From Bangkok, you can use the Northern or Southern Bus terminal to reach Sangkhlaburi (a town 13 km from Baan Dada).
Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit):
1st class, 2nd class, a/c and non-a/c buses leave Mo Chit and go directly to Sangka Bus Station in Sangkhlaburi (6-8 hours). Last bus leaves at 12:30 pm.
Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai):
1st class, 2nd class, a/c and non-a/c buses leave Sai Tai Mai for Kanchanaburi (2-3 hours). From Kanchanaburi, buses leave for Sangkhlaburi (3-6 hours). Last bus from Kanchanaburi to Sangkhlaburi leaves around 3:30 pm.
Once in Sangkhlaburi
If arriving from the Northern Bus terminal, you will be dropped at Sangka Bus station. It is on one of the main roads of Sangkhlaburi. To get to Baan Dada, walk down the street (go NW, not SE – if you see a market on your right, you are going the wrong way) about 20 meters until you reach a T intersection. There should be a stand in front of you, and a big parking lot behind that. At the southern end of the parking lot, there should be a few green songthaews (covered pick-up trucks). Get on a Songthaew that is heading for Huay Ma Lai (the village where Baan Dada is located). There are no English signs, just walk up to the drivers or the people hanging out near the songthaews and say “Huay Ma Lai” or “Baan Dada.” All of the drivers know about Baan Dada and will know where to drop you. Huay Ma Lai is about 13 km from Sangkhlaburi and the songthaew ride is 30 baht.
If arriving from the Southern Bus Terminal, you will be dropped in a large parking lot. At the southern end of this parking lot, there should be a few green songthaews (covered pick-up trucks). Get on a Songthaew that is heading for Huay Ma Lai (the village where Baan Dada is located). There are no English signs, just walk up to the drivers or people hanging out near the songthaews and say “Huay Ma Lai” or “Baan Dada.” All of the drivers know about Baan Dada and will know where to drop you. Huay Ma Lai is about 13 km from Sangkhlaburi and the songthaew ride is 30 baht.
Alternatively, you could catch a ride on a motorbike or truck by the stand just outside the large parking lot and go to Baan Dada. It should cost around 120 baht per person.
Once in Huay Ma Lai
The songthaew driver may offer to drop you off at the orphanage; however, this is usually not the case. The songthaew should drop you at a crossroad bus stop with a small waiting stand on the right. You will be walking from this point. Take the right at the crossroads. The road is almost a dirt road (it once was paved). Walk about .5 kilometers, you will go up a hill, and then down it. Early into the walk there should be a small Christian foundation on your right. At the top of the hill there should be a clay and dirt quarry on your right, next to a rubber tree plantation. You will come to another crossroads intersection as you are going down the hill. Take a right. You will probably be able to hear/see Baan Dada at this point. It is about 20-30 meters down the road on the left.
