| Three
Pagodas Pass
 Known
as "Phra Chedi Sam Ong" in Thai,
Three Pagodas Pass links Sangkhlaburi on the Thai side with
Pyathonzu just over the border into Myanmar
(Burma).
Over
the course of history, the pass has been the route into Thailand
for invading Burmese armies as well as traders and Buddhist
Monks from India.
The
three pagodas themselves, believed to have been built in the
4th century, are fairly small but hold great sway with the
locals as peace symbols.
During
World War II, the infamous Death Railway
was built through the pass by the allied prisoners of war.
Several
hill tribes live in the area including the Karen, Mon and
Burmese, who are neither Thai or Burmese nationals.
 There
have been several confrontations between the Karen and the
Mon tribes for control over the years, but now the Myanmar
authorities remain in control of the border region.
Visitors
are allowed to visit the Burmese border town of Pyathonzu
with a special one-day pass, issued at the border.
Great
items can be bought for souvenirs including wooden carvings,
ornaments, jade and textiles.
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