Thailand Travel Pages – Three Pagodas Pass, Kanchanaburi, Province

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Three Pagodas Pass:

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'Darn Chedi Sam Ong' or Three Pagoda Pass is a border crossing in the Bilauktaung Mountains which links Sangkhla Buri in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand with Payathonsu in Kayin State, Myanmar.

Although the border crossing has been closed to foreign travelers since 2007, the pass is still a very interesting place to visit, particularly considering its turbulent history.

For centuries the pass has been an important route into western Thailand. It is believed that Buddhism originally entered Thailand via this point when missionaries from India first began spreading the Buddha's teachings in the third century AD.

However, during the 14th – 18th centuries the pass was frequently used by the Burmese and occasionally by the Siamese armies as the two sides fought for control of the ancient Siamese capital city, Ayutthaya. During World War II the pass was also used by the Japanese as a station on the infamous 'Death Railway'. More recently, the area was held as a stronghold by rebels from the Mon and Karen hill tribes who were fighting for autonomy.

Since 1990 the area has been realtively peaceful, however the political situation between Thailand and Myanmar remains sensitive and so the border is currently closed to all but a few local traders.

On the Thai side of the border there are the three white pagodas or chedis, from which the site is named. These pagodas are more than 200 hundred years old and were created as a sign of peace and friendship. Nearby there is a market selling Burmese goods including wooden furniture and jewelry.

Getting there

You can drive to the border crossing from Sangkhla Buri via highway 323. When you reach the 209km marker stone, you will see signs directing you to the border, follow the signs for approximately another 18kms and you will be there. Please remember that the border is closed and so you will not be able to cross over into Myanmar from here.

Regular buses run from Kanchanaburi to Sangkhla Buri. Once in Sangkhla Buri you will be able to get another bus, or hire a cab to the Three Pagodas Pass which is approximately half an hours drive away.