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Complete Guide to Sangkhlaburi: Here’s Why This Little Remote Town is a Blast!

| Last Updated: August 2024

Well, there’s no doubt in my mind that Thailand is filled to the brim with adventure. But if you’re looking for a less touristy spot that won’t disappoint in terms of culture and natural beauty, Sangkhlaburi of Kanchanaburi province should top your list. 

For instance, strolling along the Sangkhlaburi’s Mon Bridge should give you a headstart. The handmade wooden bridge is an undying testament to the age-old friendship of the Mon people and other cultures.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg, though. The good news? We’re about to dive deep into all the awesome stuff this place has to offer. So keep reading, and let’s explore together!

Things to Know

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai), Mon (Mon-Khmer) 

Calling Code: (+66)

Nearest Airport: Don Mueang International Airport (373 km)

Best Time to Visit Sangkhlaburi

The best time to visit Sangkhlaburi is between November and March. During this time, the average temperature is cooler, and the weather is mostly sunny so you can stay outdoors from morning to night.

However, you can also visit from April to June if you don’t mind the hotter temperature. This way, you can tour all the sunken temples in Sangkhlaburi’s reservoirs.

How to Get to Sangkhlaburi

Bus: Riding a direct bus at the Bangkok Northern Bus Terminal is a great way to get to Sangkhlaburi. But keep in mind that the travel time is approximately 8 hours and only 2 buses depart daily.

Another option is to ride a bus to Kanchanaburi and catch another one to Sangkhlaburi.

Taxi: Hiring a taxi from Bangkok to Sangkhlaburi is a lot more expensive but it’s more convenient than riding a public bus. This is also a direct trip, so you can get off anywhere in Sangkhlaburi.

The trip to Sangkhlaburi via taxi takes approximately 5 hours, a trip that may take longer given the traffic. 

Rental Car: Another option is to self-drive from Bangkok to Sangkhlaburi. Start by driving westward via Highway 338, turning right to Highway 4, switching to Highway 321, and turning right to Highway 3524 towards Nakhon Pathom.

From there, continue via Highway 321, turn left to Highway 81, turn left to Highway 324, turn right to Highway 367, and turn right to Highway 323. Keep driving on this highway until you reach Sangkhlaburi’s town center.

Please note that an International Driving Permit and a driver’s license are necessary to rent and drive a vehicle from Bangkok.

Where to Stay in Sangkhlaburi

P Guest House & Country Resort

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Address: 81/2, Nong Lu

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 98 777 2478

Website: https://www.p–guesthouse.com/

Pricing: ฿฿

If you’re looking for a casual hotel with a stunning view of the Songkalia River, P Guest House & Country Resort is an excellent option. Their rooms are charming, with exposed stone walls and verandas with chairs and mini tables.

You can also get an upgraded room that adds modern amenities like air conditioning units, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and en-suite facilities. This place also has an on-site restaurant with a scenic terrace overlooking the river.

Plus, they have a budget-friendly campground where you can set tents to soak in Sangkhlaburi’s natural vibes and scenery. Rental bikes and canoes are available as well so the resting place could jumpstart your adventure. 

Kingfisher House Sangkhlaburi

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Address: 12 Moo 1 Nong Lu

Operating Hours: 3 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 63 157 3901

Website: https://www.facebook.com/kingfisherhousesangkhla/

Pricing: ฿฿

Kingfisher House Sangkhlaburi is an unpretentious guest house in the heart of Nong Lu. What we like most about this property is its relaxed tree-lined garden teeming with plants, outdoor seats, and photo spots.

Their garden also attracts local birds so you may enjoy birdwatching while you’re here. We also like their comfy minimalist rooms with en-suite bathrooms, shower facilities, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and more.

This place is also great for families because their rooms can have up to two beds with the option for extra bedding. They also have an indoor play area where families can hang out and try fun board games and puzzles.

Phornpailin Riverside Resort

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Address: 60 Nong Lu

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 34 595 322

Website: http://www.ppailin.com/

Pricing: ฿฿

Phornpailin Riverside Resort is a decked-out Thai-style accommodation overlooking the Songkalia River and the Mon Bridge. Here, you can enjoy unobstructed river views from their unfussy rooms or the on-site restaurant with an open-air dining area.

Also, their rooms are large so they can fit up to four beds, perfect for small groups and families. They also include en-suite bathrooms, sitting spaces, black-out curtains, and more.

However, our favorite is their relaxed garden area because it’s full of plants and trees. It’s great for pleasant strolls during mornings and afternoons which means a good place to stay with a companion.

Where to Eat in Sangkhlaburi

Tum Aroi Restaurant

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Address: 270 Moo 3, Soi Srisuwankhiri, Nong Lu

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 93 185 6662

Website: https://www.facebook.com/TAMAROIsangklaburi/

Pricing: ฿฿฿

Tum Aroid Restaurant is a great place for Thai and international cuisine in Sangkhlaburi. We also like their vibrant and modern interior with air conditioning, perfect if you like a comfortable dining experience.

Their extensive menu also offers plenty of food options for everyone, from fresh Thai salads, curries, seafood, grilled meats, and more. But the foodies on our team particularly like the restaurant’s chef-recommended seafood dishes.

This includes deep-fried red snapper with sweet fish sauce, blue crab som tum, stir-fried squid with salted egg yolk, fried fish cake, etc. They also make excellent fruit frappes which are definitely worth a shot.

Rung Arun Restaurant

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Address: 4 Sangkhla Buri Alley, Nong Lu

Operating Hours: 

  • 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Thursday – Tuesday)
  • 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Wednesday)

Contact Number: +66 95 156 9215

Pricing: ฿

Rung Arun Restaurant is a budget-friendly restaurant specializing in traditional Thai food. Their menu consists of staple Thai dishes like hoi tod, pad Thai, kaeng khiao wan, pla kem taud, and more.

This place is particularly a big hit among the locals because of its affordable pricing, perfect if you like to eat your fill. Just be sure to let the staff know if you don’t like spicy food because most of their authentic dishes are too intense for Western tourists.

Their quick service is also a plus, especially when you arrive famished. So, you could say it’s a fastfood restaurant given their speed. 

Baan Unrak Vegetarian Restaurant & Bakery

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Address: 66 Si Suwan Khiri Alley, Nong Lu

Operating Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 34 595 006

Website: https://www.baanunrak.org/restaurant-cafe

Pricing: ฿

Baan Unrak Vegetarian Restaurant & Bakery is a charming food spot with a chic floor-seating dining area. This place is a restaurant, cafe, and bakery, so expect a wide range of Thai dishes, fruit shakes, herbal teas, and pastries. 

They also serve Western-style dishes, from international breakfast sets to pasta, soups, burgers, and more. Moreover, they use ingredients from their farm so their foods are all organic, especially their vegetarian and vegan dishes.

The restaurant is also run by a foundation assisting vulnerable children living on the Thai-Myanmar border, so dining here helps with their cause. They also have an apparel shop inside where you can buy traditional clothes.

What to See and Do in Sangkhlaburi

Check out the iconic Mon Bridge

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Address: Saphan Mai Alley, Nong Lu

Operating Hours: 24/7

The Mon Bridge, also known as Uttamanusorn Bridge, is a popular and iconic attraction, and it’s certainly a must-see since it’s Thailand’s longest wooden bridge. This 850-meter bridge is also important because it connects Sangkhlaburi to the Mon Village.

Here, you can also enjoy a stunning view of the Songkhalia River and the surrounding landscapes. Or if you want to take a photo of this bridge, the best spot is the small wooden pier on the side of Sangkhlaburi.

Be sure to cross the bridge to browse the shops at the Mon Village. Locals and tourists frequent this place during weekends and special holidays, so it’s best to avoid visiting during these times.

Soak in the view at the Songkalia Bridge

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Address: Wachira Longkorn, Nong Lu

Operating Hours: 24/7

Songkhalia Bridge is a shorter concrete bridge parallel to the Mon Bridge. It provides a better view of the lush hills and meanders on the left side of the Songkhalia River, so it’s definitely worth checking out, especially during the sunset.

The Mon Bridge is also visible from this bridge, perfect if you want to take a wide-shot photo with the river, Sangkhlaburi, and the Mon Village all included in the frame.

Stop by Wat Wang Wiwekaram

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Address: 84 Nong Lu

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 89 549 5689

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069616366987

Wat Wang Wiwekaram is an important Buddhist temple for the Mon people. It’s also one of the most unique temples in Sangkhlaburi, featuring a gilded multi-tiered roof adorned with intricate Naga patterns.

The temple’s architecture is also a combination of Mon and Thai styles, so it represents the strong friendship between the people of Sangkhlaburi and the Mon Village. It’s dedicated to the Burmese monk Luang Pho Uttama, so expect to see his wax figure. 

In fact, the locals frequent this temple to pay their respects to him. This temple also has a unique principal Buddha image that’s sitting cross-legged with a giant bodhi leaf on its back.

See the Three Pagoda Pass at the border crossing

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Address: 347/9, Nong Lu

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Though not that impressive architecture-wise, the Three Pagoda Pass carries great historical significance in Sangkhlaburi, so it’s definitely worth checking out on your trip. It’s located on the Thai-Myanmar border and was integral to trade with India in the past.

There’s a small tranquil park in the area, so you can ride a bike or enjoy a pleasant stroll while you’re there. You’ll also find shops selling Thai and Burmese snacks, local produce, and traditional handicraft items.

Explore Khao Laem National Park

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Address: 339 Prang Phe

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 34 510 431

Website: https://www.facebook.com/KhaolaemNationalparkKanchanaburi

Admission Costs: 200 baht (Adults), 100 baht (Kids)

Khao Laem National Park is arguably the most picturesque attraction in Sangkhlaburi, so it’s certainly a must-see for nature lovers. For one, this park offers a panoramic view of the Vajiralongkorn Reservoir, especially if you hike to its Pom Pi Viewpoint.

This viewpoint is also an excellent birdwatching and fishing spot. Plus, there’s a nearby campground so you can set up a tent to stay the night and enjoy the park’s natural beauty to the fullest.

The park also has hiking trails leading to 2 waterfalls: Namtok Ka Teng Cheng and Kroeng Krawia Waterfall. Our favorite is Kroeng Krawia Waterfall because there’s a small cafe on-site where you can relax and enjoy its small and gentle cascades.

Ride a boat to the Underwater Temple

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Address: Wachira Longkorn, Prang Phe

Operating Hours: 24/7

A trip to Sangkhlaburi won’t be complete without checking out the Underwater Temple. You can access this sunken Buddhist temple by riding the local boats near the P Guest House and Country Resort.

However, keep in mind that most of the temple is submerged, so you must visit during the summit season if you like to see the architecture in its full glory. During this time, the reservoir’s water level decreases and you can walk in the temple grounds.

There are other sunken temples in the reservoir and you can visit them through your boat ride.

Visit the Putthakaya Pagoda

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Address: 84 Nong Lu

Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 62 425 7152

If you love temple architecture, you can’t miss the chance to see the Putthakaya Pagoda, also known as Putthakaya Chedi. This pagoda is built to resemble the main structure of the Mahabodhi Temple in India, including its round stupa finial.

But this pagoda isn’t a complete replica of the Mahabodhi Temple because it doesn’t have surrounding votive stupas built on top of a smaller pyramid structure. Plus, it’s covered with gold layers instead of being made entirely of brick.

Another distinctive feature of Putthakaya Pagoda is the 2 Singha statues guarding its entrance. This temple complex also enshrines several statues of Buddha and his followers.

FAQs about Sangkhlaburi

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