Thailand Borders 17: Kanchanaburi

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams..." - Eleanor Roosevelt

(Crispy roti canai at Tak Malay Cafe)

Day 17: Tuesday, 26 Nov 2024
Route: Mae Sot - Tak - Kanchanaburi
Distance: 460 km (7:54)
Hotel: Hop Inn Kanchanaburi

(A table for two, breakfast in the room)

Checked out and claimed our deposit of THB500. Drove to Mae Sot Border Check-point. The Mae Sot border checkpoint is a crossing point between Thailand and Myanmar, located in the Tak Province of Thailand and the Kayin State of Myanmar. It is located about 5 km from Mae Sot town in Thailand and 1 km from Myawaddy bus station in Myanmar. In April 2024, Myanmar closed its border crossing with Thailand junta forces carried out airstrikes in nearby areas. Recently, Thai police have set up a highway checkpoint aimed at preventing foreigners from being enticed into illicit work in Myanmar near the border.

(The highway to the 2nd Thai/Myanmar Friendship Bridge)

(The end of the road leading to the Friendship Bridge)

(Foreigners getting ready to cross the border)

(This border is notorious for human-trafficking and scammers)

(The border crossing is quite busy early in the morning)

Next to the border crossing is the Rim Moei Market. The market is located along the Moei River opposite the Myawaddy district of Myanmar. This market sells many local products, both Thai and Burmese, one can find dried bamboo shoots, dried fish, Bombay duck (fish), shiitake mushrooms, nut, leather goods, satin fabrics, etc. Rim Moei Market is particularly notable for its gemstone trading, especially Burmese jade and other stone-made accessories.

(The Rim Moei Market)

(Bought a few varieties of soaps from one of the stalls)

(Display of Siamese and Burmese products)

We had photo opportunities at the Moei River Western Most Viewpoint signage. The signage is located underneath the Thai–Myanmar Friendship Bridge the Moei river, which connects the city of Mae Sot in Thailand with the city of Myawaddy in Myanmar.

(The signage is guarded by wild dogs)

(The Moei River is just behind the signage)

Drove out of Mae Sot on Route 12 heading towards Tak. In Tak, we visited the Malay Cafe and had crispy roti canai and tasty chicken curry for brunch. The cafe is owned by Wan, a young Malay guy from Dengkil. Met three young bikers heading to the highlands of Phu Thab Berk.

(Driving on the Route 12 highway)

(The mountainous winding road)

(Stopping for brunch in Tak)

(A new Malaysian Cafe in Tak)

(The three young Malaysian bikers having breakfast)

(The young owner and his signature dish)

Drove on Route 1 towards Kanchanaburi and stopped at Aminyan Halal restaurant in Nakhon Sawan. Had our lunch of nasi goreng with onion beef and omellete. 

(Welcome to Nakhon Sawan)

(Many Muslim eateries along this street)

(Aminyan Restaurant, our favorite eatery in town)

(Comfortable airconditioned room)

(Khao Pod Talay for my lunch)

After lunch we walked to the Pakistan Mosque about 300 m from the halal restaurant and performed our jamak prayers.

(A short walking distance from Aminyan Restaurant)

(The interior and mimbar area)

(The main prayer hall and the ladies prayer hall)

(Spacious area for dining and majlis agama)

(Clean bathroom and a resting room for travelers)

From Nakhon Sawan we drove direct to Kanchanaburi and reached Hop Inn hotel around 7.45 pm. We booked for two nights at RM85/night. As we were not that hungry, we had buns, sliced bread and coffee for dinner in the room.

(Driving out of Nakhon Sawan towards Kanchanaburi)

(Checked-in Kanchanaburi Hop Inn hotel for 2 nights)

(A must visit attractions in Kanchanaburi)

(A basic, comfortable clean room for 2 nights)

(A donut and coffee for dinner)