Around Thong Pha Phum

Thong Pha Phum is more rest stop than destination, so you'll find sights thin on the ground. At the centre of Thong Pha Phum is a busy market, which is worth a visit, particularly for the occasional Burmese imports. The town is presided over by a glittering Mon-style chedi; a walk up the steep hillside to visit it should fill an afternoon, and you'll be rewarded with a pleasant breeze and excellent views to as far as the dam.

One of the biggest tourist draws in the area is Khao Laem Dam. Unfortunately, it's some distance from town, and not easily accessible without your own transport -- it's a 6km walk from town along a straight and shadeless road. You might be able to convince a motorbike taxi to take you there for 60B, otherwise hop on a Pilog-bound yellow songtheaw from the market. It will drop you off near the dam, from where it is another kilometre hike to get there.

If you rustle together a group of people, Baan Cwaedaen will organise tours, but otherwise you need to rely on public transport to get around. To the west of Thong Pha Phum is the dam and 70km away (and two hours by yellow songtheaw) is the outpost of Pilog. There is not much to experience in Pilog except for remoteness and a complete lack of tourists.

North and en route to Sangkhlaburi is Diachong Thong waterfall and Kraeng Kawia waterfall and a forest wat. About 15km south of town is Hin Daat hot springs which are 3km off the main road and signposted in English. The water bubbles away in a series of artificial bathing pools at around 40 degrees. Pha Tat waterfall is 30km south of town.

Further to the south you will reach Sai Yok National Park. There are also a couple of elephant camps: Puthong Elephant Park and Linthinland mainly cater to organised groups from Kanchanaburi but everyone is welcome. All the southbound destinations can be reached by the local bus to Kanchanaburi.