The remote city of Mae Sot is a culturally diverse destination blessed with traditional hill tribe influences, Burmese temples and Thai restaurants. The city is surrounded by national parks and a wildlife sanctuary, while its atmospheric streets reveal local markets, cooking classes, religious icons and handicraft shops.
Things to do in Mae Sot
Delve into local life at the bustling Mae Sot Market, renowned for its food stalls selling Burmese, Karen and Thai specialties. You can also find stall holders selling traditional Burmese clothing and jewellery. The nearby Border Market, also called “Rim Moei Market”, is a sprawling indoor bazaar with stalls selling electronics, jade jewellery, sweets and clothing.
You’ll find numerous temples within the city limits, including the stunning Wat Manee Praison, noted for its intricate dragons, Buddha statues and gilded exterior. Don’t miss seeing the 19th-century Wat Thai Wattanaram Temple, where you can admire the 45-metre-long reclining Buddha and almost 30 sitting Buddhas. Keep an eye out for the resident monks while visiting these temples.
Do you want to explore the surrounding nature? Check out Taksinmaharat National Park for stunning mountain and valley scenery or venture slightly further to Khlong Wang Chao National Park for an overnight adventure in traditional bungalows or riverside camping sites. Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary is north of Mae Sot and offers an iconic Buddhist temple and traditional bamboo rafting.
Enjoy authentic Thai and Burmese dining in Mae Sot, from the family recipes at Bai Fern to the halal dishes at Tui Khao Soi. There’s even Canadian fare served at Krua Canadian and delicious Indian meals at Bismillah Indian Restaurant.
Getting around Mae Sot
Mae Sot is easily reached by flying into Mae Sot Airport, about five kilometres away, or by driving or catching buses from Tak. You can explore the city on foot or by using the motorbike taxis and tuk-tuks. You can rent cars and motorbikes to venture further afield.