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Thailand - Sangkhlaburi (Kanchanaburi)


Photo Gallery of Sangklaburi, Kanchanaburi in Thailand.

Sangkhlaburi (Sangkhla Buri) is a calm and beautiful western-most district in Kanchanaburi, located more than 300 kilometers away from Bangkok, around the border between Myanmar and Thailand.
Mon Bridge - Thailand's longest wooden bridge in Sangkhlaburi.
 The town was created for the village that would be under water when  the Khao Laem Dam was constructed, and I heard that Burmese, Karen, Mon, Thai and Lao people live there.

 As well as their beautiful nature, they have very interesting places to visit: Mon Bridge - the very famous (I didn't know that though), the longest wooden bridge in Thailand, Wat Saam Prasob - the sunken temple in the dam, Three Pagodas Pass situated around the border between Thailand and Myanmar and so on.

 We visited there by car; departed 8 a.m. in Bangkok, dropped by some places such as the Bridge Over River Kwai, Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery and Prasat Muang Singh historical park, then reached the Mon Bridge in  Sangkhlaburi around 6 p.m. (Feb in 2011)




[Sangkhlaburi] Mon Bridge

Mon Bridge (Saphan Mon), it's about 850 meters long, the world's second longest and the Thailand's longest wooden bridge.
Mon Bridge (Saphan Mon), it's about 850 meters long, the world's second longest and the Thailand's longest wooden bridge.

The bridge is over Songkalia River and called " Uttamanuson Bridge" as well. It's a symbol of Sangkhlaburi district and works for people who live in Sangkhlaburi and Mon villagers. Cars are not accepted (bicycles are okay).
 You can enjoy walking with a beautiful sunrise,  sunset and the relaxing atmosphere.

*) the world's longest wooden bridge
The Mon Bridge is the world's second longest wooden bridge. So, which one is the longest in the world ? ... The longest one is the Horrai Bridge, about 897 meters long, in Shimada, Shizuoka Prefecture, in Japan.
Around
Mon village side. We went across the bridge, entering from this side.
Around
Mon village side. We went across the bridge, entering from this side.
Clothes ads ?
Shown around the entrance of the bridge. Not sure if the characters are from Mon but looks like clothes ads.
The entrance
The entrance of the bridge, Mon village side.
Around
Mon village side.
We went across the bridge, entering from this side.
Clothes ads ?
Shown around the entrance of the bridge.
Not sure if the characters are from Mon but looks like clothes ads.
The entrance
The entrance of the bridge, Mon village side.
Let's go !
The board says motorbikes can't be accepted.
Fine 500 Bath.
The Mon Bridge
On the Mon Bridge. About 4 meters wide. A long bridge, right ?
Let's go !
The board says motorbikes can't be accepted.
Fine 500 Bath.
The Mon Bridge
On the Mon Bridge.
About 4 meters wide. A long bridge, right ?
Lumber
Pieces of lumber are piled here and there, maybe for repairing.
Houses on the river
You'll see a lot of houses on the river when you see around on the bridge.
Houses on the river
You'll see a lot of houses on the river when you see around on the bridge.
Views from the bridge
Sunset. Better to come here a bit earlier ...
Lumber
Pieces of lumber are piled here and there, maybe for repairing.
Houses on the river
You'll see a lot of houses on the river when you see around on the bridge.
Views from the bridge
Sunset.
Better to come here a bit earlier ...
The view of Mon Bridge 1
The bridge has small square spaces a little out from the bridge and you can see this view from there.
The Sangkhlaburi town is ahead.
The view of Mon Bridge 1
The view form a small square space a bit out from the bridge. The Mon Village is at the end of the bridge.
The view of Mon Bridge 1
The bridge has small square spaces a little out from the bridge and you can see this view from there.
The Sangkhlaburi town is ahead.
The view of Mon Bridge 1
The view form a small square space a bit out from the bridge. The Mon Village is at the end of the bridge.
Repairing ? 1
The side of Sangkhlaburi town is being repaired and a lot of lumber are put on the bridge.
Repairing ? 2
Looks a little scary. Be careful not to fall.
Legs 1
Small but a lot of bars are on each leg of the bridge. For climbing up ?
Legs 2
A little away from the bridge. Looks not so steady ...
Repairing ? 1
The side of Sangkhlaburi town is being repaired and a lot of lumber are put on the bridge.
Repairing ? 2
Looks a little scary. Be careful not to fall.
Legs 1
Small but a lot of bars are on each leg of the bridge. For climbing up ?
Legs 2
A little away from the bridge. Looks not so steady ...
One shot on the bridge
No bikes, only people enjoying a sunset moment. The bridge has lights for nights.
One shot on the bridge
No bikes, only people enjoying a sunset moment. The bridge has lights for nights.
The view from the side of Sangkhlaburi town
A lot of wood ! No need to say that though.
At night
The night view of the Mon Bridge.
A little far but you can see the bridge over there.
The view from the side of Sangkhlaburi town
A lot of wood ! No need to say that though.
At night
The night view of the Mon Bridge.
A little far but you can see the bridge over there.
Shops
They have shops around the bridge.
MaYongShit
Fruit being sold around the bridge.
MaYongShit
Fruit being sold around the bridge.
MaYongShit
They get the fruit with a wide net under the tree.
Shops
They have shops around the bridge.
MaYongShit
Fruit being sold around the bridge.
They get the fruit with a wide net under the tree like in the picture right.

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[Sangkhlaburi] Mon Bridge - Morning Scenery

You may often see this kind of scenery around temples; people wait for monks in line with offerings such as food.
Early morning scenery around Mon Bridge (Saphan Mon), the Thailand's longest wooden bridge.

 You may often see this kind of scenery around temples; people wait for monks in line with offerings such as food and drinks.
Offering set
They sell sets of offerings such as food and drinks.
Offering set
They sell sets of offerings such as food and drinks.
In front of the bridge
People are waiting for monks with offerings.
In front of the bridge
People are waiting for monks with offerings.
Offering set
They sell sets of offerings such as food and drinks.
It's called ชุดอาหารแE่บาตร  (ChutArhaan Saibaat) in Thai.
In front of the bridge
People are waiting for monks with offerings.
With offerings
This also is the scenery of people waiting for monks with offerings.
Monks in line
Monks has come.
With offerings
This also is the scenery of people waiting for monks with offerings.
Monks in line
Monks has come.
Offering
From the lead monk to another, people give them offerings. Small kids are helping them.
Offering
From the lead monk to another, people give them offerings. Small kids are helping them.
Offering
From the lead monk to another, people give them offerings. Small kids are helping them.
If you get hungry 1
Of course, you must have breakfast. :D
If you get hungry 1
Of course, you must have breakfast. :D
If you get hungry 2
This is rice porridge called Joke, boiled until the rice almost melted.
If you get hungry 3
The menu of this restaurant such as boiled rice and noodles.
If you get hungry 1
Of course, you must have breakfast. :D
If you get hungry 2
This is rice porridge called Joke, boiled until the rice almost melted.
If you get hungry 3
The menu of this restaurant such as boiled rice and noodles.
Good morning !
Scenery of morning around the mon bridge.
Famous woman
The woman walking with rice bowls called Toh Kao in Thai on her head. Looks like famous around this area.
Famous woman
The woman walking with rice bowls called Toh Kao in Thai on her head. Looks like famous around this area.
Gift
Beautiful dolls. It's unusual to see them around this kind of place.
Good morning !
Scenery of morning around the mon bridge.
Famous woman
The woman walking with rice bowls called Toh Kao in Thai on her head. Looks like famous around this area.
Gift
Beautiful dolls. It's unusual to see them around this kind of place.

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[Sangkhlaburi] Wat Saam Prasob

Wat Saam Prasob
 The water level goes down in the dry season and you can visit there like in the picture above. However, in the rainy season, the water comes up and you only can see the upper part, one to two meters, of the building.
 You can visit the sunken temple in the lake of Khao Laem Dam called Wat Saam Prasob, about 15 minutes by boat from the Mon Bridge when the water level is low, usually after winter.

 The name "Wat Saam Prasob" is from the place of the confluence of the three rivers, the Songkalia, Bikhli and Ranti.
the confluence of three rivers, the Songkalia, Bikhli and Ranti

 The water level goes down in the dry season and you can visit there like in the picture above. However, in the rainy season, the water comes up and you only can see the upper part, one to two meters, of the building.
 We visited there in February and fortunately, we were able to land there.
Morning
Going to a boat stop passing the Mon Bridge.
Morning
Going to a boat stop passing the Mon Bridge.
Making a fire
They were making a fire. A little bit cool or cold ?
boat stop
Here are boats.
Everyone ride on ! :D
Morning
Going to a boat stop passing the Mon Bridge.
Making a fire
They were making a fire. A little bit cool or cold ?
boat stop
Here are boats.
Everyone ride on ! :D
The morning view
The scenery around the Mon Bridge in the morning.
Going to the temple
Going to the temple riding on this kind of boat.
The morning view
The scenery around the Mon Bridge in the morning.
Going to the temple
Going to the temple riding on this kind of boat.
Wat Saam Prasob
There, the temple.
Landing
A get to the temple.
Around
You'll see parts of buildings and broken walls.
Around
You'll see parts of buildings and broken walls.
Wat Saam Prasob
There, the temple.
Landing
A get to the temple.
Around
You'll see parts of buildings and broken walls.
The mail hall
Going to the mail hall.
The Buddha image
Only head.
Inside the hall
In the rainy season, this must be under water.
Inside the hall
Patterns on the wall. Hmmm, what do they mean ?
The mail hall
Going to the mail hall.
The Buddha image
Only head.
Inside the hall.
In the rainy season, this must be under water.
Inside the hall
Patterns on the wall. Hmmm, what do they mean ?
Inside the hall
A lot of people pray.
Decoration
Above the entrance gate.
Around the building
Some decorations are left.
Around the building
Dragon.
Inside the hall
A lot of people pray.
Decoration
Above the entrance gate.
Around the building
Some decorations are left.
Around the building
Dragon.
From the main hall to another.
After the main hall, you'll see the wide space. There are another gate and a building.
From the main hall to another.
After the main hall, you'll see the wide space. There are another gate and a building.
This building is for ... ?
Temple as well ?
Stupa ?
There is a tower.
This building is for ... ?
Temple as well ?
Stupa ?
There is a tower.
inside the building
Hmmm, nothing special.
A dog
Where or how did he come from ?
Mail hall
A shot while walking back.
Kids
A lot of kids there.
inside the building
Hmmm, nothing special.
A dog
Where or how did he come from ?
Mail hall
A shot while walking back.
Kids
A lot of kids there.

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[Sangkhlaburi] Three Pagodas Pass

Three Pagodas Pass
Located 22 kilometers from Sankuraburi town in a border area of Thailand and Myanmar.
  This pass has been the main route by land between Thailand and Myanmar (Burma) since ancient times, which is located 22 kilometers from Sankuraburi town in a border area of the two countries.
  There are three pagodas and that's why the area called "Three Pagodas Pass".
  It is believed that Buddhist teachings, Theravada Buddhism, came from India through this pass in the 3rd century.

  During the Ayutthaya period of Thailand, from the 14th to 18th centuries, the pass was the main route for the Burmese and Siam to attack each other.
  During World War II, Japan built the Death Railway (Thai-Burma Railway) through the pass to invade Burma at the sacrifices of lives of great number of people.
The three pagodas
Cute and smaller than I expected.
The three pagodas
Cute and smaller than I expected.
The three pagodas
Cute and smaller than I expected.
People pray in front of the pagodas.
Dragon-shaped candle stand in front of the pagodas.
There is a board showing the easternmost place in the back.
Dragon-shaped candle stand in front of the pagodas. There is a board showing the easternmost place in the back.
It's Myanmar over there. You can go into the country.
The immigration of Thailand.
People pray in front of the pagodas. It's Myanmar over there. You can go into the country. The immigration of Thailand.
The Border Peace Temple - 星露院
Thai-Japan 25, April, 2002.
The board on the right of the Buddha statue shows the name of this temple "星露院".
Stars in the sky, Dews on leaves on the grand, Missing homes far away overseas, Spirits of soldiers rest here, Only sound of insects lament their pitiful bravery
- Keiichi Ito -
Rails of the Death Railway
Not of those days but looks like put them for visitors later.
The Border Peace Temple - 星露院
The plate inside the building shows the name of this temple "星露院", and some names of Japanese who contributed to this temple. One of them is "永瀬隆" - NAGASE Takashi.
The stone monument shows a verse below;

    天に星  地に草の露  はるかに故国を恋いつつ  ここに兵士らの  御魂眠る  ただ虫の声のみ  その勇武のあわれを悼むなり  伊藤桂一   
Stars in the sky, Dews on leaves on the grand, Missing homes far away overseas, Spirits of soldiers rest here, Only sound of insects lament their pitiful bravery - Keiichi ITO -
Rails of the Death Railway
Not of those days but looks like put them for visitors later.
Shops
You can enjoy shopping.
Is this a lion ?
Shops for plants in the back.
Another country
Outside over there is different county, Myanmar.
Shops
You can enjoy shopping.
Is this a lion ? Shops for plants in the back. Another country
Outside over there is different county, Myanmar.

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[Sangkhlaburi] Pom Pee View Point

Vajiralongkorn lake
Beautiful scenery.
On the way to Sangkhlaburi from Bangkok, you'll see Vajiralongkorn Dam or Khao Laem Dam in Thong Pha Phum district in Kanchanaburi.

The lake created by the dam is called Vajiralongkorn lake or Khao Laem lake and there is a view point, called PomPee View Point. The view and the sunset view there is wonderful. You can enjoy various activities such as camping and birdwatching.
Now, let's go to the lake !
Getting closer to the lake.
The lake is down there and it fills all the background of the people.
Now, let's go to the lake ! Getting closer to the lake.
The lake is down there and it fills all the background of the people.
The view 1@Really big lake. The scenery is majestic.
The view 2
The view 1
Really big lake. The scenery is majestic.
The view 2
The view 3
The view 4@I visited there in February. A lot of fallen leaves can be seen.
The view 3 The view 4
I visited there in February. A lot of fallen leaves can be seen.
You'll see a memorial chair. :D
(With the name of Pom Pee on itj
Some people play in the water.
A lot of fallen leaves.
The orange circle shows the current location. There are waterfalls around the lake.
You'll see a memorial chair. :D
(With the name of Pom Pee on itj
Some people play in the water. A lot of fallen leaves. The orange circle shows the current location. There are waterfalls around the lake.

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