Sangkhlaburi Local Traditions and Cultures

Sangkhlabun has always enchanted visitors with its rich history and wide range of diverse ethnic cultures. The people of Sangkhlaburi are made up of various ethnic groups, including the Mon, Burmese and certain Karen groups. The traditions such as dress, carrying things on their heads, applying Burmese Tanaka powder on their faces and the language of Mon people still exist.

Mon people are Buddhists and highly respect Luang Phor Uttama and hid doctrines. There are some other interesting traditions of Mon people which fascinate tourists such as watering of Phoe trees, gold and silver pots, boat floating, Songkarn festival, Swan dancing, festival of rice spirits and local food especially Keren chili and coffee etc. These are the highlights that easily attract lots of tourists from all over Thailand and foreign countries.

Tourist Attractions in Sangkhlaburi

Burmese Inn is nestled in a lovely garden and close to the lake. A 3 minute-walk takes you to the famous Wooden Bridge.

Wooden Bridge (Mon Bridge)

This bridge is locally known as Uttamanusorn Bridge. Mon Bridge links Sangkhlaburi market and Mon villages. it is the Thailand’s longest wooden bridge with 850 meters in length and crosses the Songalia River. The bridge overlooks a scenic landscape and local people’s way of life. The famous viewpoint of the merging of Songalia, Bikhlee and Ranti Rivers also attracts lots of tourists. In 2013 the Mon Bridge was ruined by strong floodwater and was reconstructed in October 2014

Muang Badan (Underwater Town)

Muang Badan is the site of Wangwiwegaram Temple that was sunk in the lake caused by the construction of the Vajiralongkorn Dam in 1984. So this old temple becomes the underwater town with beautiful architecture. This temple will appear during the dry season and we can walk around the temple of Muang Badan. it takes about 1 hours to get there by boat from Sangkhlaburi town.

Wang Wiwegaram Temple

Wang Wiwegaram Temple is located 225 km. away from Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi. This temple on the southern outskirts of Sangkhlaburi is constructed in an unusual combination of Thai, indian and Burmese-Buddhist architectural styles. its leader is the abbot called Luang Po Uttama who was highly respected among the local people, Thai, Karen, Mon and small groups of Burmese inhabiting, the border of Myanmar.

Buddhakaya Chedi

It is a gotden pagoda covered with severat kitos of gold buitt in the styte of Buddhagaya Mahabodhi in india which marks the place of the Buddha’s enlightenment. It is 59 meters high with a square base of 42 meters wide. At the entrance, there are two targe Singh statues along the staircase to the ptattorm where the pagoda stands. This tempte is linked to Luang Phor Uttama who is highty respected by Mon community.

Three Pagodas Pass

This pass is located 240 kilometers away from Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi or 22 kilometers away from Sangkhlaburi. This rugged Thai Burmese border was once a strategic military route for both the Thai and Burmese battles. However, it is currently a small border market. The three miniature pagodas are memorials to the traditional invasion route favored by Burmese soldiers during the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767). Visitors wishing to visit Myanmar are advised to obtain a pass, which altows visitors to visit Burmese settlements from the Sangkhtaburi immigration office.