Tourist attraction in Thailand: ‘E-tong Village’

E-tong is a small and remote village situated in a valley of Pilok subdistrict in Thong Pha Phum District of Thailand’s Kanchanaburi Province. Pilok rose as a mining boomtown in the past, when tin and tungsten mines were established in the area, but suffered greatly from the tin market crash, after which its mines ceased operation. The village has since seen revival as a tourist destination. The village of I-tong itself has become a tourist destination for its romantic atmosphere and the fog which regularly rolls in over the surrounding hills. The road from Thong Pha Phum District to Pilok’s I-tong is a quite sensational drive; however, driving on this road may seem smooth at first but may later spot bumpy roads or dirt roads under construction. Get your vehicle ready with full gas tank and watch out for road obstacles during your drive. Remember, there is no gas station during your journey until you reach the village.

To travel to Pilok ’s E-tong Village from Kanchanaburi, it takes 146 kilometers from Muang District of Kanchanaburi Province to Thongpapoom District, continue driving for 70 kilometers from Thongpapoom District to Pilok Mine. Starting from Kanchanaburi main road, there will be an Kaeng Sien intersection, make your left to Sai Yok District – Thongpapoom District. Drive along the Public Highway No. 323 until reaching Highway No. 3273. At the T-junction (going ahead is to Thongpapoom District and you will find the Thongpapoom District Office on your right. Drive along the dam for 30 kilometers before reaching another T-junction and turning left to Pilok. Carefully drive with low gear because the route goes through the mountain slope. It is quite narrow and has various bends. It will take around 13 kilometers from Thongpapoom National Park to Jong Krading Water Fall, Sonsak Mine, and Chang Suek Hill and at the end of this route is the E-tong Village.

To visit Etong Village, Thong Pha Phum district, visitors may experience narrow route with various bends; nevertheless, the road doesn’t have steep slopes, all types of vehicles could pass but may find bumpy roads. Always use low gear for your drive and watch out for slippery road during rainy season. For those who are interested in riding a bus, visitors may take a yellow bus. The ticket fee is ฿70 per person. The buses will start to depart at 10.30 AM at Thong Pha Phum market. In case visitors take Bus No. 999 (from Bangkok to Three Pagodas Pass), the bus will depart at 5.00 am. To leave E-tong village, the departure times of bus will be 6.30 a.m. and 7.30 a.m.