The Three Pagoda Pass conjures up a magical and mysterious image and is 280kms. from Kanchanburi and 340 kms. from Bangkok. over the centuries it has been the invasion route for the Burmese, a station for the Death Railway during World War II, and a stronghold for the Mon and Karen rebels fighting for autonomy. Since it was captured back from the Mon and Karen ethnic rebels in 1990, foreign tourists have made their way up to the border but according to TAT statistics only 15% of visitors to Kanchanaburi go onto visit the boarder.