For those who have just entered the workforce, there are many questions that arise. These are questions specific to this age group that take time to answer. I am one of those who have stepped onto the anxieties of this age group, running away into the forest many times. It doesn't matter where I go or why, as long as I can grab my bag and walk away.

My new journey began in the rainy season. Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi Province, was the destination that called out to me. And the long weekend was like a divine decree that allowed me to turn my back on the usual circle of life. I left home early in the morning to catch the 6:00 AM Bangkok-Phutthamonthon-Kanchanaburi van at Victory Monument. The fare was 120 baht. That morning, there was a long queue of people paying for tickets. Many people wanted to go home, but some didn't know their destination yet, depending on where their friends would take them.

After only three hours of sleep, I arrived at the Kanchanaburi Provincial Passenger Transport Station. I stopped to refuel and then rushed to catch the Thong Pha Phum-Sangkhla Buri van. The van left with a full load of passengers. The fare was 175 baht. Soon, the scenery on both sides of the road changed again. The communities were further apart, and the forest, high cliffs, and steep curves began to appear. I reached my destination safely, without any dizziness throughout the more than 3-hour drive through the dense jungle. The Mon community by the river was not far from here.

According to my original plan, I had chosen accommodation in Soi Sam Prasop. However, upon arrival, I found that all the rooms were booked and occupied. Nevertheless, I soon found a vacant room near Udom Sitsaket School. I quickly grabbed it, arranged my belongings, rested my body, and then set off to explore the countryside highway.

The first place I visited was the replica of the Mahabodhi Pagoda, a magnificent golden-yellow square-shaped religious site that stands prominently by the river. It is a spiritual center for the Mon people of Sangkhla Buri District. To pay respects to the sacred objects inside the pagoda, one must dress modestly. However, for women who happen to be wearing only a few pieces of cloth, there is no need to despair, as they can rent a sarong for a ridiculously low price. Another point of interest is the large lion statue that stands in front of the pagoda, as if guarding against evil spirits that might encroach upon the religion. Statues of deities adorned with ornaments are also lined up around the pagoda. After exploring the pagoda thoroughly, I did not forget to visit another important religious site located nearby, Wat Wang Wiwekaram (New).

The sun was setting, and gray rain clouds were scattered across the sky. But the sun was still strong, scorching the skin. After filling our stomachs with Mon-style Hang Lay curry, it was time to take a boat trip along the river where the Songkalia, Biekli, and Rantee rivers converge. We enjoyed the scenery on both sides of the river for a while before the boat docked. "We have arrived at the underwater city, or Wat Wang Wiwekaram," the young tour guide said hesitantly. As expected, the middle of the water pavilion still stood tall on the lush green grass, waiting to be admired and cast a spell on tourists to make them want to come back again when this Buddhist site shows off above the water. That alone was worth it.

I spent a long time immersing myself in nature, the river, and the past. When I returned to the Mon village, it was already evening. The long wooden bridge, a symbol of the community, was now bustling with activity after being deserted due to the scorching sun. After admiring the beauty of the bridge and the surrounding scenery for a while, I decided to move to one of the best viewpoints. A place where I could see the river winding its way through the dark mountains and the long wooden bridge stretching from the side. This is it, the Songkalia Bridge, a passage that should not be missed.

This evening, I decided to find some delicious food around Sangkhla Buri Fresh Market. After a quick glance, I found a shop with a large crowd. The signs above the vendor's head were all local dishes, including Burmese tea leaf salad, Mon-style rice noodle salad, Karen salad, banana blossom vermicelli, and fried vegetables in batter. I tried a little bit of everything, and I can guarantee that every dish was delicious. Afterwards, I went to a restaurant that served skewers of pork for one baht each. The way to eat it is simple: just sit around the pot, choose the larger pieces, dip them in the sauce, and then eat them. The taste may not be extraordinary, but try it, or the locals will think you haven't been to the area.

The next morning, I returned to the Mon village to observe their morning life and say goodbye. Many people were lined up waiting to offer alms, some were gathered in shops, and some were walking around enjoying the mist floating over the trees. I spent the rest of my time capturing as many memories as possible before turning back to my normal life in the concrete jungle, a place full of triggers that remind me to travel.