Three
Pagodas Pass (Phra Chedi Sam Ong)
 The
three diminutive white-washed chedis (pagodas) of the
Three Pagodas Pass are rather an anti-climax after the long
and arduous journey it takes to get to the site.
Located
23 km northwest of Sangkhla Buri District, and about 18 km
from Thong Pha Phum District, the sacred stupas were built
in remembrance of those who died building the Death Railway
during World War II. The railway passed through this spot
on its way to Burma and the invasion route to British India.
The
pass is about 300 m (985 ft) above sea level.
For
centuries, the Three Pagodas Pass has acted as a trading point
for Thais and Burmese. Visitors to the area are usually permitted
to cross the border on a one-day visa (depending on the current
political situation) to the Burmese town of Pyathonzu. For
longer stays, a four-week tourist visa for Myanmar can be
obtained from the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok.
 The
journey to the Pass takes in some of Thailand's most spectacular
scenery with tooth-shaped karst mountains and dense forests.
The trip takes about a day and requires a stopover for the
night in Sangkhla Buri, 200 km northwest of Kanchanaburi town.
From Sangkhla Buri, frequent songthaews travel the route to
the Pass. Because of the treacherous roads in the area, this
trip is not recommended during the rainy season.
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