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Sangkhla Buri in the Rainy Season This is my second trip to Sangkhla Buri. The first time was in April 2017, and the second time was in early September 2017.

Four people embarked on a journey from Bangkok at 6:00 AM. The trip took six hours, covering a distance of approximately 400 kilometers. They arrived at their accommodation shortly after noon.

We stayed at "Cat & Oil House", located on the Mon Village side. We chose a large room that could accommodate four people for 2,500 baht (including breakfast). However, upon arrival, the owner informed us that the cook was not available, resulting in no breakfast. They refunded 500 baht, bringing the total cost of the accommodation to 2,000 baht.

"Cat & Oil House" is located by the river and close to the wooden bridge, making it convenient for walking around the Mon village or walking to the wooden bridge. Oh, and importantly, there is parking available for about 6-7 cars.

House of Cat & Oil

After settling into our accommodation, we ventured out for lunch. We decided to try "Krua Bang Bon Ahan Tam Sang," a local restaurant specializing in made-to-order dishes. We ordered stir-fried catfish with chili paste and crispy pork with chili paste. The food was both visually appealing and delicious, and the prices were reasonable. While we were enjoying our meal, a heavy downpour began. After finishing our lunch, we decided to take a boat trip.

Rice topped with stir-fried spicy catfish with a fried egg

Spicy stir-fried pork with crispy pork belly and a fried egg over rice.

The boat rental fee for a trip to three temples in "Badan City" for 1-6 people is 500 baht per boat. While we were negotiating the price, it started to rain again. We finally agreed on a price of 400 baht and went on the trip even though we were all wet. Luckily, we got a big boat that could accommodate up to 15 people. Normally, a big boat like this would cost 800 baht per boat.

The first temple, Wat Si Suwan, was completely submerged in floodwaters, leaving only the flags marking its location visible. We could only offer a prayer with our hands clasped before moving on.

Temple 2: Wat Somdet Kao

This temple requires a climb of 65 steps to reach. Two young guides provided historical explanations during the ascent. The entrance to the chapel is located inside the temple grounds. Surrounding the chapel, one can observe layers of stacked stones. The young guides explained that the number of stones arranged in each layer carries different meanings.

A young guide, only 8 years old, demonstrates remarkable knowledge and eloquence in explaining historical events.

Temple 3: Wat Wang Wiwekaram (Original)

During the rainy season, only photographs can be taken from a boat, as the water floods the chapel, leaving only half visible. The bell tower is also only partially visible.

After a boat tour of the flooded city, I returned to my accommodation to shower and change clothes, as I had gotten wet from the rain during the boat ride.

Around 6 pm, we drove back to the Thai side (here it is called the Thai side and the Mon side) and went to the market, planning to walk around the walking street. However, to our surprise, there was no walking street. We asked a nearby vendor, who told us that the walking street would be open again in October. Disappointed, we walked around the market looking for snacks and dinner before returning to our accommodation.

"Sangkhla Evening Market"

If you're visiting Sangkhla, don't miss the signature dish: "Moo Jum" (Thai pork fondue). This local delicacy features various cuts of pork, including ears, intestines, tongue, liver, and meat, boiled and skewered. Each skewer costs only 1 baht. Two dipping sauces are provided for your enjoyment.

The first type is a sweet and sour red dipping sauce. The second type is a seafood dipping sauce. A cup is provided for scooping up the hot soup. For those who prefer spicy flavors, chili peppers are available as a condiment.

Khao Niao Thong Yot is a rare Karen dessert made from a mixture of flour and roasted sesame seeds. The dough is pressed into round sheets, steamed until cooked, sliced, and then deep-fried until crispy. It is best enjoyed hot with condensed milk.

Continuing on, we encountered a barbecue stand emitting an enticing aroma. We ordered four skewers, two pork and two chicken, at 15 baht per skewer.

The sauce used for basting during grilling has a delicious flavor. If you visit this restaurant, this is another menu item that you should not miss.

Entering the alley, I was greeted by the sight of bubbling salted egg yolk dumplings. I ordered a cup of each to try. The salted egg yolk dumplings were perfectly sweet, with chewy, cooked-just-right dough that wasn't overly sweet. The richness of the salted egg yolk cut through the sweetness perfectly. Sipping them hot as the air began to cool and a light rain started to fall was pure bliss. The sweet egg yolk dumplings, with their runny yolks, paired beautifully with the sweet and creamy coconut milk.

Salted Egg Yolk Bua Loy

Sweet egg dumplings

Early morning on the 2nd...

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As dawn breaks, the daily life of the villagers resumes. Each household sets up a table and arranges a set of offerings for the morning alms, known as "ใส่บาตรมอญ." Tourists can purchase these sets, typically priced at 99 baht, which include cooked rice, dry food, snacks, fresh flowers, and the opportunity to wear a traditional Mon outfit for free.

After offering alms, we had breakfast at Nang Yong Porridge Shop.

Must-try dishes include pork congee with egg, deep-fried dough sticks with condensed milk, and hang lay curry with roti. This restaurant offers unlimited crispy noodles to complement the congee, generously placed on every table in large pots.

After a hearty breakfast, we continued shopping for souvenirs. The local offerings included various types of Thanaka, fragrant Burmese rice, dried catfish, dried banana leaf fish, longyis, silver belts, silverware, jade, Burmese tea, and a variety of Burmese snacks.

Shop

Silverware

Jewelry - Jade

Dried ruffled fish

As I walked closer to the wooden bridge, I came across a peculiar-looking snack. I couldn't identify its name, but it resembled a Thai coconut pancake ("khanom krok") with grated coconut and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds. Another snack displayed beside it looked similar to our local "khanom thung taek."

Burmese dessert

After a satisfying shopping spree, we ascended to the wooden bridge, "Uttaramanusorn Bridge," for a photo opportunity. Young Mon children eagerly awaited to apply thanaka, a traditional Burmese cosmetic paste, for a small fee of 5 or 10 baht, depending on your generosity.

Mon children

Walking to the middle of the bridge, I encountered an elderly woman selling samosas. I noticed an unusual red dipping sauce, unlike anything I had seen before at home, so I decided to try it. A bag of five samosas cost 20 baht. The woman spoke no Thai, and we were unable to communicate. She simply held up one finger to indicate the price of 20 baht per bag. The samosas had a crispy exterior and a flavorful filling of spiced mashed potatoes. The red dipping sauce, with its sweet and sour notes, added a unique and unfamiliar flavor.

Upon reaching the Thai side, I stopped by AREE Coffee to purchase a postcard as a souvenir for 20 baht.

11:00 AM, it was time to continue our journey. However, before heading back, we stopped for lunch at "Pa Mit Samphan."

We ordered four recommended dishes and a pot of rice. All four dishes are must-try items when visiting this restaurant.

Grilled Fish Chili Paste

This is a simple and direct translation of the Thai phrase "น้ำพริกปลาย่าง". It is a common dish in Thailand, consisting of a spicy chili paste served with grilled fish.

Sun-dried anchovies

Fried catfish cake

Spicy and sour soup with catfish

Crispy Catfish Fritters made with authentic catfish, a touch of long beans, and perfectly seasoned. Deep-fried to a golden crisp, the fritters boast a bouncy texture and are served with a refreshing cucumber dipping sauce.

Sun-dried anchovies are anchovies that have been beheaded, split open, and dried in the sun. They are then deep-fried until crispy and served with kaffir lime leaves. The taste is slightly salty.

Grilled fish chili paste (This is my favorite dish) has a well-balanced flavor, just the right amount of spiciness, and is pounded to a perfect consistency. It is best enjoyed with boiled vegetables and fresh cucumber.

Spicy Catfish Tom Yum Fresh catfish in a spicy tom yum broth with sliced enoki mushrooms. A truly delicious dish.

For this meal, the cost was 620 baht, which is very reasonable considering the taste and the amount of food, which was more than enough for four people.

After lunch, we set off for "E-Tong Pilock House"
Review: E-Tong Pilock House in the rainy season