By some miracle, this gorgeous little mountain town has managed to stay largely off the tourist trail. Nestled amongst magnificent peaks, scenic countryside and with a huge lake at its center, Sangklaburi is quite simply one of the most beautiful places in Thailand, with a distinct sense of remoteness. The town plays host to a diverse community of Thai, Mon, Burmese, Karen and Lao people, and the plethora of languages used here reflects this. This is not the ideal place to practice your Thai, as many of the locals speak it only as a second or even third language, but there is a significant chance you will be actively encouraged to learn Mon.
The huge, man-made Khao Laem Reservoir splits Sangklaburi into two parts, known in English as Thai Side and Mon Side. These are connected by what is purported to be the longest wooden bridge in Thailand, and is a popular meeting spot for a Friday night with the close-knit NGO worker/volunteer community. If you get bored of lying in your hammock, popular activities include organizing treks and elephant rides as well as renting a houseboat out for the weekend. You can even hire an ATV at the local ‘Nature Club’ if you are so inclined. For workaholics, there is plenty of opportunity to use your spare time giving extra help to yours and other organizations.
If you are placed in this picturesque corner of Thailand, you will surely be won over by the undemanding pace of life and abundance of cheap restaurants.