction of the Javiralongkorn Dam, the migrants saw much of their homes swept away by the floods of Lake Khao Lem. This prompted their relocation to the nearby hills of Sangkhlaburi. Over the years, population growth demanded more space, and the younger generation sought social integration. Thus, the Mon people built the famous wooden bridge connecting their village to the town of Sangkhlaburi.

Today

Fresh, mountainous, and flowery, Sangkhlaburi is a promising destination in western Thailand. Administratively, the district belongs to the province of Kanchanaburi. It is home to nearly 40,000 residents spread across 23 villages.

When traveling to Sangkhlaburi, Europeans will notice the ethnic divide within the town. Part is occupied by Thais, and another part hosts the Mon people. Authorities' mistrust towards these Burmese minorities is evident: document checks, travel restrictions, separatism… Despite these reservations, most tourists fall in love with Sangkhlaburi's rustic atmosphere. Clean air, mountainous terrain, and lakes mean trekking, boating, and hiking abound. And since you're not Thai, the Mon people will greet you with a kind and brotherly smile. Don't refuse their hospitality when they invite you to share the roof of their floating or waterside wooden hut.

Places of interest to visit

Uttamanuson Bridge

Notice the clusters of tourists gathered near a wooden bridge. A strong symbol of Sangkhlaburi, this structure, pleasantly suspended over the Songkaria River, measures 850 meters long. It's called the Uttamanuson Bridge and holds the record for the longest wooden bridge in Thailand. Completed by the Mon people during the last century, the construction met the need for connectivity: the village of Wang Kha would no longer be isolated from the rest of the country. From the bridge, the view of the surrounding hills is magical at sunset. That's why strollers wait for twilight to capture it in photos.

Peaceful to the core, Uttamanuson Bridge is perfect for a romantic walk. As a "pedestrian zone," motorcycles and cars are not allowed to pass but must take another solid bridge. One can only commend the authorities for this regulation, which preserves the tourist aspect of the bridge but also justifies its fragility. For your information, a section of the bridge collapsed in 2013 due to heavy storms, and the residents went to great lengths to restore it.

Saam Prasob temple ruins

During dry weather, you can enjoy a boat trip on the Songkaria River. An opportunity to explore the Buddhist temple Wat Saam Prasob, or rather, its remains. The Burmese built it in the 1950s on the shores of Lake Khao Lem. But when Thai engineers built the Javiralongkorn Dam, they did not consider the infrastructure's impact on the locals. The place of worship was engulfed by the waters of the lake.

Mon Village

Seeking a cultural experience? Head to Wang Kha village, the Mon stronghold. The ethnicity proudly preserves its traditions. Houses are built on stilts, fishermen continue to mend their nets, and women's days are filled with harvesting, collecting firewood, and weaving. Even though brand-name jeans are becoming more common, a sign of nonconformist youth embracing progress, you'll see that the town overall has an authentic character.

The Mon people have built impressive temples in honor of Buddha. Located on a rocky spur, Wat Chedi Putthakaya is worth a visit for its sublime concrete facade adorned with gold. It was inaugurated in 1982. The large golden stupa is a happy imitation of the one at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, the sacred city of India. You'll certainly appreciate the viewpoint overlooking the lake and its surroundings. Upon entering the main entrance, take a close look at the two imposing Singha statues, Buddhist saga deities. A guided tour of Wat Chedi Putthakaya will allow you to learn stories about the village's first monk, known as Luang Phaw Uttama.

Among other notable monuments in Wang Kha, it's recommended to visit Wat Wang Wiwekaram, which is just a stone's throw from Wat Chedi Putthakaya. It's a mundane temple-monastery like many found throughout the Land of Smiles. Some will criticize its lack of historical interest, as it's a recent construction that replaced an old temple submerged under the waters of Lake Khao Lem. However, Wat Mon, as it's also called, has one particularity: its main chapel houses a coffin where the remains of Luang Phaw Uttama are still kept.

Khao Lem National Park

In the surroundings of Sangkhlaburi, the Khao Lem Wildlife Sanctuary is an excursion destination that will surely satisfy nature lovers. It's located on Route 323. The richness of wildlife will leave you speechless: mammals as varied as barking deer, gaurs, tigers, Asian elephants, and wild boars live freely in the park. To increase your chances of spotting them, be accompanied by a local ranger who can track animal traces and show you the best observation spots.

Climate

Given its mountainous terrain, Sangkhlaburi enjoys a very humid climate. There's a thick layer of mist that envelops Lake Khao Lem and the surroundings, which can hinder photography.

The best time of year to stay in Sangkhlaburi is between November and March, when the weather is dry, and temperatures are more bearable. If you come in July or August, you'll face heavy rain. During this season, the monthly precipitation volume is 300 mm.

How to get there?

Sangkhlaburi is about 230 km by road from the province of Kanchanaburi. A few bus lines serve the town from the Bangkok metropolitan area.

Direct bus

The Transport Co. Ltd. company is the only one operating this route. Two direct buses depart from the Mo Chit bus terminal and reach Sangkhlaburi after six to seven hours of travel. The first bus usually leaves at 9:30 a.m..

Indirect bus

Another option: from the Thai capital, take a public bus on line 8203. It connects Bangkok and Sangkhlaburi, with a transfer in Thong Pha Phum.

To arrive more quickly at your destination, skip the bus in favor of the minivan. It covers the Kanchanaburi-Sangkhlaburi route in just 3 hours of travel. Plus, you'll travel in more comfort.