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Sangkhlaburi is a little village in the western Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. Situated near the border with Myanmar and approximately 360 km northwest of Bangkok, Sangkhlaburi is surrounded by mountains and forests. The village gets its breath of fresh air and tranquility, making visitors feel like they’ve taken a plunge into some kind of dreamy retreat
Sangkhlaburi is an ideal destination on a Thailand trip
If you are looking to escape the busy and tempting city life, Sangkhlaburi is an ideal destination on a Thailand trip. The village feels separated from the outside world, offering a calm, simple, and warmly familiar charm that invites travelers to slow down and relax.
Sangkhlaburi, a landmark of Thailand's Kanchanaburi Province, holds a rich and poignant history that has been shaped by the intersecting flows of geography and culture.
Bordering the Thai-Myanmar border, the district was originally an enclave inhabited by Mon and Karen communities, whose sustenance was rooted in the riverine landscape, forestlands, and transboundary trade. Over generations, these populations carved a distinctive local culture based on cooperation, spirituality, and a profound connection with nature.
History of Sangkhlaburi
The 1980s saw the construction of the Vajiralongkorn (Khao Laem) Dam, which supplied a huge reservoir used for hydroelectric power and floodcontrol activities. However, once the water level rose, a significant portion of the old Sangkhaburi was submerged, prompting a migration of residents, particularly the Mon people, to new shores.
Although the physical setting changed, the community spirit stayed strong. To reconnect the relocated Mon village with the Thai side of town, locals built the Mon Bridge. More than a crossing point, the bridge stands as a sign of connection between past and present, while offering wide views over the reservoir, shaping today’s landscape.
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Another cultural landmark in Sangkhlaburi is Wat Wang Wiwekaram. Founded under the guidance of Luang Pho Uttama, this Mon temple helped protect Mon beliefs and traditions during a time of major change. The temple grew into a spiritual center where people maintained their roots and identity.
Today, Sangkhlaburi keeps a steady balance between growth and protection. Through homestays and local cultural activities, residents invite visitors to take part in daily life, rather than face crowded, large-scale tourism.
Due to this approach, Sangkhlaburi has emerged as a popular place for travelers who seek a history-led experience, rich culture, and authenticity above mere tourist spots.
Uttamanusorn Bridge, or more commonly known as the Mon Bridge, is the longest wooden bridge in Thailand and the second-longest in the world. Stretching over 400 metres across the Songkalia River, Mon Bridge links the Mon village of Ban Wangka to the main part of Sangkhla Buri town.
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Must-visit place in Sangkhlaburi
The bridge isn’t only just an engineering feat; it’s also a living cultural link between Thai and Mon communities, offering some of the most photogenic river and mountain views in Kanchanaburi province.
Wat Wang Wiwekaram in Sangkhlaburi is one of the most revered temples for the Thai, Mon, and Karen communities.
It was originally built in 1953 by Luang Pho Uttama with Mon and Karen settlers, but when the Vajiralongkorn (Khao Laem) Dam was created, the old site was submerged. The temple was rebuilt on higher ground in 1985, while the “underwater temple” at the original site remains a hauntingly beautiful landmark.
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Wat Wang Wiwekaram in Sangkhlaburi
The new temple blends Mon and Thai architectural styles, and inside the main hall, you can find Luang Pho Uttama’s preserved remains in a glass reliquary. Nearby stands Chedi Puttha Khaya, a golden stupa inspired by the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India, one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites where the Buddha attained enlightenment.
Located about 190 km from Kanchanaburi along Highway 323 toward Sangkhlaburi, Khao Laem National Park is a peaceful jungle sanctuary offering a wide selection of recreation activities.
Don't miss Khao Laem National Park when visiting Sangkhlaburi
The national park features a diverse ecosystem of mountains, forests, waterfalls, and many rare plant and animal species. When travellers visit the national park, a unique highlight that you can not miss is Erawan Waterfall, a seven-tier cascade, with each level offering a different and impressive view that amazes visitors.
A journey through all-seven levels typically takes around three hours. In between pools of clear and cold water, tourists could either swim or just soak in the water, or enjoy the nature and abundant flora and prey surrounding them.
November to February is the dry season and also the best time to visit Sangkhlaburi. The weather in this period is often cooler and more comfortable, with temperatures ranging from comfortable to slightly chilly in the evenings.
The best time to visit Sangkhlaburi
At this time, the rain is less in Sangkhlaburi as well, so you could go out, enjoy sightseeing, and naturalviews.
You can take a bus or minivan from the Sangkhlaburi area of Bangkok at Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) to Kanchanaburi; from here, you can take a regular bus or minivan, the travel takes place every day morning, noon, evening, and night.
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How to get to Sangkhlaburi
For this trip, the total travel time from Bangkok to Sangkleburi is about 4 - 5 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.
*FAQ: How much does a bus cost to travel from Bangkok to Sangkhlaburi?
Bus fares from Bangkok (Morchit) to Sangkhlaburi cost approximately 213 - 274 Baht, with travel time around 7-8 hours.
On the contrary, you can also hire a private car and drive yourself to Sangkhlaburi, if you are more freedom lover; in that case, you will follow Highway 323 from King Thai airport to Sangkhlaburi with beautiful mountains and forests, and you will even have to see the Vajiralongkorn reservoir when driving.
Sangkhlaburi leaves a lasting impression through its calm pace, cultural depth, and close link between people and place. From the wooden Mon Bridge to quiet temples and lakeside views, each part of the town reflects a story shaped by change, faith, and everyday life. Visitors experience more than scenery; they step into a community shaped by tradition and mutual respect.
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For travelers who value culture, nature, and meaningful local contact, Sangkhlaburi offers a refreshing path away from crowded routes. And if you’re planning to book a tour to explore Thailand, Asia King is always ready to help you make the best Thailand trip ever.
