Update : 5/6/2026

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Ban Etong & Pilok Mine

Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi

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The Magical Village in the Clouds and the Nostalgia of a Bygone Mining Era Perched high in the rugged mountains of western Thailand—more than 1,000 meters above sea level—lies Ban Etong, a peaceful highland village famous for being blessed with year-round misty weather and cool mountain breeze. Today, it is a dream destination for nature lovers and slow-life enthusiasts looking to touch the sea of fog.

Beneath its sleepy, charming atmosphere lies a rich industrial history. In 1940, this village was the center of the Pilok Mine, a booming tin and wolfram mining hub that employed over 600 workers. In its golden age, Pilok was a bustling town complete with a thriving market and two movie theaters. However, when global mineral prices collapsed due to market undercutting in 1984–1985, the glorious mining era came to an end. The mines closed down, and the workers dispersed.

Today, the village has reinvented itself as an eco-tourism sanctuary. Local residents welcome travelers with cozy homestays, warm hospitality, and a beautifully preserved glimpse into their historic past.

Heading up the mountains toward Ban Etong and Pilok Mine. Navigating the 399 sharp, winding curves is made easier by the spectacular mountain views along the way.
Arrived at Ban Etong! Driving at a leisurely pace with two scenic stops took nearly 2 hours. It is highly recommended to leave Thong Pha Phum Market before 3:00 PM to avoid a risky drive in the dark and thick fog.
Ban Etong, a village blessed with pure air and endless fog. Every bit worth the journey, as proven by the ever-growing collection of visitors’ wooden name plaques.
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We stayed at Mining Hotel (approx. 800–1,000 THB/night, breakfast included). Due to limited electricity, there is no air conditioning in the village, but the mountain air is naturally chilly to freezing! Shower heaters here run on gas. Contact: +66 62 363 9128, +66 65 079 8545.
An all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast to kickstart the day.
The serene morning alms-giving tradition. Buddhist monks walk down to collect food offerings at Ban Etong Market around 7:00 AM.
Wat Pilok, located just a short uphill walk above the Ban Etong Market area.
Strolling through the village. The beautiful, exotic winter blooms grown by the locals are quite rare to see elsewhere in Thailand.
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The historic Pilok Mine under the Mines Organization, Ministry of Industry. It enjoyed a golden era starting in 1940 before crashing and closing down in 1984–1985 due to low mineral prices.
The abandoned remains of heavy machinery once used during the mining boom.
Budget-friendly souvenirs and local goods imported from nearby Myanmar.
Just a short walk above the village leads to a complimentary campsite area.
Jok Kradin Waterfall is located 5 km before reaching the village, plus a 2.8 km drive from the main entrance. Admission: 40 THB/person, plus 30 THB/car. The paved road is winding and very steep. A high-torque vehicle is recommended. Sedans can manage with a maximum of 2 passengers, but avoid visiting on rainy, wet days. The real challenge is the steep incline on the way back out!

Top 8 Things to Do in Ban Etong & Pilok

  1. Catch the Sunrise at Noen Chang Suek: Soak in spectacular 360-degree views of the mountain ranges along the Thailand-Myanmar border.
  2. Refresh at Jok Kradin Waterfall: Take a dip in the emerald-green waters of this stunning 30-meter high single-tier waterfall.
  3. Write a Wooden Souvenir Plaque: Leave your memories behind by hanging a signed wooden tag on the village bridge.
  4. Explore the Historic Pilok Mine: Walk among abandoned vintage mining machinery and rusty trucks left behind from the golden era.
  5. Shop for Burmese Souvenirs: Browse unique local products, snacks, and cosmetics imported right across the border from Myanmar.
  6. Savor Fresh Andaman Seafood: Enjoy surprisingly delicious and fresh seafood, sourced straight from the nearby Andaman Sea coast in Myanmar.
  7. Participate in the Morning Alms: Join the serene local tradition of offering food to Buddhist monks at dawn.
  8. Pay Respects at Wat Pilok: Visit the village’s main temple to seek blessings and enjoy its peaceful mountaintop setting.

Transportation & How to Get There

Getting to Ban Etong requires navigating a mountain highway with over 399 sharp curves spanning 70 kilometers from Thong Pha Phum town. Safe and careful driving is highly recommended.

Category 1: By Private Vehicle

  • Road Conditions: The road is entirely paved (asphalt/concrete), but certain stretches are uneven with potholes.
  • Vehicle Types: Motorbikes, standard pickup trucks, SUVs, and even small 1,200cc ECO Cars can easily make the climb (for Eco Cars, it is recommended to travel with a maximum of 2 passengers plus personal luggage for a smooth drive).
  • Important Driving Tips:
    • Fuel Up: Fill your gas tank completely before heading up from Thong Pha Phum. There are no major gas stations at the top—only small, manually-operated glass tube pumps.
    • Timing: Try to begin your mountain ascent before 3:00 PM to avoid driving through thick fog or darkness.
    • Jok Kradin Waterfall Alert: The detour road down to the waterfall is incredibly steep; use low gears and exercise extreme caution.

Category 2: By Public Transportation

There are two main options to reach the village without a car:

Option A: The Yellow Songthaew (Thong Pha Phum Market ⇄ Ban Etong)

  • Boarding Location: In front of Sabai Farm Restaurant, diagonally opposite the 7-Eleven in Thong Pha Phum Market.
  • Daily Schedule (3 trips per day, 1 vehicle per slot):
    • Going Up (From Market): 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | 12:30 PM
    • Going Down (From Etong): 07:30 AM | 08:00 AM | 08:30 PM
  • Fare: 100 THB per person.
  • Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours (Distance: 67 km).
  • Drivers’ Contact: Uncle Chan (+66 92 549 7098) | Uncle Toon (+66 81 361 3127) | Khun So (+66 65 616 7655)
  • Crucial Notes for Travelers: Vehicles may depart ahead of schedule if they become fully loaded. Some days, not all 3 trips will run, so always call to confirm. If you miss the bus, a private charter costs 1,500 THB per trip (accommodates up to 13 people).

Option B: Air-Conditioned Minibus (Kanchanaburi Main Bus Terminal ⇄ Ban Etong)

Operated by Asia Sai Yok Transport Co. (The station is located right next to the main Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal).

  • Going Up (From Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal): 09:30 AM | 02:00 PM
  • Going Down (From Ban Etong): 08:00 AM | 02:00 PM
  • Estimated Fare: 200 – 300 THB per person (Subject to confirmation at the counter).
  • Travel Time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours (Distance: 213 km).
  • Contact Information:
    • Kanchanaburi Station Office: +66 81 763 8448
    • Ban Etong Station Office (Khun Thanakor): +66 81 279 7211

Map

Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi