Mon Bridge: Discover the Record-Breaking Wooden Wonder in Sangkhlaburi

The Bear Team 6 min read

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Sangkhlaburi is a calm and beautiful westernmost district in Kanchanaburi, located more than 300 kilometers from Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok), around the border between Myanmar and Thailand. As well as its beautiful nature, it has many scenic places to visit: Mon Bridge, the famous, longest wooden bridge in Thailand; Wat Saam Prasob, the sunken temple in the dam and Three Pagodas Pass, situated around the border between Thailand and Myanmar and so on.

The Mon bridge of Sangkhlaburi is the natural attraction of the city. The Saphan Mony (in Thai) is a wooden bridge built by the locals that connect the Thai side to Wangkha, the Mon Part. With 400 meters, it is the longest bridge of its kind. Originally it was also used by vehicles but is now only a pedestrian bridge; cars and motorbikes use the concrete bridge a little further. At the beginning of the Mon Bridge, you will find a donation box for the maintenance of the bridge.

Sangkhlaburi's Mon Bridge is a special place of interest to watch the sunset while dining in the small restaurant at the beginning of the bridge on the Thai side. Join us for a tour around this beautiful bridge in Sangkhlaburi.

 Fun Fact!

Mon Bridge is about 850 meters long, the world's second longest and Thailand's longest wooden bridge.

A Historic Journey to the Famous Mon Bridge

Speaking about the Sangkhlaburi district, the first thing that comes to mind should be a picture of a wooden bridge stretching across the river. The bridge is embraced by verdant mountain ranges, surrounded by plants of diverse species, and covered by a thin layer of fog. 

The dazzling bridge that reflects the charm of local people's way of life is also known as Uttamanusorn Bridge (Mon Bridge). Formerly, it ranked Thailand's longest wooden bridge with a length of 850 meters and the world's second longest wooden bridge next to U Bein Bridge in Burma. Uttamanusorn Bridge links the two banks of the Songaria River at Nong Lu subdistrict, Sangkhlaburi district, Kanchanaburi province.

This bridge was built under the initiation of Luang Phor Uttama, the abbot of Wang Wiwekaram temple. The labor of Mon people completed the construction between 1986 and 1987. The bridge was considered the route of an international friendship between Thais and Mons because it links the Sangkhlaburi district to the Mon community on the other side of the bank. 

Additionally, it became one of the well-known tourist attractions in Kanchanaburi. Unfortunately, on 28 July 2013 at 18.30, the bridge fell apart in two, and 30 meters from the middle collapsed into the river. After 3 days of heavy rain, flash floods were sweeping down logs from Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary.

The collapse worsened the situation as the damaged part was increased to 70 meters by the afternoon of the day after. Therefore, a bamboo bridge has been built temporarily, while Mon Bridge is currently under restoration.

To learn and understand more about the other magnificent bridges in Sangkhlaburi, check out our post - Sangkhlaburi: The Complete Guide to Exploring All The Stunning Bridges, or if you're into boat tours, then read more about our other post - Sangkhlaburi: The Complete Boat Tours Adventure Guide.

 Trivia

Wooden Mon Bridge symbolizes the relationship between Thai and Mon  Villagers.

Scenic Bridges in Sangkhlaburi

The overall scenery of Sangkhlaburi is surrounded by mountains. The Songkalia River originates from Burma and flows through it. It is part of the way of life along the two sides of the river. Connecting Mon people, both Thai and Burmese, the Tsongalia River is the name of the Mon language translated into Thai, "Over there" is a river that divides the border of Sangkhlaburi District into two sides. 

On one side of the district are government offices and accommodations for tourists. Most of the villagers are Thais, who speak a common language. On the other side is a village of Mon people, even though they have settled for hundreds of years and recently immigrated. Sangkhlaburi has become a city of diverse ethnicities and cultures with a significant Mon population.

Other Cool Facts About the Mon Bridge

Luangpho Uttama, a Mon monk and abbot of Wat Wang Wiwekaram, initiated the construction of the bridge with local Mon workers in 1986. The bridge was completed in the following year and was named in honor of Luangpho Uttama.

Uttamanusorn Bridge is now considered a landmark and a significant tourist attraction in Kanchanaburi, along with other attractions such as the River Kwai Bridge and Death Railway, Sai Yok Noi Waterfall, and the Three Pagodas Pass.

Locals walk across the bridge every day to make merit by giving food to monks. However, in mid-2013, heavy rains and flash flooding from Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary caused the bridge to be destroyed. Fortunately, it was restored in 2014.

Why Should You Visit the Mon Bridge in Sangkhlaburi?

• You will see a performance by the Mon Dancers that various tour companies can organize.

• You will also be able to experience the delicacy of the Mon tribe.

• The highlight of your visit is the longest wooden bridge in Thailand.

• You can also take a bath in the river the same way the Mon people do.

• You can take a walk along the bridge.

• Watch the sunset or the sunrise from the bridge. 

• Shop products that the Mon people make.

How to Visit the Mon Bridge in Sangkhlaburi? 

Sangkhlaburi is a district that connects to the Burmese border. Approximately 215 kilometers from the city and 74 kilometers from Thong Pha Phum District, it is located in the area known as "Sam Prabhom," which is the place where 3 rivers, namely Songkalia, Bickley, and Rentee. These rivers converge and form the origin of river Kwai.

If you are staying in town near the bus terminal, it will be a bit longer to walk to Sangkhlaburi Mon Bridge, so it will probably be better to hire a tuk-tuk.

By private car from Krung Thep Maha Nakkhon (Bangkok):

• Take Highway No. 4 (Petchkasem Road) through Nakhon Pathom Province for about 9 kilometers; you will find a bridge across to Kanchanaburi.
  
  
• Run along Highway 323 for about 7 kilometers; you will find an intersection and turn right to enter the city of Kanchanaburi.
  
  
• Then head to Kaeng Sian Intersection and take the Thong Pha Phum district route that will pass Sai Yok Noi and Sai Yok Yai (125th-kilometer marker, Highway No. 323). 

• At a three-way intersection, turn right to Sangkhlaburi, pass Kreengkawi Waterfall and Dai Chong Thong Waterfall through Khao Laem Dam National Park.
  
  
• When you reach the Three Chedi Dan Intersection, go straight for another 7 kilometers; you will find a junction, turn left for about 300 meters, and see the Uttamanuson Bridge.

By Public Transport:

From the Southern Bus Terminal, take the Bangkok-Kanchanaburi bus line; it takes about 2 hours to the Kanchanaburi bus station. Then take the Kanchanaburi - Thong Pha Phum - Sangkhlaburi bus to the Sangkhlaburi bus terminal. It takes about 4 hours to travel from the city to Sangkhla Buri. Take a motorbike taxi to the bridge.

• Fares:
  Air-conditioned Vans = 118 Thai Baht
  Large Air-conditioned Buses = 151 Thai Baht

• Bus time:
  7.30 am - 4.30 pm. Buses leave every 1 hour

• Travel time:
  Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

 Did you know?

Mon bridge symbolizes the Sangkhlaburi district and works for people who live in Sangkhlaburi and Mon villages.

Map & More Information

Mon Bridge in Sangkhlaburi is the longest wooden bridge in Thailand. The bridge was constructed to provide a comfortable means of transportation for the residents of Sangkhlaburi and Mon Villagers. Although it is no longer open to vehicles, visitors can still walk across the wooden bridge and hold unto the stunning, breathtaking sunset or sunrise views at the dam. Additionally, it's a great spot to experience the local culture by taking a dip in the water like the Mon children do.