Directly bordering Myanmar (Burma), Sangkhlaburi district is in the far north-west corner of Kanchanaburi Province. Home of the famous Three Pagodas Pass, the area has a strong Burmese cultural influence!
Sangkhlaburi has played an important role in the history between Thailand and Burma and also has the longest wooden bridge in the country!
Three Pagodas Pass
Known as "Phra Chedi Sam Ong" in Thai, Three Pagodas Pass links Sangkhlaburi on the Thai side with Pyathonzu just over the border into Myanmar (Burma).
Over the course of history, the pass has been the route into Thailand for invading Burmese armies as well as traders and Buddhist Monks from India.
The three pagodas themselves, believed to have been built in the 4th century, are fairly small but hold great sway with the locals as peace symbols.
During World War II, the infamous Death Railway was built through the pass by the allied prisoners of war.
Several hill tribes live in the area including the Karen, Mon and Burmese, who are neither Thai or Burmese nationals.
There have been several confrontations between the Karen and the Mon tribes for control over the years, but now the Myanmar authorities remain in control of the border region.
Visitors are allowed to visit the Burmese border town of Pyathonzu with a special one-day pass, issued at the border.
Great items can be bought for souvenirs including wooden carvings, ornaments, jade and textiles.
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