Thailand

Filled with shops and Buddhist temples, Mae Sot is an incredible city in northern Thailand, located in Tak province near the border with Myanmar. Let's delve into what makes this destination unique!

Impressive temples, breathtaking rice field landscapes, and stalls brimming with gemstones at the Rim Moei market—Mae Sot's astonishing diversity captivates all travelers. This small town in the Tak region reveals another side of Thailand, blending Burmese and Thai influences. While historical sites predominate, exploring Mae Sot can also include culinary adventures or relaxing in thermal springs. Mae Sot has long been infamous for high crime rates and drug trafficking, which hindered tourism. Fortunately, private travel agencies now offer safe exploration of the city and its attractions, including the historical ruins of Sukhothai.

A bit of history

Mae Sot is uniquely positioned on the border with Myanmar, explaining its tumultuous and violent past. It was once under Burmese possession, and from 1962 until 2011, Myanmar was under the rule of oppressive military regimes. Mae Sot became a hub for refugees and Burmese migrants seeking humanitarian aid during this period. To understand this historical link between Thailand and Myanmar, two monuments stand out: the Friendship Bridge spanning the Moei River, which separates the two countries, and the Death Railway, where thousands of workers lost their lives due to Myanmar's refusal to open state borders to foreigners.

Mae Sot today

Welcome to this unusual small town in western Thailand, 87 km from Tak and 492 km from Bangkok! The mixed and multiracial society strikes visitors immediately. Beyond skin color, Burmese influence is evident in cuisine, attire, and the betel nut habit, which residents of all ages and genders chew instead of smoking. Despite its modest size, Mae Sot exudes a mysterious and unfamiliar atmosphere that is unique. It's well worth a visit during a trip to northwest Thailand, offering golden pagodas, historical monuments, and waterfalls. There are numerous natural treasures to explore in the surrounding areas.

Must-see and visit in Mae Sot

Wondering what activities are a must in Mae Sot? Check out the list of essential attractions below.

Religious heritage

Wat Chumphon Khiri

This temple, built in the 19th century and also known as Wat Klang, is an iconic landmark in the city. Visit to see the Maravichai-style Buddha. Its restored chedi, a faithful replica of the Chawedagong stupa, is a source of pride for Myanmar. Inside the chapel, the image of Siddhārtha Gautama defeating the temptations of Mara is also popular among visitors.

Wat Mani Phraison

Located near the city market, this sanctuary is known for its large chedi, which contains over 233 miniature chedis. The 500,000 Buddha statues inside showcase exceptional sculptural delicacy and are a must-see.

Wat Thai Watthanaram

Built in the 19th century, this temple is located outside the city walls, about 5 kilometers from the center. The place of worship is heavily frequented by Buddhists for its chapel containing a large Buddha named Phra Phutthamahamuni, an exact copy of Mandalay's sacred Buddha in Myanmar.

Wat Doi Hin Kio

To marvel at the continuing Buddhist culture in Mae Sot, a visit to Wat Doi Hin Kio, also known as the "Golden Rock," is essential. Pilgrims fervently climb the cliffside to worship the Mon-style chedi at the summit. An annual Buddha festival is held here every February.

Natural heritage

Thararak Waterfall

A magnificent masterpiece of nature, this waterfall is located about forty kilometers from Mae Sot. The waters cascade over limestone rocks, creating a picturesque scene.

Mae Ka Sa hot springs and caves

Located 25 kilometers north of the city, the hot springs are accessible via hiking trails through lush forests. The caves are located near the village of Mae Ka Sa.

Pha Charoen Waterfall

This multi-level waterfall is an integral part of the Namtok Pha Charoen National Park, located 40 km south of Mae Sot.

The Market

Mae Sot is not just a hub of temples and stupas showcasing Buddhist cultural heritage. To fully experience the local atmosphere, a visit to the outdoor markets is a must.

Mae Sot Market

Even if shopping isn't your thing, don't miss this lively, colorful marketplace full of life. The market offers authentic local products ranging from traditional jewelry to fresh fruits and vegetables, along with delicious rice-based dishes, the Burmese staple. Street food is abundant, allowing food enthusiasts to dine well without breaking the bank.

Rim Moei Market

If you're looking for luxury items, head to Rim Moei Market and immerse yourself in its vast labyrinth of shops selling fashion, jewelry, high-tech gadgets, and handicrafts. You'll find almost everything here at a wide range of prices! The market is renowned throughout Thailand for its gemstone trade. Don't miss this shopping haven just 5 km west of Mae Sot. Locals often refer to it as "Rim Moei Market" or "Border Market."

Friendship Bridge

Spanning the Moei River, marking the boundary where the Kingdom of Siam ends and Myanmar begins, this bridge is a poignant monument in the city. Completed recently in 2019, it was inaugurated in the presence of the Thai Prime Minister and the Myanmar President. This historical symbol reflects the political will to end years of armed conflicts witnessed by Mae Sot in the past. Most tourists stop here to take photos.

The best time to visit Mae Sot

Mae Sot experiences a tropical savanna climate with dry winters. The hottest period of the year is often in April, with temperatures peaking at 36.8°C.

The monsoon season begins in May and ends in October.

How to get there?

Improved transportation routes and the establishment of a municipal airport have made access to the city very convenient. To travel to Mae Sot, tourists can choose between air travel and public transport. Mae Sot Airport is located on the outskirts of the city, about 2 km from downtown and 1 km from the Burmese border.

Arriving by bus

To save on transportation costs, the best option is to take an overnight bus. If traveling from Bangkok, head to Mo Chit Bus Terminal. The journey to Mae Sot is often overnight.

Arriving by air

If flying from the capital, go to Don Muang International Airport. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Getting around Mae Sot

Mae Sot is a cyclist's paradise. Many accommodations offer bicycle rental services. Prices range from 50 to 100 baht per day. Cycling is practical and economical, and it's environmentally friendly.

If you're not into cycling, public buses serve all the city's tourist sites. Additionally, songthaews (shared taxis) and motorbike taxis are common in Mae Sot, as in all Thai regions.