Three Pagodas Pass  is an important mountain pass located on the Tenasserim Range in Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, directly connecting to Payathonzu in Myanmar, and it has long served as one of the most accessible natural crossing points between the two countries, making it historically and geographically significant for trade, movement, and regional interaction over many centuries.

The surrounding area is characterized by rugged limestone mountains, dense forest, and complex terrain, which in the past made it a strategic natural corridor for military movements and supply routes between Siam (Thailand) and Burma (Myanmar), especially during periods of historical conflict when armies relied on this pass to move through the border highlands toward the central plains of Thailand, giving the location strong strategic military importance in regional history.

The name “Three Pagodas” originates from three stone markers or small pagoda-like structures that were traditionally placed in a row at the mountain pass, originally serving as sacred resting points for villagers and travelers who used them for protection and good fortune before crossing the dangerous forested mountains, and later in 1929 (B.E. 2472), permanent pagodas were constructed to replace the original stones, transforming the site into a symbolic monument representing peace and cross-border connection.

In the present day, Three Pagodas Pass functions as an official border checkpoint between Thailand and Myanmar under controlled regulations, with operating hours and crossing permissions depending on security conditions and administrative policies, allowing visitors to observe the pagodas, take photographs, and experience the unique border atmosphere, while in certain periods they may also cross into Payathonzu to purchase local goods such as wooden handicrafts, traditional Burmese products, jewelry, and thanaka.

The surrounding region is also culturally diverse, as it is home to Thai, Mon, and Karen communities living together, creating a blended cultural identity reflected in language, food, and lifestyle, while the area is additionally located near major attractions in Sangkhla Buri such as the Mon Bridge and the submerged temple, making it one of the key historical and cultural tourism destinations in Kanchanaburi Province.

Admission Fee:

• Free on the Thai side (fees may apply on the Myanmar side depending on border regulations)

Opening Hours:

• 08:00 – 18:00 daily