Thai-Burma Friendship Pass, also known as the Three Pagodas Pass, is one of the most historically significant sites in Kanchanaburi Province and plays a crucial role in the long-standing relationship between Thailand and Myanmar. Located in the Tenasserim Mountains, at the border between Sangkhlaburi District in Kanchanaburi Province and Phayathongsu Town in Kayin State, Myanmar, the pass sits approximately 282 meters above sea level. It is one of the few important mountain passes that have been used for travel between the two countries since ancient times. This route has served as a trade route, a migration route, and a military route in the past, making the Three Pagodas Pass geographically, politically, and culturally significant to Southeast Asia.

The name "Three Pagodas" comes from three small, white, Mon-style pagodas lined up along the border, which have become an important symbol of Sangkhlaburi District and Kanchanaburi Province. Originally, the area was called "Three Piles of Stones" because stones were stacked as a place of worship before entering Myanmar. Later, in 1929, Phra Sri Suwannakiri, the governor of Sangkhlaburi, along with local villagers, Together, they constructed pagodas to replace the original piles of stones, which later became symbols of peace and friendship between the two countries. Today, the three pagodas are registered as important historical sites of Kanchanaburi Province and also appear on the provincial emblem.

In the past, this mountain pass was a crucial strategic route during the Ayutthaya period. Burmese armies repeatedly used this route to advance into Siam, especially during the Thai-Burmese wars of the 16th–18th centuries. Similarly, the Siamese army also used this route for retaliatory movements. Furthermore, it is believed that this area was once a passage used by Buddhist monks from India traveling to spread Buddhism in the Suvarnabhumi region since around the 3rd century CE. Therefore, this area holds significant historical and religious value.

During World War II, the Three Pagodas Pass area was also associated with the Thai-Burma Railway, or the "Death Railway," built by the Japanese army to connect Thailand and Burma. This railway was constructed through mountainous and densely forested terrain using a massive number of prisoners of war and laborers. Many died from disease, starvation, and harsh working conditions. Although most of the railway tracks have been dismantled, the story of the Death Railway remains an important part of the history of this border region. This is why many tourists travel to Kanchanaburi province to retrace the history of World War II.

Today, Three Pagodas Pass is a tourist attraction that clearly reflects border culture. Tourists can stroll through the border market, which is full of goods from Myanmar and the Mon community, such as wood carvings, jade jewelry, local woven fabrics, traditional herbs, and local souvenirs. The atmosphere of the area is unique due to the blend of Thai, Mon, and Burmese cultures, including language, food, lifestyle, and religion. Large Mon and Karen communities also live in the surrounding area, giving Sangkhlaburi and Three Pagodas Pass a unique charm that sets it apart from other border tourist destinations in Thailand.

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How to Get There

• From Kanchanaburi city, take Highway 323 toward Thong Pha Phum District. Continue toward Sangkhlaburi. At the intersection before reaching Sangkhlaburi town, turn left following the signs for Three Pagodas Pass for approximately 18 kilometers.

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Travel Tips

• Always carry your ID card or passport while traveling.

• Check the border checkpoint status before visiting.

• Morning visits offer cooler weather and fewer crowds.

• The rainy season often brings beautiful mountain mist.

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Admission Fees:

• Free admission for the Thai side (border crossing fees apply if entering Myanmar).

Opening Hours:

• Daily 06:00 AM – 06:00 PM