Three Pagodas Pass
Pass Border pass between Thailand and Myanmar marked by pagodas
Mountain pass on the Thailand-Myanmar border named for three nearby stupas; travellers visit for cross‑border history, border markets and the rugged scenery of the Tenasserim Range.
Three Pagodas Pass is a mountain pass on the Thailand-Myanmar border in the Tenasserim Hills. It is named for a trio of small pagodas that stand near the frontier road and long served as a visible landmark at the crossing.
The three pagodas themselves are the immediate focal point - three small stupa-like brick monuments set beside the border road and visible from the Thai approach. The area also features a local market and a formal border checkpoint where traders and tourists transit between countries.
The pass has been used for centuries as a trade and communication route between the Burmese and Siamese realms and has seen repeated military and commercial use over time. The surviving pagodas give the place its modern name and mark the historic frontier route.
The pass sits in the Tenasserim Hills on the Thailand-Myanmar frontier near the Thai border settlement and the Myanmar border town across the line. It occupies a low saddle in the hills where the frontier road crosses from one country to the other.
- Border crossing information: The land crossing is an international border checkpoint with Myanmar; visitors should check visa requirements and operating hours before travel.
What to See #
- Three Pagodas and border area: A group of three small stupa-like pagodas on the Thai side and a border checkpoint and market area on the adjoining plain; the pagodas are the landmark that gives the pass its name and sit close to the frontier road.
Tips for Visiting Three Pagodas Pass #
- Check current border-crossing regulations and visa/permit requirements before you travel-Three Pagodas Pass is an international frontier and crossings can be restricted or subject to special permits.
- Visit early in the morning for cooler temperatures and to see local market activity on the Thai side; the mid- to late-afternoon period can be quieter as border offices close or slow.
- If you plan to cross into Myanmar, only do so with verified, up-to-date permission and an organised transfer-attempting to cross without the correct paperwork is frequently refused and can involve fines or detention.
Best Time to Visit Three Pagodas Pass #
Aim for the cool, dry season (November-February) to avoid extreme heat and heavy rains when visiting Three Pagodas Pass.
Weather & Climate near Three Pagodas Pass #
Three Pagodas Pass's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 16°C to 35°C. Heavy rainfall (2420 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 29°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (278 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (419 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (445 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (515 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (382 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (214 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 5 mm and mostly sunny skies.