Three Pagodas Pass

The small market at Three Pagodas Pass on the Thai/Myanmar border, Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

The pass has been the main land route between India and South East Asia since ancient times. It is believed that Buddhism spread from India into Thailand this way. It was also the route through which Thai and Burmese forces attacked each other and the route through which the Japanese built the infamous "Death Railway" during World War 2. These days there is a simple border crossing but it is only open for local traders to reach the small market on the Thai side. It is closed to international travellers.