Readme before you journey
👉 Kanchanaburi is a province with numerous tourist attractions. Last time, we visited E-tong and Pilok. This time, let's explore Sangkhlaburi, another charming destination where we can experience the lifestyles of the Mon, Karen, and Thai people.
The U-Thong Memorial Bridge: A Cultural and Scenic Landmark
The U-Thong Memorial Bridge, also known as the Mon Bridge, is the longest wooden bridge in Thailand, stretching an impressive 850 meters. It connects Thailand to Mon State, where many villagers reside in floating houses on the river.
The bridge offers a unique cultural experience. Visitors can interact with Mon and Karen children, who will introduce themselves and share the history of the bridge. They may also offer traditional Thanaka powder, a cosmetic paste used for sun protection and cultural significance.
Beyond the cultural immersion, the bridge provides stunning views and photo opportunities. The surrounding landscape, including the submerged temple, adds to the picturesque charm of the area.
👉 Another must-do is to offer alms to the monks in the morning. You can buy a set of alms for 99 baht, which also includes a Mon costume for you to take beautiful photos in. The food here is also delicious, with banana stem noodles, porridge and delicious fritters. After offering alms and having breakfast, let's continue our trip.
Embark on a boat trip to visit three temples, accompanied by a guide who will narrate stories throughout the journey. This is an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about the history of Sangkhlaburi.
📍Checkpoint 1: The Old Bell Tower. It is said that the area around the Old Bell Tower is the confluence of three rivers: the Songkhla River, the Rantee River, and the Biekley River. This is why the area is called "Sam Prasop" (Three Confluences).
📍 Checkpoint 2: The Sunken Temple of Wat Wang Wiwekaram
This hidden gem in Thailand is a must-visit for any explorer. Originally, Wat Wang Wiwekaram and the old Sangkhla Buri district were located here. However, the construction of the Vajiralongkorn Dam in 1984 submerged the entire area, forcing the relocation of Wat Wang Wiwekaram to higher ground. The original temple now lies beneath the water, leaving only ruins as a testament to its past. During low water periods, visitors can walk down to the flooded church to pay respects. However, when the water level is high, exploring the submerged church is only possible by boat.
📍 Checkpoint 3: Wat Somdet - This temple, situated on a hilltop, requires an ascent via stairs. Inside the main hall, a large Buddha statue resides. The surrounding area of the temple is covered by banyan trees, creating a mystical atmosphere. Notably, this temple remained unaffected by floods, making it accessible year-round.
Checkpoint 4: Wat Si Suwan
The water level at Wat Si Suwan is currently too high for safe passage on foot. Visitors are advised to remain on the boat and observe the flooded temple from a distance.
Check Point 5: Wat Wang Wiwekaram (New)
This temple is located approximately 6 kilometers from Sangkhla District. It was built by Luang Pho Uttama and local villagers to replace the original temple, which was flooded after the construction of a dam. Inside the temple, there is a kuti (monk's dwelling) where Luang Pho Uttama's remains are kept for visitors to pay their respects. About 1 kilometer from the temple is a replica of the Mahabodhi Stupa, which is also a beautiful sight.
🛶 Boat rentals for visiting the submerged temple are available near the Mon Bridge.
- The rental price is 500 baht per boat (maximum 6 people) for a round trip of approximately 1 hour. (I managed to get a special price of only 400 baht, so try bargaining! 555)
- It is recommended to visit in the morning, as it can get hot in the afternoon.
- The best time to visit the submerged temple is between March and May, when the water level is low enough to allow boats to get close to the church and visitors can walk inside.
#Sangkhlaburi
#unseeninthailand
#SunkenTemple
#TravelEveryMonth
The U-Ta-Man Bridge, also known as the Mon Bridge.
You can rent a boat to visit the submerged temple near the Mon Bridge.
The original bell tower of Wat Wang.
The Former Residence of Luang Pu Uttama
This phrase refers to the former residence of Luang Pu Uttama, a highly revered Thai Buddhist monk.
Note:
- The original Thai text uses the word "กุฏิ" which specifically refers to the living quarters of a monk within a temple complex.
- The phrase "เดิม" indicates that this is no longer his current residence.
The submerged church, which was accessible during the administrator's visit due to the significant decrease in the dam's water level, allowed for the worship of the Buddha statue inside.
The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
From this vantage point, one can observe the high water mark on the church wall.
Looking out, you will see the bell tower and the old kuti.
Inside the flooded church, you can purchase flowers for worship for 10 baht per bunch from the Karen people who sell them inside the church.
The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
After making merit, they released fish for good luck.
The provided text is empty. Please provide the text you would like me to translate.
Wat Somdet is situated on a hilltop, requiring a short climb up some stairs. Be prepared for a bit of a workout!
The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
The path leads to a collection of stacked stones, which, according to our young tour guide, were placed there by Korean tourists as a form of belief. The specific belief behind this practice, however, escapes my memory.
The church of Wat Somdet contains a large main Buddha statue.
The provided text is empty. There is nothing to translate.
The young tour guide who provided information to the admin during the temple visit.
The last temple, Wat Si Suwan, was the temple most affected by the flood.
The view of the Mon Bridge from a boat
The bridge is teeming with young Mon and Karen children, who are incredibly adorable. As soon as you raise your camera, they eagerly form mini heart shapes with their hands.
The child's smile
The young women's baskets will contain Thanaka powder and various molds for applying the powder to tourists.
Everyone is competent and professional.
The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
Thanaka powder
The lives of the people here remain closely tied to the water, and they still live on floating houses.
The sentence is empty. Please provide a sentence or phrase for me to translate.
The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
The sun is setting near the Ranong Bridge.
The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
This morning, we woke up early to wait and offer alms to the Mon monks on the Mon side of the river.
The morning mist gently floats over the Mon Bridge, especially during the winter season.
Before offering alms, we stopped by to apply some Thanaka paste to blend in with the locals. We visited the same young woman we met yesterday.
Offering Set for Alms Giving: 99 Baht
This concise sentence advertises an offering set for alms giving at a price of 99 Baht. The use of simple language and direct pricing effectively conveys the information to potential buyers.
The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
Purchase a set of alms offering and receive a free Mon costume (for loan only, haha).
The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
The Mon Market is very crowded.
If you don't meet Aunt Choo at the Mon Bridge, it's like you haven't arrived. Aunt Choo is a symbol of this place. You can ask to take a picture with her.
Wang Wiwekaram Temple Today
The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
The back is the body of Luang Pho Udom.
Replica of the Mahabodhi Temple
Follow other reviews at
https://www.facebook.com/pg/tiewtookduan/
See you in the next review ^^
เที่ยวทุกเดือน
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 5:23 PM
