What's in Sangkhla Buri? Just a stop at Pilok.

Hello Sangkhlaburi trip, a charming city that never gets old no matter how many times you visit.

Someone told us that they love going to Sangkhlaburi. They said they could go there over and over again and never get bored. At that time, we didn't understand this feeling. We had already been there once, but that person had been there 3-4 times and still wanted to go again. So, we decided to give it another try.

This trip began in Amphawa. We left Amphawa at 1:30 AM on Saturday to visit Pilok in the morning. It took us about 5 and a half hours to get here.

A tranquil scene of Pilok at 7 am, with a light drizzle and thick fog.

This is the famous spot where everyone writes their names. We were here once.

We're here, Pilok. There are five of us, but only three names are written down. The other two are upstairs. (The sign says 20 baht or 30 baht, depending on the size you choose.)

Despite the rain, we decided to stop by Mellow Coffee for breakfast. The cafe is conveniently located near a popular photo spot, making it an ideal pit stop for tourists.

Hot Ovaltine

Fried egg on a hot plate

Pork Congee

This is the translation of "ข้าวต้มหมู" from Thai to English.

Due to the continuous drizzle, we were only able to capture a limited number of photographs. We then continued our journey to Sangkhla Buri, stopping at a coffee shop along the way. We visited "Baan Suan Fresh Coffee".

Interior angle

Hot coffee sipped with tea

After that, we continued our journey to Sangkhla Buri, which took about 3 and a half hours from Pilok.

The scenery along the way is breathtaking. As we get closer, the view will be similar to this.

We chartered a boat to visit the temple for 500 baht. There were five of us, so it cost 100 baht per person.

The first temple, Wat Wang Wiwekaram, also known as Wat Luang Pho Uttama, was built by the Karen and Mon people together with Luang Pho Uttama. It is located on a high hill called Sam Phrasob, which is the point where three rivers, the Songkalia River, the Biekli River, and the Rantee River, converge.

This young person is our guide.

Take a picture for us.

Interior

You can buy a flower garland for 20 baht.

There are also fish released.

The second temple, Wat Somdet (Old), is located opposite the city of Badal on a small hill. It requires climbing stairs to reach. Although not submerged, it is still accessible by boat.

The church houses a replica of the Phra Buddha Chinnarat statue for veneration.

A banyan tree grows beside the wall outside the church.

The area surrounding the temple is filled with numerous piles of stones, reflecting the diverse beliefs of visitors. However, local guides are trained to inform tourists about the purported lucky number of stones to arrange for good fortune.

The Sunken Temple: A Glimpse of Wat Si Suwannaram

The third temple, Wat Si Suwannaram (Old), presents a haunting sight. Only the tip of the ordination hall peeks above the water's surface, the rest submerged beneath the waves. The original temple now lies submerged, a victim of the rising waters. However, the local community has constructed a new temple on the banks of Sangkhla Buri district, retaining the original name, Wat Si Suwannaram.

After visiting and paying respects at three temples by boat, the boat driver returned us to our original departure point, the wooden bridge on the Thai side.

As we walked up the bridge, we saw young people dressed in traditional clothing sitting there, inviting us to apply powder. "Would you like some powder? It's up to you how much you give."

The children are adorable. Let's sit down and chat with them to learn about their unique perspectives and experiences.

In the late afternoon, there is a market in Sangkhla Buri. The famous food here is "Moo Jhum" (Thai-style hotpot). Some shops sell skewers for 1 baht each, but the shop we visited sells slightly larger skewers for 2 baht each.

The restaurant we visited is called "Moo Moo Moo Joo Jum Burma," and the dipping sauce is delicious.

The next morning, we woke up early to participate in the alms offering ceremony at the front of the Mon Bridge.

The child eagerly awaits the application of face powder.

We purchased a merit-making set for 100 baht. There were shops set up where we could choose where to make merit.

RC stopped by to buy some snacks before walking onto the Mon Bridge this morning.

After purchasing the food, the customer claimed it was not delicious and offered it to their younger siblings, who enjoyed it immensely.

The children followed the instructor's lead and performed the actions.

Let's go powder our faces. What is the girl on the far right doing? She's using the blotting paper from her older sister to blot her face. She looks even more beautiful.

What would you like, children?

"The girl in the yellow shirt asked to borrow my mirror again. She wanted to apply lipstick like me. I told her she looked beautiful already."

The children then ran around and came to me asking to be carried.

We spent hours talking and playing with the children, and it was an indescribable feeling of joy.

Barely managed to take any solo photos, couldn't escape the little ones. Just as I was about to take a picture of them, they ran over and asked to join in. ^^

Make way, the son of a god is walking.

The Final Image of the Journey: The Mon Bridge, Sangkhlaburi

This photograph captures the essence of the journey, showcasing the iconic Mon Bridge in Sangkhlaburi. The bridge, a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage, stands as a symbol of resilience and connection. Its weathered wooden planks and intricate carvings evoke a sense of history and tradition, while the surrounding lush greenery and serene waters create a tranquil atmosphere.

The image invites viewers to contemplate the significance of the bridge, not only as a physical structure but also as a metaphorical representation of the journey itself. It suggests that even as we reach the end of our travels, the experiences and memories we gather along the way remain with us, shaping our perspectives and enriching our lives.

Furthermore, the photograph raises questions about the interplay between nature and human intervention. The bridge, a product of human ingenuity, seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape, highlighting the delicate balance between progress and preservation. It prompts us to consider the impact we have on our surroundings and the importance of responsible stewardship.

In conclusion, this final image serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of travel. It invites us to reflect on the journey we have undertaken, the lessons we have learned, and the connections we have forged. As we move forward, the memories captured in this photograph will continue to inspire and guide us, reminding us of the beauty and wonder that awaits us on the path ahead.