If Bangkok is going to have heavy rain and traffic jams like this, I can't take it anymore. I want to leave the capital for a while. Plus, my foreign friend is coming to visit Thailand, so I want to take them to experience authentic Thai culture. I tried searching for accommodation on new websites and found localpillow (https://www.localpillow.com), a new website that collects homestays and accommodations from local people, in addition to

Immerse yourself in nature's embrace, where the scent of the forest fills your lungs. Engage with local hosts, exchanging stories and learning about their way of life. Explore a diverse range of homestays tailored to your preferences. Visit localpillow to discover a treasure trove of homestays across the country.

Each location is incredibly inviting, but we had limited time on this trip because my friend was continuing on to Chiang Mai. Kanchanaburi was therefore the ideal solution for everyone. We had already visited Sangkhla Buri, the River Kwai, waterfalls, and dams on previous trips to Kanchanaburi, so this time we decided to explore some new locations. Join us on our adventure!


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What is Pilok?

Pilok is a well-known village among those who climb Khao Chang Puak, as it serves as the starting point for the trek. However, few people choose to stay here, as most are focused on reaching the sharp ridge of Khao Chang Puak.

Background of Pilok Mine

Pilok was an old mine that produced wolframite, tin, tungsten, and gold. In 1940, the Mineral Resources Organization established the first mine in Pilok Township. Subsequently, concessions were granted to private investors, leading to the rapid establishment of approximately 50-60 mines, ranging from small to large, including illegal mines and clandestine excavations by villagers. Despite this, a significant number of Burmese people continued to mine and sell minerals to the British, prompting the Thai authorities to intervene and suppress these activities, resulting in numerous casualties. Additionally, the practice of tunneling into mountains to extract minerals posed significant risks, including tunnel collapses, rockfalls, jungle fever, and malaria, claiming the lives of many miners. It is said that the name Pilok Mine originated from the local term "Haunted Mine" due to the high death toll. Over time, the Burmese workers' pronunciation of the name evolved into "Pilok Mine" (อ้างอิงข้อมูลจากเวบไซค์ กาญจนบุรี).


Reaching Pilok

The most convenient way to get to Pilok is by car. However, as I am unable to drive any type of vehicle, I had to take public transportation. (When I invited my friends, I told them that Kanchanaburi was about 2-3 hours away from Bangkok. Haha, I wasn't lying, but I forgot how far it actually was.) Traveling to Pilok by public transportation is not difficult, but it does require a bit of a marathon effort.

Step 1: Mo Chit - Kanchanaburi

Plan A: Take the 5:00 AM bus from Mo Chit to Sangkhla. However, please note that the 5:00 AM bus from Mo Chit to Sangkhla is no longer available. The only remaining bus departs at 6:30 AM. (The staff member informed me that the 5:00 AM bus has not been running for a long time.) As a result, if we take the 6:30 AM bus, we will not be able to reach Pilok in time. Let's change our plan.

Plan B: Take a van to Kanchanaburi. We met our friend at Mo Chit at 4:30 AM. We arrived first, and then our friend arrived and said, "I forgot my passport in the taxi!" I forgot my passport in the taxi! I forgot my passport in the taxi! I forgot my passport in the taxi! Yes, that's right. Cuteness always finds us. We chased after the passport at 4:30 AM. It was so much fun! #wiping sweat Luckily, our friend called a taxi through Grab Taxi, so we got our passport back on time.

( Cost 130 baht / person. If you have a large bag, you will be charged for an additional seat. Travel time 2.30 hours )


Step 2 Kanchanaburi - Thong Pha Phum

While buses are available and vans are faster, we opted for the bus because my friend is tall with long legs. Sitting in a van would have been like a mouse stuck in a trap, a truly pitiful sight. Additionally, her bag was enormous. (My friend's mother sent her on a year-long trip, and she's already been traveling for six months. What a wonderful mother!) Vans charge an extra fee for an additional person, which seemed inconvenient. So, we opted for a leisurely bus ride, a gentle three-hour journey. We enjoyed the breeze so much that our stomachs felt like they were about to burst. If the bus had gone any faster, I think the roof would have blown off, turning it into an open-top bus. (My friend asked if my family's car stops all the time. I jokingly replied, "This is a leisurely bus ride, dude! Who's in a hurry? If you're in a hurry, take the train. #EvenSlower.")


You can take a walk around Thong Pha Phum Market, where there is an abundance of fresh food, snacks, and fruits.

( 80 Baht per person / 3 hours travel time )

Step 3 Thong Pha Phum - Pilok ( Ban E-Tong )

Upon arrival at Thong Pha Phum, look for a yellow shared taxi. It will be parked at the market entrance. The schedule for these taxis varies each day. There are a total of 4 shared taxis that run between Thong Pha Phum and Pilok.

  • Pilok - Thong Pha Phum: 6:30 AM, 7:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:00 AM
  • Thong Pha Phum - Pilok: 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM

(Please translate the following sentence: "I am a journalist translator.")

However, if tourists charter the entire car, the car will not be available on time. I went with Uncle Chan both ways, and Uncle Chan was super nice. He stopped by all the scenic spots for us to take pictures :) (I didn't charter the car). If you want to call to check the bus schedule or charter Uncle Chan's car, you can call him at 092-5497098. Let's help distribute income to the local people.

Uncle Chan's appearance and his trusty car (very kind, contrary to his appearance)

The atmosphere along the way



( Cost 70 Baht / person Travel time 2 hours )

The total travel time was 7.5 hours, excluding the time for transfers/transits. And then we finally arrived at Pilok! The bridge is still intact, and we can cross it to reach our destination.

( Our friends asked why we had pictures of them everywhere. They asked if we loved the King and Queen very much. :) We just smiled and said yes. It is a way of showing our love and respect for them. We call the pictures of them "pictures that every house has." They are pictures that bring us good luck.)

Places to visit in Pilok

  • E-Tong Village

A small village near Pilok Mine, featuring a market, restaurants, riverside homestays, souvenir shops, and a Burmese community. While it can be explored quickly, it offers a relaxing atmosphere for extended stays.


  • Thong Pha Phum National Park

Visitors are welcome to camp at the park, which offers tent sites and Tarzan houses (tree houses). There is a scenic viewpoint where visitors can enjoy views of the dam and Elephant Tusk Mountain. (However, it was raining on the day of our visit, so the sky was overcast and we were only able to see the mist, which was beautiful in its own way.)


  • Pilok Mine

Collection of old tools used in mining.



  • Jork Kradin Waterfall

The water pressure here is very strong, so it's best to bring a swimsuit to play in the water (even if you don't play in the water, you'll get wet as if you did because the water pressure is so strong and the spray will damage your camera). The water is very clear, and if you go on a weekday, it feels like a private waterfall. It's very luxurious, and you can play in the water without any crowds. The walk inside is no more than 400 meters.

(Admission ticket: Purchase one ticket for access to both Chok Kading Waterfall and Thong Pha Phum National Park. Thai citizens 40 baht / Foreigners 100 baht)



  • Elephant Tusk Hill is the base of operations for the 135th Border Patrol Police (Elephant Tusk Base).

A scenic viewpoint on a mountaintop on the Thai-Burmese border, offering breathtaking views of sunrises, sunsets, the Milky Way, and a sea of mist (during the winter, the locals say the sea of mist is beautiful almost every day). However, during the rainy season, it's a bit of a gamble.

  • Flagstaff Hill

It is a border point between Thailand and Burma. We can walk across to the Burmese side and see the Dawei side.

As for us, we looked back and forth but couldn't see anything, not even ourselves. Haha, the fog was so thick, brother!
We went back to the hotel to take a hot shower. Bye!


Traveling in Pilok

Motorcycle Rental

Rental fee: Approximately 350 baht, including a full tank of gas.

Fuel policy: Unlike typical rentals, there is no need to return the motorcycle with a full tank.

Rental duration: Uncle Chan, the owner, sometimes allows renters to keep the motorcycle for a day and a half for the price of one day.

Terrain: The roads are somewhat steep, making for an enjoyable ride.

Note: This rental may not be suitable for inexperienced riders.

2. Renting a songthaew (a type of shared taxi) for around 1,000 baht per day is a great option for larger groups. If you are a smaller group and not comfortable driving a motorbike, you can negotiate with Uncle Jan, who is known for being kind and willing to offer discounts.

3. Access to the Samsak Mine requires a 4WD vehicle due to the treacherous terrain. The rental fee is 1,500 baht per vehicle, which can be shared among groups. (Non-guests of Aunt Glen are also welcome to visit.) If you'd like to try Aunt Glen's cake, it's advisable to place an order in advance to avoid disappointment. (The cake shop is located outside the mine.)

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

To discover hidden gems not found in guidebooks, ask the locals. On our first day, we explored the recommended attractions and luckily met a local who took us to the amazing tunnel.

(Guide's faces, from left to right: Big Head, Zico, Ya Maong, Moo Yong)

The children said, "It's very close, brother. I'll take you for a walk in a moment. It's a big tunnel. It's very beautiful." I was easily persuaded and followed the man without a word. Ya Moh, the gang leader, said, "Do you want to take the long way or the short way?" We, as young girls, immediately replied, "Take the shortcut, son. It's close. My aunt has bad knees."

This is the path that the balm has arranged for us. It is so steep that we almost have to crawl up it. (Well, you chose the shortcut, said the balm.) Yes, I did. I chose it myself. T_T


The journey was picturesque, with occasional clear skies and patches of fog. The children, demonstrating remarkable compassion, assisted the elderly woman in ascending the mountain.

After a leisurely stroll, we stumbled upon the wondrous tunnel. The magic of the balm lies in the fact that it took us an hour to ascend, and the following image is the tunnel we encountered. (Sometimes, the journey is more important than the destination.)

On the way back, the children played hide-and-seek. I had to find them, playing all the way back to the village. I haven't played hide-and-seek for a long time. Oh, it was fun as always. (I forgot my age for a moment.)

They are secretly digging into the pit, fearing that their child will be lost and cannot be replaced.

At the end, the balm seller asked, "Do you want bamboo shoots? I'll take you to collect them." Oh my god! After climbing the guava tree to feed them, he's going to take them to collect bamboo shoots. I'm about to cry at their cuteness. As a thank you, we took these men out for rice and ice cream. (Talk about being generous!)

A Day of Slow Living and Relaxation in Pilok

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and embark on a rejuvenating journey to Pilok. Leave your worries behind and embrace the tranquility of the present moment.

Disconnect and Reconnect

Turn off your devices and tune into the rhythm of nature. Let the gentle breeze caress your skin and the warm sunlight bathe your body. Breathe in the fresh air, allowing it to carry away any lingering stress or negativity.

Embrace the Simplicity

Indulge in the simple pleasures of life. Take a leisurely stroll through the lush greenery, feeling the soft earth beneath your feet. Listen to the soothing sounds of birdsong and the rustling of leaves. Allow your mind to wander freely, unburdened by the demands of daily life.

Find Solace in Nature

Immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings. Let the vibrant colors of the flowers and the towering trees inspire awe and wonder. Feel a sense of peace wash over you as you connect with the natural world.

A Time for Reflection

Take this opportunity to reflect on your life and set new intentions. What brings you joy? What are your goals and aspirations? Use this time to reconnect with your inner self and find clarity and purpose.

A Moment of Bliss

This is your vacation time. A time to slow down, relax, and recharge. Leave the worries of the world behind and embrace the simple pleasures of life. Let Pilok be your sanctuary, a place where you can find peace and rejuvenation.

Additional Activities

  • Start your day with a traditional alms offering to the monks.
  • Visit the local market and sample the delicious street food.
  • Take a boat ride on the serene lake and enjoy the stunning views.
  • Learn about the rich culture and history of Pilok.

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  • Walk through the Burmese market


  • Write a wooden sign to hang on the Pilok Bridge (20 baht)

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I asked the old lady who was selling the wooden sign what it was written for. She said I could write anything I wanted, so I concluded that it was written as a souvenir.

  • Drinking coffee with a view of the fog


  • Gazing at raindrops, dewdrops

The humid feeling has transformed into a refreshing sensation. While in Bangkok, we intensely disliked the rain. However, upon arriving in Pilok, our appreciation for rain has significantly increased.

  • Watch koi fish


  • Write a postcard to a friend

  • Enjoy life.

Behold the unparalleled serenity of these dogs and cats. Their nonchalant demeanor evokes a mixture of amusement and envy.




Tales from Itong

Another fun aspect of traveling is talking to locals. Staying at a homestay like this gives you plenty of opportunities to meet people.

  • In the past, it took two days to reach Pilok on foot. Vehicles were not allowed.
  • Currently, Pilok has a population of around 700 people, with 100 being Thai and the rest Burmese. However, you won't see many villagers here because working-age adults go down to the city for work and send money back to their parents in Pilok.
  • Pilok doesn't have ATMs. To withdraw money, you need to leave your ATM card and PIN with the songthaew driver, who will withdraw the money for you. How cool is that! This is a testament to the honesty and friendliness of the locals.
  • The children here are adorable and cheerful. They don't pester tourists or ask for money like in other tourist destinations. The friendly locals are a major attraction.

The children offered us Pilok berries to try (they have a slightly bitter taste). They also invited us to go bamboo shoot picking, but I politely declined.




Children help their parents sell rice noodles in the morning before going to school.

  • Most of the Thai people living in Pilok are those who came to work in the mines. When the mines were exhausted, they did not move out. Auntie said that if you come to live here, you will not be able to live anywhere else because you cannot stand the weather outside. Pilok has good fresh air all year round and is comfortable to live in. Every time I go to Bangkok, I get a fever :) (Pilok is known as the city of fog. It is foggy from morning to evening, even at noon, morning, afternoon and night.)

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  • People here have a lot of children, with families of 5-7 people. (During the rainy season, the health department has to prepare to receive a lot of pregnancies from villagers. Well, it's raining and the weather is cold, isn't it? :):) Seriously, what are they doing, Sister Ta? Nok wants to know.)
  • Children here walk to school every day. If you are visiting and driving by, please pick up the children.

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More information

Hotel Booking Process

1) Visit the website https://www.localpillow.com and select your desired province. (Currently, only some provinces are available, but the website is actively collecting homestays nationwide. More will be added soon.)

2) The system will display homestays in the selected province. Choose according to your preferences.

3) Choose a homestay that suits your lifestyle. This time, we chose Pilok Gargen Hill.

4) Select your desired check-in date.

5) Book a room

6) Enter your personal information. If you have a discount code, enter it and click "Verify". (Please note that the system will not adjust the price if you do not click the "Verify" button.)

7) Payment: Choose the method that suits you best. You can pay via bank transfer or credit card.


8) You will then receive an email confirming your room reservation. That's it, easy!

Pilok Garden Hills

The accommodation is located by the pool, next to E-Tong Market, making it very convenient to travel. It is close to restaurants and Pilok Mine. This place is newly opened and owned by the same owner as the Sud Khet restaurant. The aunt is very lovely and takes good care of us. She told us about Pilok in a very enjoyable way. (The uncle is from the south, so there is southern food to eat here, but unfortunately, the uncle was not downstairs, so we didn't get to speak southern.)

The uncle came to live here during the mining era. After the mine closed, he couldn't live anywhere else because he was attached to the air here. So the aunt moved to follow him and opened a restaurant and homestay. (The food at the restaurant, Sudhekat, is also very delicious. I ate there almost every meal.)

Room Ambiance

This property features a communal area with seating and dining options, situated right by the waterfront. It offers a variety of room types to suit your preferences. Please note that rooms tend to fill up quickly on weekends, so it's advisable to call ahead and inquire about availability at 095-6064606.

The atmosphere of Krua View Sudkhet restaurant (next to the accommodation)


Escape the hustle and bustle, brave the rain, and pierce through the fog. Don't miss Pilok! Add it to your list immediately. If you love to travel and take photos, join the conversation on our page: FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/goanywhere.co/ website: www.goanywhere.co E-mail: [email protected]

#pilok#kanchanaburi
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