Top 10 Things to Do in Sangkhlaburi, Thailand - A Complete Guide to Backpacking Sangkhlaburi

Top 10 Things to Do in Sangkhlaburi, Thailand

A Complete Guide to Backpacking Sangkhlaburi
A photo of Pete R.
By Pete R.,
Updated on

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Sangkhlaburi is a small town tucked away among the forests and mountains of the Tenasserim Hills, a mountain range that dominates much of South and Central Thailand, creating a natural border between Thailand and Myanmar.

You may not see many travel blogs recommending Sangkhlaburi as part of their itinerary, which is understandable as it is a bit off the usual tourist trail. However, if you have the time and are looking for a more "Thai" experience, traveling the country as Thais do (Sangkhlaburi is very popular among the Thais), I can assure you that you are going to love Sangkhlaburi.

In fact, Sangkhlaburi was one of the main reasons why I decided to visit Kanchanaburi province in the first place, and boy, was it worth the trip.

Within this guide, you will find all the information you need to plan your trip to Sangkhlaburi, including how to get here from Bangkok/Kanchanaburi, the 10 best things to do, and a complete 2-day suggested itinerary for solo travelers. Without further ado, let's begin with a look at the Sangkhlaburi itinerary map.

One Week Itinerary for Kanchanaburi, ThailandOne Week Itinerary for Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Sangkhlaburi Itinerary Map

Sangkhlaburi, Thailand Backpacking Itinerary Map

10 Best Things to Do in Sangkhlaburi

1. Participate in the Morning Alms Giving Ceremony at the Mon Village

A Local tourist waiting to give alms to the monks in Sangklaburi

One of the most popular activities for tourists to do in Sangkhlaburi is to participate in or observe the alms-giving ceremony, where people would line up and the monks would walk from the main temple of Sangkhlaburi to collect the alms throughout the village.

Monks walking along the road to the Mon Bridge in Sangklaburi

The ceremony happens every morning throughout the country, but what makes this ceremony in Sangkhlaburi so special is the number of monks that often come in the morning. There were around 29 monks collecting alms when I was there on a regular Monday morning.

A line of monks collecting alms in Sangklaburi

To observe the alms-giving ceremony, you will have to wake up at 6 AM and cross the Mon Bridge to the main road of the Mon Village by 6:30 AM to see monks making their way down to the bridge. The monks will not cross the bridge as they used to, as it has become too crowded. So, do not expect them to be on the Thai side of town.

Planning to visit soon?
🛌 Booking hotels: Booking.com, Agoda, and Hostelworld.
  1. Sripech Raft (Budget)
  2. Sripech Home (Budget) 👍 Top Pick
  3. Siriboonsampao Resort (Mid-Range)
  4. Love Bridge Hotel (High-End)
🏄 Booking tours: Viator, GetYourGuide, and Klook.
  1. From Kanchanaburi: Erawan Waterfalls and Hellfire Pass (8 hours) 🏅 Top Pick
  2. From Kanchanaburi: Erawan National Park Half Day (4 hours)
  3. From Kanchanaburi: Kanchanaburi City Tour Half Day (3 hours)
🚘 Renting a car: Discover Cars.
🏥 Travel Insurance: Heymondo.

A line of alm bowls sold at the Mon Village in Sangklaburi in the early morning.

To participate in the alms-giving ceremony in Sangkhlaburi, all you have to do is buy one of these alms bowls sold along the street (it should cost around 30 - 50 THB each), where the alms bowl will include rice, juice boxes, and other essentials for you to give to the monks when they arrive.

The local Mon people giving alms to the monks in Sangklaburi, Thailand.

When the monks arrive, you perform the "Wai" greeting to the first monk in line before placing the items you bought into the bowl. Then, you continue to place items as the monks proceed one-by-one. Finally, you "wai" at the end or until you have no more to give. Congratulations, you have finally participated in the Thai tradition of alms-giving!

2. Walk the Mon Bridge

2 women walking along the Mon Bridge in Sangklaburi

After you are done with the alms-giving ceremony, you can then spend some time walking along the Mon Bridge and interacting with the locals. The Mon Bridge is often crowded in the morning, especially after the alms-giving ceremony, and you will find many Mon/Thai kids selling flowers and Burmese-style powders for a few Baht.

An aerial shot the Mon Bridge in Sangklaburi

They are quite friendly to talk to and extremely curious, especially when I flew my drone around the bridge. 🤣 So much so that they even tracked me down and asked me to take a photo with them.

2 Mon kids applying Burmese powder to one another at the Mon Bridge in Sangklaburi

Unlike some places, the kids selling flowers and powders here are not aggressive or annoying at all. They are a delight to talk to, and some can even help guide you through the history of the bridge for a small sum of 20 THB.

A mon girl with powder smiling into the distance at Sangklaburi

Usually, I do not condone local parents taking their kids out of school to ask for money in touristy areas, like in some places in Chiang Mai. However, in Sangkhlaburi, that doesn't seem to be as prevalent as in other westernized touristy destinations.

A Mon girl smiling and walking happily at the Mon Bridge in Sangklaburi

When I was there on Monday, some were even wearing school uniforms, which means that they still have to go to school after the alms-giving ceremony. I also did not see many kids during the day as well, which helps prove my point that the children are getting the education they need.

3. Do a 3 Sunken Temples Boat Tour

An aerial shot of the Sunken City in Sangklaburi

After walking along the Mon Bridge, you can then go on a 3 sunken temples boat tour to see the 3 temples located at the old site of Sangkhlaburi village before they were moved uphill to avoid being flooded due to the construction of the Vajiralongkorn Dam.

All the Boat tours available and their prices in Sangklaburi

The 3 sunken temples boat tour is among the many boat tours you can take in Sangkhlaburi, but this one is by far the most popular one. The tour will take you on a boat to visit the 3 flooded temples: the Karen's Srisuwan Temple, the old Mon's Wat Wang Wiwekaram temple, and the Thai Wat Somdet temple.

A boat traveling on the lake near Sangklaburi

Depending on the time of your visit, the old Srisuwan Temple and the old Wat Wang Wiwekaram can be semi-submerged, and you might only be able to see them without being able to walk around, as I did. When I was there in August, the water level was low enough for me to walk at all three temples.

A pier where you can take the boat tours in Sangklaburi

To buy the boat tour, you can easily go to either end of the Mon Bridge and there will be several guys asking if you want to take the boat tour or not. The prices are all written on the sign nearby, so there is no need to worry about them trying to squeeze money out of you.

The exterior of the sunken Srisuwan Temple in Sangklaburi

The first temple is the old Srisuwan Karen's Temple, where only the ordination hall is left standing. There is nothing inside, but if you have a drone, this is the best temple to fly around compared to the other two.

The exterior of the main hall of the sunken Wat Wang Wiwekaram in Sangklaburi

The second temple is the old Wat Wang Wiwekaram, a Mon's temple where you can still see three structures left standing. If the water level is low enough, you can walk around the plain and check out the iconic bell tower and the two ruins. You will only see the tips of these structures when the water is at its highest level.

People praying at the Buddah Image inside the old Wat Somdet temple in Sangklaburi

The last temple is the Wat Somdet Thai temple, where you will be able to see an old Buddha image inside the hall. The temple is located a little higher on the hill, which is the reason why the Buddha image is still left intact. You will have to hike up a bit to get to this temple.

The exterior of the old Wat Somdet temple in Sangklaburi

The tour can take around 1-2 hours to complete, but it all depends on how long you want to stay at each temple. The boat operator will wait for you, nevertheless. The 3 Sunken Temple tour costs 500 THB for 1-6 people, so if you are more than one, you can easily split the price.

The exterior of a bell tower and the sunken Wat Wang Wiwekaram in Sangklaburi

If you are like me, who travels solo, you can ask them for a discount as well. I'm not sure if it was out of pettiness on their part that I travel solo 😅 but hey, if it is a discount I get, I don't mind, haha. I only paid 400 THB for the trip.

Tours & Tickets You Might Like

If you are looking for more activities to do here, be sure to check out some of the available tours and day trips:

  1. From Kanchanaburi: Erawan Waterfalls and Hellfire Pass (8 hours) 🏅 Top Pick
  2. From Kanchanaburi: Erawan National Park Half Day (4 hours)
  3. From Kanchanaburi: Kanchanaburi City Tour Half Day (3 hours)

4. Visit Wat Wang Wiwekaram

The multi-tiered ceiling design of Wat Wang Wiwekaram in Sangklaburi

If the name is familiar, it is because this is the new Mon temple they built to replace the old flooded Wat Wang Wiwekaram temple you just visited on your boat tour.

The interior of one of the prayer halls at Wat Wang Wiwekaram in Sangklaburi

Wat Wang Wiwekaram temple consists of several buildings and Buddhist prayer halls. However, the highlight of visiting Wat Wang Wiwekaram is the multi-tiered roof of the main temple. This type of architecture is common in the Mon-majority area in Myanmar, but not so much in Thailand. Therefore, it was quite a sight to behold for me.

Wat Wang Wiwekaram as seen from the temple ground in Sangklaburi

You can spend an hour or two walking around the temple or hiding from the scorching sun of Sangkhlaburi. There is a walkway where they display some stunning photographs of Sangkhlaburi and the community living around it. It is a stunning collection of photos and very interesting to see the different sides of the Thai and the Mon people living in the area.

5. Walk Around the Chedi Phutthakhaya

An aerial shot of Chedi Phutthakhaya in Sangklaburi

Another temple that you might have seen from the boat tour is the Chedi Phutthakhaya, a tall golden Indian-style pagoda that towers over the Mon Village and the lake. The gold pagoda stands out from the rest of the landscape like a sore thumb. You can't miss it.

The detail of the golden pagoda at Chedi Phutthakhaya in Sangklaburi

Within the temple, you can climb up to the temple grounds and walk around the base of the golden pagoda to appreciate the detail up close. It looks surprisingly modern, to the point of being futuristic, which is rare to find on religious buildings.

The entrance of Chedi Phutthakhaya in Sangklaburi

The walk from the Mon Bridge to here is mostly uphill, so if you do not want to walk up, you can get a moto-taxi for 20 THB from the Mon Bridge to drop you off here. Then, you can walk to Wat Wang Wiwekaram and walk back to the Mon Village.

6. Explore the Mon Village

An aerial shot of the Mon Village in Sangklaburi

While walking back from Wat Wang Wiwekaram and Chedi Phutthakhaya, be sure to spend some time and explore the crisscrossing roads around the Mon Village.

The children at the Mon Village in Sangklaburi

The Mon families, who live in this village, are mostly refugees who escaped from Burmese oppression back in the day, and they have become a vital part of what makes Sangkhlaburi so interesting.

An aerial shot of all the raft houses at the Mon Village in Sangklaburi

There are also several raft houses by the water near the Mon Village, in case you want to spend a night or two on the raft house away from the touristy area. Walking around the village will also allow you to see a more authentic side of what life is like for the people living here.

7. Visit the Historic Three Pagoda Pass

A traveler walking pass the Three Pagoda Pass Monument in Thailand.

With the list of things to do above, it should keep you occupied for the whole day. On your second day in Sangkhlaburi, go and rent a scooter, and drive up to the Three Pagoda Pass.

The Myanmar welcome sign across the border from Thailand at the Three Pagoda Pass in Kanchanaburi

The Three Pagoda Pass is a historically important ancient trading route that connected India with the rest of Southeast Asia. The route played a part in helping Southeast Asia flourish as traders from India poured into the peninsula.

A souvenir shop at the Three Pagoda Pass border crossing in Thailand.

The route was also mentioned several times in the Burmese Chronicles as a passageway that the Burmese often used to attack Ayutthaya, the Siam kingdom that reigned over the area back in the day.

A traveler sitting by the sign that signifies the Thai-Myanmar border at the Three Pagoda Pass in Kanchanaburi

That said, do not expect a beautiful, stunning monument or scenery for you to take photos with, except maybe this cool-looking sign saying that you have reached the frontier of Siam.

A Mon woman selling plants at the Three Pagoda Pass in Thailand.

After all, it is just a border-crossing town that rarely gets visitors, and the Three Pagoda monument itself is just three small white pagodas in front of a market. What interests me more, though, are the cheap Burmese snacks and souvenirs you can score from that market.

A Burmese temple seen from the Thai border at the Three Pagoda Pass in Kanchanaburi

By being right at the border, I could see what life was like in Myanmar through the fence. Especially with the ongoing conflicts in Myanmar, this was as close as I got to traveling there. Such a beautiful country, ruined by war. ☹️

The road from Sangklaburi to the Three Pagoda Pass in Thailand.

The Three Pagoda Pass is approximately 30km away from Sangkhlaburi, and it should take you around 20 minutes to drive there. The road is straightforward with no ups and downs, unlike when you get to Sangkhlaburi from Kanchanaburi. You will likely pass 2 checkpoints, so be sure to have your passport or any identification ready.

8. Admire the View at Pom Pee Viewpoint in Khao Laem National Park

An aerial shot of Vajiralongkorn Dam from Pom Pee Viewpoint in Khao Laem National Park, Kanchanaburi

After visiting the Three Pagoda Pass, you can ride down past Sangkhlaburi and visit the Pom Pee Viewpoint in Khao Laem National Park. Be very careful here as the road from Sangkhlaburi to Khao Laem National Park is very steep and narrow, so ride slowly and keep your hands on the brakes at all times.

An aerial shot of Pom Pee Viewpoint in Khao Laem National Park, Kanchanaburi

Pom Pee Viewpoint is a stunning camping ground and rest area where you will be able to enjoy an unobstructed view of the Vajiralongkorn Dam. It is located approximately 35km away from Sangkhlaburi, and it should take you about 45 minutes to reach there via a scooter.

A sunset viewpoint at Pom Pee Viewpoint in Khao Laem National Park, Kanchanaburi

I happened to stumble upon this viewpoint accidentally while I was exploring, and the view really took me by surprise, especially once I got my drone up and flying. Near Pom Pee Viewpoint, you will find a campground and several bungalows where you can spend the night. I gotta admit, if I wasn't there in the rainy season, I would have camped there just for the sunset and the stars. Maybe next time. 😅

An aerial shot of Pom Pee viewpoint in Khao Laem National Park, Kanchanaburi

Since Pom Pee Viewpoint is part of Khao Laem National Park, you will have to pay the entrance fee, which is 200 THB for foreigners and 40 THB for Thais, and an additional 20 THB for your scooter. If you want to camp here, it is only 30 THB per person, which is really cheap! Plus, you can swim in the lake!

9. Relax at Kering Kawia Waterfall

A traveler sitting under the shade at Kering Kawia Waterfall in Kanchanaburi

Now, since you have already paid for the entrance fee to Khao Laem National Park, we should utilize it to its full potential and visit another tourist attraction within the National Park. The Kering Kawia waterfall is only a few kilometers away from Pom Pee Viewpoint, and it should take you around 20 minutes to get there by scooter.

Cascades of waterfalls at Kering Kawia Waterfall in Kanchanaburi

The Kering Kawia waterfall, which you might have seen from the road when you were traveling from Kanchanaburi to Sangkhlaburi, is a beautiful collection of small waterfalls where you can walk around or sit by a nearby cafe and enjoy the view.

The cafe at Kering Kawia Waterfall in Kanchanaburi

You can have lunch here or swim to cool yourself from the heat. They have a nice cozy restaurant and cafe right by the waterfall and they are priced reasonably. Definitely a great stop while you explore Sangkhlaburi.

10. Enjoy the View at Songkalia Bridge

The view of the Mon Bridge from Songkalia Bridge in Sangklaburi

After visiting Khao Laem National Park, it's time to head back to Sangkhlaburi. But before you return your scooter and end the day, drive over to Songkalia Bridge, a car bridge that parallels the Mon Bridge, for a great view of the wooden bridge.

The Songkalia Bridge on a misty morning in Sangklaburi

From the Songkalia Bridge, you can capture the entirety of the Mon Bridge without needing a drone, and I believe it is one of the best viewpoints of the Mon Bridge available here.

Where to Eat and Drink in Sangkhlaburi?

Have Breakfast at the Mon Restaurant

The traditional Mon congee with fried dough stick at Mon Restaurant (ร้านอาหารมอญ) in Sangklaburi

One of the first things I do when I wake up in Sangkhlaburi is to cross the Mon bridge and have the traditional Mon congee with crispy dough sticks (Patongo) at the Mon Restaurant (ร้านอาหารมอญ), one of the best breakfast places in Sangkhlaburi.

A woman preparing a bowl of Mon congee at Mon Restaurant (ร้านอาหารมอญ) in Sangklaburi

Their congee comes in a bowl with a soft-boiled egg, minced pork, fried garlic, and Thai coriander roots. You can then eat your congee with fried dough sticks and white noodles, which go really well with a glass of Thai Iced Coffee, all for only 50 THB. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough!

Enjoy the View at the Mao Deep Bar and Restaurant

The view of the Mon Bridge from Mao Deep Bar and Restaurant in Sangklaburi

A place I often frequent, mostly just for the view, but sometimes for lunch and dinner, is the Mao Deep Bar and Restaurant. The place is strategically located right by the Mon Bridge, where you can indulge yourself in the food as well as the view.

Two women walking along the Mon Bridge in Sangklaburi

The price of food is a little on the pricier side compared to other places, with a dish (rice with a topping and a fried egg) costing around 50 - 60 THB. However, I paid much more for a lot less pretty view.

Eat Your Way Through Sangklaburi Walking Street

Sangklaburi Walking Street during the day

Last but not least, at night, you can eat your way through the street food at Sangkhlaburi Walking Street. If you are there on a Saturday, you will also be able to witness local concerts as well as traditional dances.

The concert stage at Sangklaburi Walking Street during the day.

In 2020, the shows were halted due to the pandemic, but there should now be live bands and performances to keep you entertained as you explore the walking street.

15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try

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When to Visit Sangkhlaburi, Thailand?

The Mon Bridge on a rainy day in Sangklaburi

The best time to visit Sangkhlaburi is from November to January, when the weather is cooler and less humid due to Thailand's climate, making it much more enjoyable to ride a scooter around.

That said, Thailand has suffered a lot from air pollution in recent years due to the burning season, and it is extremely prevalent during Thailand's winter period (December - January). So, even though the weather is cooler, your visibility might not be the best. Be sure to buy a face mask if you decide to visit Thailand during this time.

March - April are the hottest and most humid periods of the year, so if you can't handle the heat very well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be a bit better, though it's not guaranteed.

All the other months are considered to be the rainy season, which, even though the weather is a little more manageable than the summer months, you will also be seeing a lot more rain that might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Air quality during this time should be better due to the rain.

As you can see, the best time to visit Thailand used to be during its wintertime, BUT now that the air quality is getting worse and worse, you will have to decide which is more important to you as a traveler: good weather but bad air quality, or vice versa.

The Best Time To Visit ThailandThe Best Time To Visit Thailand

How to Get to Sangkhlaburi, Thailand?

A traveler walking on the Mon Bridge in Sangklaburi.

Sangkhlaburi is located within the Kanchanaburi province in Thailand, and in order to get there, you will have to first get yourself to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand.

Thankfully, Bangkok is a large hub in the region, so you should have no trouble finding a flight from your home country to Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Muang International Airport (budget airlines only) in Thailand.

From the US, unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Chiang Mai or Bangkok, so you will have to rely on transit flights by Emirates, Qatar, or Turkish Airlines from the East Coast or ANA Airlines or Korean Air from the West Coast.

From Europe, you can fly from the most popular European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Thai Airways or local carriers such as British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa to Bangkok. You can also choose to go with Etihad, Qatar, or Emirates if you do not mind transiting.

From within Asia, there are several low-cost airlines offering multiple routes from numerous hub cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Jakarta to Bangkok. AirAsia and Thai Lion Air are excellent low-cost options.

To find a cheap flight to Bangkok, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and choose the best one.

16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

Getting from Bangkok to Sangkhlaburi, Thailand

Morchit Bus Terminal exterior in Bangkok, Thailand.

There are a couple of direct buses that will take you from Bangkok's Morchit Bus Terminal directly to Sangkhlaburi, which is great if you are not planning to spend any time in Kanchanaburi City.

There are 4 buses from Bangkok to Sangkhlaburi per day, leaving at 05:00, 6:00, 09:30, and 12:30, all of which will pass through Kanchanaburi City. The journey will take around 6 - 8 hours and cost 298 THB for first-class and 228 THB for second-class.

The direct bus from Bangkok to Sangkhlaburi is a long journey, and due to the final portion of the trip being mountainous, you might not find it enjoyable. If you don't mind spending the money, you can hire a taxi to take you from Bangkok to Sangkhlaburi using the link below, but it will be an incredibly expensive trip.

Book a Taxi from Bangkok to Sangkhlaburi

What I recommend, and this is what other travelers do, is to get from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi City first, spend a few days there, and take a bus from Kanchanaburi to Sangkhlaburi. Below is a step-by-step guide on how you can get from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi:

Getting from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Vans parking at the Morchit Bus Terminal in Bangkok, Thailand.

From Bangkok, the easiest way to get to Kanchanaburi without driving yourself is to take a minivan from the Mini-Bus stand across the road from the Morchit Bus Terminal.

You can reach Morchit Terminal from almost anywhere in Bangkok via either MRT station Kamphaeng Phet station or BTS Morchit station, and then from there, you can take a taxi to Morchit Bus Terminal. The taxi should cost no more than 50 THB.

The bus ticket kiosk for Kanchanaburi at Morchit Van Terminal in Bangkok, Thailand.

Once you arrive at the Mo Chit bus terminal, cross the road to the mini-bus stand with the footbridge and go to Building D to buy your ticket at either kiosk #8 or #11. Once you arrive at Building D, you can also ask around, and they will direct you to the right kiosk.

A person holding a paper van ticket of Bangkok to Kanchanaburi at Morchit Bus Terminal, Bangkok, Thailand

The mini-bus and vans from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi leave every hour from 5 AM to 8 PM every day. The journey will take around 3 hours, and the ticket will cost about 120 THB. When you buy your ticket, they will ask you where you want to get dropped off.

If you plan to go to Sangkhlaburi directly from Kanchanaburi, tell your driver to drop you off at Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal, and then you can get a mini-bus to Sangkhlaburi from there.

You usually do not have to reserve your ticket beforehand, but since Kanchanaburi is quite popular among locals, it might be worthwhile to book one if you decide to travel on the weekends.

Book a Minivan from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi

17 Best Things to Do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand17 Best Things to Do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Getting from Kanchanaburi to Sangkhlaburi, Thailand

The new microbus operated by Asia Saiyok Express Bus Company that connects Kanchanaburi to Sangklaburi.

To get from Kanchanaburi to Sangkhlaburi, you will have to get to the Asia Saiyok Express Bus Company office located right behind the Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal, and from there, you can buy a ticket to Sangkhlaburi.

The bus sign at Sangklaburi Bus Terminal in Thailand.

The Asia Saiyok Express Bus Company operates several minibuses a day, connecting Kanchanaburi City to the Three Pagoda Pass at the Thailand-Myanmar border, passing through Sangkhlaburi. The minibus runs from 5 AM to 7 PM, with a frequency of approximately every 45 minutes. Once the bus arrives in Sangklaburi, they will drop you off at Sangkhlaburi Bus Stop, which is also the same place you can catch your return bus.

The journey from Kanchanaburi City to Sangkhlaburi is around 4 hours, and it costs 175 THB per person. I'm actually surprised at how new and modern the microbus is. I was half expecting a cramped minivan experience, but the new microbus is spacious and clean, making the ride up the mountain more bearable.

How to Get Around Sangkhlaburi, Thailand?

A motorbike on the road towards the Three Pagoda Pass in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

By Walking: Once you arrive in Sangkhlaburi, especially if you are staying at one of the accommodations I recommended here, you will find that most of the attractions I listed in this guide are all within walking distance, so you should have no trouble visiting the Mon bridge, the villages, and the temples by walking.

By Moto-taxi: A walk from the Mon Bridge to Wat Wang Wiwekaram and Chedi Phutthakhaya is all uphill. If you do not wish to walk, you can take a moto-taxi to one of the 2 temples for 20 THB and then walk back. The moto-taxis are often waiting for customers at both ends of the Mon Bridge.

By Scooter: For tourist attractions further away, such as the Three Pagoda Pass and the Kering Kawia waterfall, I would recommend renting a scooter from your guesthouse (they often have one on hand or can point you to a nearby rental place) to reach there. The scooter/motorcycle will cost you 200 THB per day to rent.

How Many Days to Spend in Sangkhlaburi?

Sangklaburi lake and mountains at dusk.

If you only plan to see the tourist attractions within Sangkhlaburi, 2 nights or one full day is enough. However, if you want to spend some time exploring the area around Sangkhlaburi on a scooter, I would recommend staying at least 3 nights (2 full days). Here is a rough itinerary for 2 days in Sangkhlaburi:

Day 1: Wake up and attend the alms-giving ceremony at 6:30 AM in the Mon Village across the bridge. In the late morning, go on a boat trip to visit the three sunken temples. Afterward, ask them to drop you off on the Mon side of the village and visit Wat Wang Wiwekaram and Chedi Phutthakhaya. Spend the rest of the day exploring the Mon Village and relaxing by the Mon Bridge.

Day 2 (optional): For the second day, rent a scooter and drive up to the Three Pagoda Pass in the morning. Make your way down past Sangkhlaburi and go towards Kering Kawia Waterfall. Stop by at Pom Pee Viewpoint before arriving at Kering Kawia Waterfall. Drive back to Sangkhlaburi, enjoy the view at Songkalia Bridge, and visit the Walking Street before ending the day.

How Much Money Do I Need For Sangkhlaburi?

Basing on the 3-night itinerary above, we can roughly calculate how much we will be spending for this Sangkhlaburi itinerary as follows:

Accommodation: Three nights of accommodation will cost you at least 48 USD.

Food: Food in Sangkhlaburi should cost a minimum of 50 THB per meal, so you can expect to pay around 300 THB for two days in Sangkhlaburi.

Transportation: For the roundtrip buses from Bangkok to Sangkhlaburi, it should cost you around 600 THB (300 THB per trip). Renting the scooter for a day will cost you 200 THB so all in all, you will be spending around 900 THB for transportation including gas for your scooter.

Activities: The 3 sunken temples boat trip will cost you 500 THB per boat (you can ask for a discount if you are solo), and the Khao Laem National Park entrance fee is 200 THB. In total, you will pay 700 THB for activities.

Total Budget for 2 days in Sangkhlaburi: 3,409 THB (108.5 USD)

Is it Safe in Sangkhlaburi, Thailand?

Yes, it is very safe in Sangkhlaburi. The Mon people are very welcoming, and it will be hard to find touts and scammers all the way out here. Just like in Kanchanaburi, the problem will be the stray dogs that are always barking at people. They often just bark, but it is always good to be aware of them.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Thailand?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Sangkhlaburi, Thailand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Sangkhlaburi, Thailand:

There are 3 major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True. All of them offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages as well as coverage. Personally, I use AIS because I have been with them since my first phone. They have a lot of Support Centers around Thailand, and their coverage hasn't failed me yet. So, if you are looking for a reliable carrier, I can recommend AIS.

There are three packages for tourists: 5 GB for 5 days at 160 THB, 15 GB for 8 days at 299 THB, and 30 GB for 15 days. Depending on the length of your trip to Thailand, you can choose one of these three packages that best suits your itinerary.

With these three packages, you can top up more in case you need additional data or calls for your trip. More often than not, 5 GB is more than enough for me to travel around Thailand for a month.

For more information about Thailand's local SIM card: Thailand's Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Sangkhlaburi, Thailand?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Sangkhlaburi, Thailand:

  • Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
  • Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
  • Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
  • Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
  • Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
  • Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Sangkhlaburi, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
  • Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
  • Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
  • Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
  • Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
  • Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
  • Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
  • Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

What to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing ListWhat to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing List

Further Reading for Central Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Central Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Central Thailand that you might find useful:

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Categories DestinationsThailandSoutheast AsiaAsiaCentral Thailand

3 Comments


David Herrick's profile picutre
David Herrick

Great job on your blog. I am looking forward to visiting Sangklaburi some day.


Hans's profile picutre
Hans

Thanks mate , very thorough and good info - you’re a good writer !


Pete Rojwongsuriya's profile picutre
Thanks mate , very thorough and good info - you’re a good writer !

Thank you!


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