Slowly... "Sangkhla" is accessible even without a car...

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K: "Honey, I really want to go to Sam Khok."

M: "It's far, honey... We don't have a car."

As long as we have Google, we can travel the world. It's just a matter of whether we want to go or not.

I readily admit that before I travel anywhere, I must first conduct thorough research.

My own fatigue is insignificant, but I wouldn't want my partner to endure unnecessary exhaustion without a clear destination.

Absolutely! Traveling in a relaxed style means using private cars very little (to put it simply, I don't drive).

Let's get straight to the point. We'll start with booking accommodation. We plan to…

Travel from Bangkok in the evening (after work) and stay in Kanchanaburi city for 1 night, then stay in Sangkhlaburi for 2 nights.

We took a van from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok to Kanchanaburi Transport Station. We chose to use the Happy Van service.

The price is 120 baht per person. I have taken this bus many times and feel safe. It departs on time, even if the bus is not full. When the scheduled time arrives, the bus departs immediately.

Let's go!

Hello...Kanchanaburi...

Departing from Bangkok at 5:30 PM, you will arrive at Kanchanaburi Transportation Center around 7:30 PM. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.

Upon arrival, we established our base by calling the accommodation we had booked, "Baan Mafeung Guesthouse."

The sentence is already in English.

It appears to be a placeholder with no actual content.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

"Baan Mafuang Guesthouse" is our choice of accommodation due to its proximity to Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal, located approximately 500 meters away.

The walk was pleasant. The room was clean and affordable, costing 700 baht per night. The owner was also very kind. (This is not a paid review, but it was so good that I really wanted to share it.)

Packing is done...my stomach starts to rumble...

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Of course, it's not just close to transportation...

The Mafeuang House is also close to the night market. Exit the accommodation, turn right, and you will find it after the clock tower intersection.

The food selection is diverse, and the prices are reasonable, without inflated tourist markups.

(Perfect for people on a budget like me)

Stir-fried minced pork with holy basil + fried egg 45 baht, followed by a crepe with egg and lots of Maggie pepper 25 baht

Full and rested, they returned to their accommodation.

Prepare your body, tomorrow we will fight....

Good morning. Have a good sleep. Pack your belongings neatly.

It's time to say goodbye to Baan Makhueng.

The streets are still quiet in the early morning.

Many people may be wondering why I chose to spend one night in Kanchanaburi city before...

The reason is because... drum roll please...

The legendary red bus, with its iconic "whoosh" sound.

It is said that if you come to Sangkhla and don't ride the red bus, it's like you haven't been here. We couldn't let that happen.

First trip out, let's go!

The first bus leaves at 7:00 AM and costs 175 baht per person.

The car's speed is approximately 50 kilometers per hour.

3,000-horsepower engine...

Yes, the camel! The desert camel is very, very slow.

As I continued driving, enjoying the cool breeze and the scenic views, I stumbled upon something unexpected. This is exactly what I've been searching for!

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Note: I am a large language model and do not have access to the internet. Therefore, I cannot translate text from other languages.

Park your car... at Thong Pha Phum.

We arrived at almost noon, taking about 3 hours from Kanchanaburi city to Thong Pha Phum.

The driver stopped to drop off passengers going to Thong Pha Phum and let us get off to eat, buy snacks and drinks.

We couldn't miss the chance to take a thrilling picture. Hehe!!! A memory.

Ready to go! Let's hit the road!

Along the way, local vendors would board the train to sell snacks such as meatballs, water, and grilled pork, similar to the experience of riding a train.

However, there is one more thing you must not forget to bring: your national identification card. When you reach the checkpoint, the soldiers will ask to see your national identification card to verify your nationality.

We have arrived at Sangkhla Buri!

It took approximately two hours from Thong Pha Phum to reach Sangkhlaburi, arriving shortly after 2 pm.

Upon reaching the transfer point, the two of them stood there in a daze, wondering what to do next.

First, you need to find a motorbike rental shop. Once you have a motorbike, everything will be easier.

The path lies with the mouth. Ask people around you.

Rented a motorbike for 200 baht per day (fuel not included).

Without delay, I called the accommodation I had booked and drove to the coordinates.

Forget-me-not

Our first night's accommodation in Sangkhlaburi was located approximately 3-4 kilometers from the bus station and cost 1600 baht per night per room.

With breakfast included... I chose this place because... to be honest, other places were full haha (a little bit of buyer's remorse)

However, upon arrival, I parked the car and took a look at the view. I couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow!"

The view is amazing, with a distant view of the Mon Bridge. No wonder it costs 1600 baht.

Regret turned into excitement instead... Love it!

A view from the other side.

And another thing that feels worthwhile is… if we were to go on a cruise…

Morning alms offering, visit the flooded temple, and explore the Mon Bridge (boat fee not included in accommodation).

Guests can inform the accommodation, and a boat will pick them up at the pier in front of their house.

No need to search far and wide, convenient, comfortable, simple, but finished in one place....

However, for budget-conscious travelers like us, a cruise will have to wait.

Rented a motorbike, gotta make the most of it.

Our first destination is **"Wat Wang Wiwekaram"**, also known as **"Wat Luang Pho Udom"** by the locals.

This site holds immense significance for the local population, serving as a spiritual center for people of diverse ethnicities, including Thai and Karen communities. Notably, it is particularly revered by Thai people of Mon descent.

It is evident that the art and decoration clearly reflect the architectural style of the Mon people.

Luang Pho Uttama, also known as Phra Maha Uttama Rampobhikkhu, was a renowned Buddhist monk who practiced asceticism and meditation. He dedicated his life to spreading Buddhism and was a key figure in the development of the Karen and Mon communities. Luang Pho Uttama promoted the construction of roads, bridges, health centers, and schools. He also assisted the Mon people in obtaining Thai citizenship, making him a central figure of faith and a driving force behind the community's strength.

The Mahabodhi Stupa, which enshrines the sacred relics of the Buddha.

which Luang Pho Uttama invited from Sri Lanka.

To be placed for us to worship for auspiciousness...

After a long and informative discussion, it's time to head back. The drive home will be a good opportunity to reflect on what we've learned.

However, I took a quick detour to capture the iconic wooden bridge, as it appeared relatively uncrowded from afar.

The bridge is full even without people. 555...

If you prefer sleeping on a floating raft, Sangkhlaburi offers this option, but rooms tend to fill up quickly due to its popularity.

Those who wish to take a boat trip to see the temple should contact this location. As for us, we are already settled, as our accommodations have been arranged.

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It's time to get serious about our hunger.

A must-visit when in Sangkhla is the bustling walking street...

Without hesitation, we headed straight to the "One Baht per Skewer Burmese Skewers" restaurant.

The walking street is lined with numerous shops, offering a wide variety of options to choose from. While I have personally sampled the offerings of several establishments, I have found that the flavors are generally consistent across the board.

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The taste is sweet and salty, but not too much. It has a slight smell of fermented fish.

The sauce perfectly complements the dish, with a combination of chili sauce and seafood flavors.

The more you eat, the more enjoyable it is. No one is stopping each other. Don't worry about a baht per stick, it's not much...

Two people wouldn't eat much, just 100 skewers, which is 100 baht (80 skewers for me, 20 skewers for my girlfriend).

And the highlight of this meal… "Boiled pork head salad"

What makes it special is that we can choose any part of the pig's head to use in the salad...

I enjoy the crunchy texture of pig ears. The flavor is predominantly spicy, with a hint of saltiness, sourness, and sweetness to balance the richness.

Add julienned cucumber and thin noodles resembling rice vermicelli but with the flavor of ramen, providing a satisfying textural contrast when chewing.

Perfectly balanced and incredibly delicious (paired wonderfully with several bottles of drinks).

After a satisfying meal, it's time to rest. We have an early morning alms offering tomorrow.

Waking up early, I sip a cup of coffee and admire the view of the bridge.

Prepare to go to the alms offering by taking a bath.

And then our ship came to pick us up....

The boat brought us to the Mon Bridge, where we crossed the river to participate in the alms-giving ceremony.

Taking a moment to capture a photo of my partner on the bamboo raft.

(Purchased last night at the walking street market. The price depends on individual bargaining.)

The surrounding atmosphere is refreshing and relaxing.

And then it came… the crowd was very dense because it was a holiday.

The atmosphere is lovely. Tourists are dressed as Mon people.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

This is our alms offering set, priced at 99 baht. It includes water, milk, snacks, cooked rice, and dried food.

The young child who prepared the alms offering for us asked if it was expensive. It was a bit pricey, to be honest.

However, upon seeing her, we were happy to pay. Helping each other out...

**Uniquely,** villagers here have a custom of **placing items in basins and balancing them on their heads.**

Don't ask me why... I don't know either. Haha.

After the alms offering, it's time to embark on a boat trip to see the underwater temple.

As we boarded the ship, we encountered an insect... I'm not sure what it's called, but I'll call it a **giant grasshopper**. It was enormous... Anyway, let's get on board.

All aboard! Let's go! (Please wear a life jacket for safety.)

The program includes a **boat trip to visit three temples**.

This includes Wat Wang Wiwekaram (original), Wat Somdet, and Wat Si Suwan.

Previously, this area was home to various villages and three distinct temples: a Thai temple, a Mon temple, and a Karen temple. It served as the confluence of three rivers: the Songkalia, Rantee, and Bikhli rivers, earning it the name "Sam Prasop" (Three Meetings). However, the construction of the Kaeng Laem Dam submerged the area, forcing villagers to relocate to higher ground, where they reside today.

The first temple I visited was Wat Si Suwan, a temple belonging to the Karen people. On the day of my visit,

Submerged... completely out of sight (so I don't know what to photograph).

Next stop, Somdet Temple.

This is a Thai temple. Inside the ordination hall, the main Buddha statue is still relatively intact, allowing us to pay our respects.

This temple is not submerged, but it is isolated and abandoned due to its location on an island.

The last temple... Wat Wang Wiwekaram (original) is known as the "underwater temple" or the sunken city.

This is a truly hidden gem of a tourist destination, a must-see on any Unseen Thailand itinerary.

The temple pavilion is now submerged.

Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.

Inside, there are still some Buddha statues left for us to worship...

A popular angle... that everyone must capture.

The boat trip to visit the temple has been successfully completed.

Return to accommodation...pack clothes into bags, move accommodation

No way I'm sleeping in the same place again after coming all this way.

The accommodation will be discussed later. For now, pack your bags and let's go on a trip to Burma...

It's time for another Birger ride. We rode from Sankhla to the Three Pagodas Pass, a distance of about 22 kilometers.

He turned the microphone all the way up, fearing he wouldn't have enough time to visit all the places he wanted to.

Not quite there yet...

Strolling around, looking for something to eat while waiting...

Waiting to share a group to cross to the Burmese side...because if we go two people, it will be very expensive.

We were joined by two more people on our trip, who are a couple.

Together with two other people, we are a group of four. The price per person is 300 baht, for a total of 1200 baht.

Despite the higher-than-expected price, I decided to go. After all, I've come this far.

This is our tour guide, a young Burmese boy who speaks a little Thai.

The car that will take us on our trip is small and compact, with four seats including the driver. However, we are a group of six people...

And of course, the guide sat at the back door....haha

I will refrain from further explanation, as I lack the necessary knowledge.

The guide's explanation was equally confusing.

Let the picture tell the story...

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

The young guide explained the details of the "Thep Than Jai" shrine with great enthusiasm. Of course, this is common knowledge, haha.

"Sweet eyes" I asked the guide why they had to be sweet eyes. The guide replied curtly, "I don't know either."

It took about 2 hours to return to the Thai side.

The experience was enjoyable. The atmosphere was pleasant, and we were able to learn about their art. Additionally, our little guide kept us entertained throughout the journey.

Unfortunately, the poor little guide seems to be unwell because he ran in the rain to retrieve the shoes.

As we entered to pay respects to the Buddha inside.

As a gesture of goodwill, we provided them with medication.

The little guide smiled so widely that he was almost instantly cured.

On our way back, we came across a waterfall, so we stopped to take a look.

The 22-kilometer drive back triggered another wave of hunger pangs.

And of course, we had to fill our stomachs at the walking street again...

"If you're in Sakon Nakhon, be sure to try the papaya salad near the post office."

Today, I have a craving for papaya salad. The long queue is a clear indication of the right place.

During the day, the stall is located next to the Sankhla Post Office, but at night, it moves to the walking street and becomes a motorcycle cart.

The taste is beyond words... incredibly spicy.

And because the pork head salad was so delicious, we had to have another round...

However, today's shop is different from yesterday's.

Buy everything back, please ask for a plate from the accommodation.

Oh! Speaking of accommodation, I just remembered something funny.

We stayed at "Cherko Cherko" for 1000 baht per night. The accommodation is a loft house with a clean and tidy interior.

The front of the property features a charming vintage-style wooden house, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the ambiance. The overall atmosphere is warm and inviting, creating a sense of homeliness.

...and there are also bicycles available for you to enjoy.

Let's get back to our papaya salad recipe...

There are many dogs here, but they are friendly and playful. They won't bite.

Full and ready for bed... Going home tomorrow already....

Woke up early, checked out, packed my bags, and headed home.

Driven by hunger, I stopped by a food stall at the fresh market for a quick bite.

The food is delicious and very affordable. I especially appreciate the local prices, which are much lower than tourist prices.

I ordered two plates right away. (Delicious! Oh! No! It's not. It's just a small portion. 555)

This sentence is crossed out.

After the savory, it's time for something sweet.

While waiting for the van back to Kanchanaburi city, we had some time to spare, so we decided to look for a coffee shop. We drove around until we found one.

Kaf kafe, a trendy coffee shop in Sankhlaburi.

The owner is busy making coffee.

The shop is very cutely decorated.

There are many books to read and enjoy.

Great taste… refreshing and relieves fatigue.

Surprisingly, the back of the shop is a place to stay...

The Power of Words: A Journey Through Translation

The act of translation transcends the mere conversion of words from one language to another. It is a delicate dance between cultures, a bridge connecting diverse perspectives, and a catalyst for understanding. As a journalist translator, I am entrusted with the responsibility of conveying the essence of a message, ensuring its accuracy and preserving its intended impact.

My role extends beyond simply finding the equivalent words in another language. It involves delving into the nuances of cultural context, understanding the author's intent, and capturing the emotional undertones of the text. Each sentence, each phrase, becomes a stepping stone on a journey of cross-cultural communication.

In this pursuit of linguistic accuracy and cultural sensitivity, I employ a multifaceted approach. I leverage my deep understanding of both the source and target languages, drawing upon my knowledge of grammar, syntax, and idiomatic expressions. Additionally, I immerse myself in the cultural context of the text, researching historical references, social norms, and prevailing values.

Furthermore, I utilize advanced translation tools and resources, such as machine translation engines and specialized dictionaries. These tools provide valuable assistance in identifying potential ambiguities and ensuring terminological consistency. However, I recognize that technology alone cannot replace the human touch. My critical analysis and judgment remain paramount in ensuring the quality and accuracy of the translation.

As I embark on this translation journey, I am guided by the principles of objectivity and academic rigor. I strive to maintain a neutral and unbiased approach, avoiding personal opinions or subjective interpretations. My focus remains on faithfully conveying the author's message, supported by evidence and factual information.

Throughout this process, I am mindful of the potential pitfalls of translation. Cultural nuances can be easily lost, and subtle meanings can be misinterpreted. To mitigate these risks, I engage in a continuous dialogue with the author, seeking clarification and ensuring that the translated text aligns with their original intent.

Moreover, I recognize the importance of critical analysis. I pose questions, challenge assumptions, and explore alternative interpretations. This critical engagement allows me to delve deeper into the text, uncovering hidden meanings and enriching the translation with new insights.

Ultimately, my goal is to produce a translation that is not merely accurate but also impactful. I strive to create a text that resonates with the target audience, conveying the author's message with clarity, precision, and cultural sensitivity. This is the essence of my role as a journalist translator, a bridge builder between languages and cultures.

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It has a Japanese feel to it....

** **

There is a Japanese...

The Way of Zen…

I've already asked about the price…it's not expensive. (If I come again, I'll probably stay here.)

I can't help but feel a pang of regret. If only we had met sooner...

After exploring to their heart's content, it was time to return the motorbike. The two of them walked dejectedly, waiting for the van...

Sigh............

Sigh...

Sigh…*

He sighed for a long while.

In the end, we must bid farewell and return to where we came from.

A small town where diverse cultures harmoniously coexist, free from conflict, where people rely on each other and live together as one.

One cannot help but wonder...

Even intellectuals in the capital should think like ordinary people...

Thank you all for watching.

And we shall meet again...

• Cheerful Freelancer -