Escape the city and walk on the wild side in Sangkhla Buri. This pocket of Thailand will enchant you with its lush evergreen forests, rugged limestone mountains and glassy lakes. Explore one of the country’s most beautiful national parks and enjoy a fusion of Thai and Burmese cuisine.
Things to do in Sangkhla Buri
Immerse yourself in the dramatic landscapes of Khao Laem National Park. Hike along forested trails and cool off in the pools at the base of Kroeng Krawia Waterfall. You’ll need to hire a guide for the hike to Kra Teng Cheng Waterfall. Head to Kroeng Krawia Swamp to spot sand plovers, egrets and other species. The park is home to wild elephants and tigers, as well as deer and wild boars.
Sangkhla Buri is on the Myanmar border and has plenty of Burmese influence. In addition to Thai classics like spicy shrimp soup and papaya salad, you’ll see Burmese dishes like “nan gyi thoke” noodles and “no khao swe” spiced chicken in coconut broth on menus.
Sapan Mon Bridge spans across the Songaria River and is a local landmark. At 850 metres long, it’s one of the longest wooden bridges in Thailand. It’s considered a symbol of friendship between the Thai people and the Mon ethnic group who live on the other side of the river.
Set sail on a scenic cruise around Khao Laem Lake and admire a trio of island temples. Depending on what time of the year you visit, the temples may be completely above the water or almost submerged. Other temples dot the lakeshore, including Buddha Khaya Chedi topped by an enormous golden stupa. Climb the tower for spectacular views over the lake. Wat Wang Wiwekaram is one of the most important temples in the area and is home to dozens of monks.
Getting around Sangkhla Buri
Private drivers are a comfortable and affordable way to get around Sangkhla Buri, or you can rent a scooter. Sangkhla Buri is in Kanchanaburi Province, a five-hour drive from Bangkok. Local buses run between Sangkhla Buri and Bangkok in seven hours. Suvarnabhumi Airport is a 5.5-hour drive away.