Readme before you journey
"E-tong Village, Pilok Mine, Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi Province" E-tong Village is a small village surrounded by mountains with cool weather all year round. You will definitely love it! ^^"
A Tranquil Haven in the Pilok Valley: E-Tong Village
Nestled amidst the picturesque Pilok Valley, E-Tong Village stands as a testament to the region's rich mining history. Once a bustling hub of mineral extraction, the village now exudes a serene charm, offering visitors a glimpse into the harmonious coexistence of nature and human life.
E-Tong's inhabitants, descendants of the original miners, embody the spirit of hospitality and community. Their warm smiles and welcoming nature create an atmosphere of genuine connection, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the village's unique cultural tapestry.
The allure of E-Tong lies in its pristine natural beauty. Lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain vistas provide a sanctuary for those seeking respite from the urban clamor. The village's untouched landscapes offer a chance to reconnect with the earth's raw and unadulterated splendor.
E-Tong's allure extends beyond its scenic beauty. The village's rich history, woven into the fabric of its buildings and traditions, offers a captivating glimpse into the region's past. Visitors can explore abandoned mines, remnants of a bygone era, and delve into the stories of the miners who shaped the village's identity.
E-Tong's appeal lies in its ability to transport visitors to a simpler time, where nature reigns supreme and human connection thrives. It is a place where the echoes of the past blend seamlessly with the present, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for all who venture within its boundaries.
Let's begin with the first day. We started our journey from Mo Chit by van from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi.
The van to Kanchanaburi departs from platform 3. Tickets cost 120 baht per person and the journey takes approximately 2-3 hours. The van will arrive at Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal.
As we departed from Bangkok at noon, we arrived in Kanchanaburi at three in the afternoon. Therefore, we decided to explore the city of Kanchanaburi today, as we would not have made it in time for the bus to Erawan National Park.
We booked our accommodation through Booking.com and stayed at Kananan Guesthouse, located behind Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal. The guesthouse offers a range of room prices, starting from approximately 300-600 baht. We stayed in a comfortable double room with air conditioning and a fan for 450 baht. The owners were very friendly and helpful. The guesthouse also offers bicycle rentals for exploring the city at a cost of only 50 baht. Motorbike rentals are available for 200 baht, but we opted not to rent one due to limited time and our focus on exploring outside the city.
After packing our belongings, we walked to the bus terminal and hailed a motorcycle taxi for 40 baht. Our destination was the Bridge over the River Kwai, located just 4 km from the Kanchanaburi bus terminal. Upon arrival, we strolled around, took photos, and grabbed a quick bite to eat. Coincidentally, it was a Saturday, and the owner of our accommodation informed us about a nearby walking street market. We couldn't resist the opportunity to save some money and indulge in the market's offerings.
The atmosphere here is fantastic. I was told that it usually rains in the evenings, but it hasn't today. Lucky me!
The next morning…
After checking out of the accommodation at 7:00 AM, I immediately walked to Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal. I inquired about a bus to Thong Pha Phum and was directed to a red bus with a fare of 80 baht per person. The journey took 3 hours. Initially, I intended to take a van, but I couldn't find one. The buses and vans traveling to Thong Pha Phum also pass through Sangkhla Buri. I informed the driver that I wanted to get off at Thong Pha Phum Market, and he stopped there. Many locals also disembarked at this location. Vans are slightly faster than buses.
Upon arriving at Thong Pha Phum Market, we immediately looked for a ride. We found a **yellow shared taxi** that charged 70 baht per person. The taxi was parked right across from the 7-Eleven, making it easy to find. It had a sign that read "Thong Pha Phum - E-Tong" and only ran three times a day: 10:30, 11:30, and 12:30. Some days, there might be an additional run at 13:30. The journey took 2 hours and passed through 399 curves, dropping us off right at E-Tong village. (If you miss the yellow taxi, you can either hire a private car from there or try to hitch a ride.)
And finally, we arrived at E-tong village, the town in the mist, a small, peaceful village surrounded by nature. The weather was pleasantly cool, and the villagers were incredibly friendly and welcoming.
We stayed at Love Pillok Homestay, which costs 1,000 baht per night. (Details of other accommodations in E-tong Village are listed below.) There is no air conditioning here, as the weather is cold all year round. There are fans, but we didn't need them anyway. It was very cold!
Breakfast is available here, including bread, rice with fried egg, tea, and various coffees. The staff is very friendly and helpful.
After packing our belongings, we went downstairs to inquire about renting a motorbike from our accommodation. The owner kindly offered us their motorbike for only 100 baht, including fuel. We couldn't resist such a great deal and immediately headed to Flagstaff Hill.
The flagpole hill is the location of the Thai and Burmese flags. Military personnel from both countries are stationed there at all times. The hill offers a view of Burma and is only one kilometer from the accommodation.
In close proximity, there is a checkpoint for monitoring the Friendship Channel on the Thai-Myanmar border.
Next, we continued to Wat Muang Pilok, a very peaceful and shady temple. We stopped and relaxed there for a while.
Continuing on, we reached **Elephant Hill**, located 4 km from E-tong Village. Let me tell you, the view is absolutely breathtaking! You have to see it with your own eyes to believe it. A 360-degree panorama unfolds before you, encompassing both the Thai and Burmese sides. What a sight to behold! We couldn't stop taking pictures. The sky was clear with a light mist, and the cool breeze was simply delightful.
Mount Khao Chang Suk, standing at an elevation of approximately 1,053 meters above sea level, offers breathtaking panoramic views of both Thailand and Myanmar. This scenic viewpoint allows visitors to witness stunning sunsets, admire the picturesque village of E-Tong below, and bask in the golden hues of sunrise. The mountain's proximity to Bangkok makes it an ideal escape for experiencing cool mountain air and mesmerizing sea fog. On days with exceptional visibility, the vista extends to the Andaman Sea on the Myanmar coast.
Tourists can pitch tents at the Khao Chang Suk Hill and nearby areas (during the festival). From the Thong Pha Phum National Park office to the border, there are several designated camping areas with restrooms available.
...After that, we returned to E-tong village. We were walking leisurely when it suddenly started to rain lightly. However, this did not hinder us in any way, and we continued walking. After a while, the rain stopped, and a beautiful double rainbow appeared. This is truly a case of "the sky after the rain is always beautiful." Wow!
Wooden plaques for writing messages, priced at 20 baht, are tied to the bridge at the E-Tong market, allowing visitors to leave their thoughts and memories behind.
Feeling hungry! Let's go find something to eat. Without further ado, we headed straight to Auntie Nee's kitchen.
The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
I would love to have some crab, but the person paying the bill said I wouldn't have any money left to go home. Haha! Oh well, guess I'll have to settle for tom yum soup with shrimp. Hehe. We ordered tom yum soup with shrimp for 120 baht. The shrimp were huge! We also had stir-fried oyster mushrooms with clams for 80 baht. It was delicious.
Not yet, there's more. Let's move on to two more sets of roti with egg for 20 baht each. Done. Very full.
Nestled in the embrace of a year-round cool climate, E-tong village offers its visitors the convenience of gas-powered water heaters. Unlike conventional electric water heaters, these gas-powered units ensure a consistent supply of hot water, catering to the needs of tourists. Detailed instructions on their safe operation are readily available in the bathrooms, providing peace of mind to all guests.
The water temperature before turning on the water heater was 8.8 degrees, which is extremely cold.
The morning air was so pleasant that I didn't want to leave. I wished I could stay longer, but I had to return to work. I quickly got dressed, packed my belongings, and headed back. The yellow shared taxi from E Tong to Thong Pha Phum leaves at 8:00 AM. There are also departures at 6:00 AM, 6:30 AM, 7:00 AM, and 7:30 AM. I arrived just in time for the 7:00 AM taxi. I planned to catch the 99 bus from Dan Chedi Sam Ong to Bangkok, which picks up passengers in Thong Pha Phum at 10:00 AM. This way, I wouldn't have to transfer to a van twice.
While descending from E-tong village in Thong Pha Phum, we were fortunate enough to witness a breathtaking sea of mist at a scenic viewpoint. The view was simply magnificent, exceeding our expectations. We were initially concerned that we might miss the opportunity to see it, but the kind driver stopped for us to take pictures. He even went the extra mile by driving us to the bus station just in time for our departure. The BKS 99 bus cost 218 baht per person and provided food and snacks during the journey.
From Bangkok, there is a similar 99 Bus Company bus that travels from Bangkok to the Three Pagodas Pass border crossing. However, there is only one departure time, at 6:00 AM, which is too early for us to wake up, so we opted for a van service instead.
Summary of expenses for this trip:
The accommodation fee is 1000+450=1450 baht.
The fare for a van from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is 120 baht.
The fare for the red bus from Kanchanaburi to Thong Pha Phum is 80 baht.
The fare for the yellow shared taxi from Thong Pha Phum to Ban E Tong is 70+70=140 baht.
The motorbike rental fee is 100 baht.
**Total cost: 1790 Baht per person (excluding food)**
"Pilok Mine" This land is like a treasure trove for all miners who have flocked to seek their fortune. There are Thais, Burmese, and people from India. The mine has brought prosperity and prosperity to the surrounding communities. The Pilok mine novel takes place decades before the global mineral price slump in 1985. The mines were gradually closed, including the Pilok mine, leaving behind only the legend of the prosperous mining town and the charm of the present peaceful simplicity. Pilok has become a tourist destination surrounded by a sea of complex and beautiful mountains of the Tenasserim mountain range.
Accommodation recommendations in E-tong Village: There are many options available, with prices ranging from 800 to 1000 baht.
You need to book in advance because even though we went during the off-season, all the homestays were full and we had to change our travel dates.
1. Love Pilok Homestay 098-3815999, 088-4553823 Line id: lovepilok
2. Baan Tawan Home Stay, Pilok, Ban Itong, Pilok Mine, 080-7815729
3. Pilok Camp Coffee & Homestay
4. Accommodation: Arm Homestay, Ban E-Tong - Armhomestay, Pilok Mine, 086-1703410
https://www.facebook.com/Armhomestay/?fref=ts
5. Pilok Tok Taek Homestay, Ban Itong, 080-7788315
6. Pilok Mining Homestay, accommodation services, contact: 0623639128, 0908980088
We apologize for any errors.
Thank you for your interest and reading. Please follow me for more travel adventures. See you again soon! Bye-bye ^^"
จะไปป่ะ | Ja Pai Pa
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 4:50 PM
