From Wikitravel

Mae Sot is in Tak Province, Thailand. It has an elevation of around 210 metres.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By road

Access from Tak is about 100km along Highway #105 via Doi Musoe (870 m altitude) and Doi Son (784 m altitude). Tak is connected to regular bus services between Chaing Mai and Bangkok.

Frequent mini buses connect Mae Sot directly with Tak bus station, starting at 5:30AM and finishing around 7PM, and in theory departing every 30 minutes (lower end of Burmese market). However those that are already full can be expected to leave early, and those that are not will probably go late. The journey takes about 90 minutes and costs approx. 78 baht/person. The surcharge for putting a bicycle on the roofrack is 50 baht. There is a through bus from Mae Sot to Sukothai, via Tak.

There are buses in the early morning and late evening from Mo Chit Bus Station in Bangkok. VIP buses are approximately 613 baht (single) per person. Try to get a spot on the top level of the bus (VIP) as you are not near the toilets at the bottom level, they stink! There are also cheaper first and second class buses- 394 baht and 306 baht respectively as of Feb. 2011. The buses leave Mae Sot and Mo Chit early in the morning and throughout the evening (several around 8am and 9pm) - day bus or night bus. This means that after approximately 7-8 hours of travel time you reach your destination very early - around 5pm depending on the bus you take. Tickets on first class and VIP buses entitle you to a free light meal and/or drink when you stop half way. There are motor bike and tuk tuk taxis at Mae Sot bus station. It is best to have a map of your destination, with Thai directions, if possible. The average fare into town or to one of the guest houses listed here, is between 50 - 100 baht - negotiate prior to embarking!

Tickets for the scheduled buses (i.e. not mini bus)to Chiang Mai can be purchased at the bus office on the Asian Highway, whilst a ticket to Bangkok can be purchased from the main bus station. Chiang Mai buses leave at 6 am.

Line cars travel frequently to Mae Sariang (north) and Umphang (south) - they leave from the market (ask for directions to the collection points) or you can flag them down on route, but beware, they are bone shakers and sometimes very full (spare seating on the roof).

[edit] By air

Mae Sot airport is about 2km west of the edge of town, and just 1km from the border. Solar Air operates Bangkok-Mae Sot- Chiang Mai flight every other day per week to and from Bangkok Don Mueng Airport (old airport) with a journey time of approximately 1.5 hours. Single fare is approximately 2,500 baht. Happy Air also fly every other day from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Nok Air operates flights from Bangkok.

As of November 2011, there is a flight from Chiang Mai on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with Kan Airlines. Journey time is approx. 50 minutes and costs approx. 1,900 baht. Flights from Bangkok are suspended due to flooding at Don Mueng.

[edit] Get around

Getting around town is pretty simple by foot but if you are looking for other forms of transport, bicycles (approximately 50 baht per day) and motor bikes (approximately 150 baht per day) can be rented by the day from one of the guest houses listed here, or from the lovely Thai Tiny Tim (speaks good English), on the left just past Mae Sot general hospital. You must wear a helmet (supplied) as the police do fine people (even foreigners!). You have to leave your passport for bond and fill up with petrol when you return it. Cars and 4 wheel drives can be hired from several places around town (e.g. Well Driving, close to Casa Mia). Be very careful as the driving in Thailand can at best be described as unconventional and at worst, downright dangerous.

Taxis come in the form of motor bike or tuk tuk, usually found near the Burmese market and outside Tesco (drivers sit around with special licenced number jackets). Obviously, prices depend on distance and passengers, but as a rough guide, 50 - 100 baht will get you to most places around the town.

[edit][add listing] See

• Myawaddy in Myanmar: Accessed via the border bridge, for a small fee, with passport. Overnight stays are not permitted. As of Dec 2011, the border was reopened. Situation around the Myawaddy / Mae Sot border region is perpetually a bit unstable.
• Border market: Well worth a visit for a whole range of locally made and Chinese and Burmese imports - including bootleg viagra, 'knocked off' cigarettes, whisky and designer goods, plus gems and plants.
• Town markets: The vibrant Burmese market in the centre of town represents an amazing cultural mix. There are Indo-burmese textiles, food and teak; as well as Karen, Mon, Hmong and other Burmese minority shops of all kinds. Turtles, eels and frogs all available at food stalls (mostly these are live) while pork, chicken, beef and lamb are also sold. There are numerous gem and jade shops - but they are not for amateurs, you best be able to tell the difference between real and fake gems if you plan to buy. There is a small indoor (morning and evening) Thai market at Baan Nua - on the way towards Mae Sot villas with lovely fresh vegetables, meat and cooked take away meals.
• Wat Mani Temple : On the eastern side of town (near the Tesco Lotus) has a sauna, for about 20B.
• Thai massage: Most recommended is in the grounds of Mae Sot general hospital, rear entrance and the one on the Asian Highway on the left towards the river, just past the traffic lights to Mae Ramat.
• Temples: Many and varied, some Thai and some Burmese style. Try to get to the one down towards the border (last main road on the right) - reclining Buddha and other delights.
• Swimming pools: Delightful one in a private house in Mae Sot villas (follow the signs), plus a gym and pool at Centara Hotel (Asian Highway).

[edit][add listing] Do

• Go to the Herbal Sauna at Wat Mani (in the east part of town). If you walk on the northern main road (in eastern direction) enter the temple complex at the sign Wat Mani, walk straight and turn right around the main building. The herbal sauna is at the back of the main temple. Bring your own towel and water bottle. Women should wear a sarong or loose cloth. There's a separate section for men and women. The steam room is tiny but this gives a good opportunity to mix up with locals. Open in the afternoon. GPS-coordinates: N 16° 43.019 E 98° 34.455

[edit][add listing] Buy

• The main market is a great place to purchace some Burmese goods. Wandering around it is easy to see the ethnic diversity in Mae Sot. Its is also a fantastic place to buy great fresh (often alive) food.

• There are many gem stone and jewelery shops offering good bargains. Most of the trade is for wholesale however. As with anywhere in Thailand, although many sellers are reputable, be wary that if you look European, low quality stones might be sold for high prices. Do some research before you buy.

• For locally made ethnic handicrafts (Fair Trade / Social Enterprise) goods try WEAVE or Borderline shops (pretty much opposite each other) on Inthrakiree Road heading into town from the west. Borderline also has a local artists gallery and a coffee shop (with snacks) and free wifi out the back.

• There are a couple of treking/tour companies operating out of Mae Sot, with jungle trips, elephant rides (if you have to) and white water rafting. SP Kitchen on Asia Highway is one option, Bai Fern in the center on Inthrakiree Road is another. Some routes are seasonal and cannot be accessed during the height of the rainy season (May - October).

[edit][add listing] Eat

Mae Sot is fast becoming known as a gourmet town, catering for tourists, NGO workers, business visitors, and local residents. Most of the places below have English speaking staff.

• The Passport @ HCTC is a vocational restaurant run by the Hospitality & Catering Training Center, a non-profit organization offering a hospitality program to underprivileged children of the Tak-Myanmar border. As part of their studies for the Certificate of Hospitality and Tourism delivered by the Thai Ministry of Education, students are required to master basic cooking and service techniques. In order to enable this, HCTC has opened a casual dining venue opened to the public 3 nights a week (Thursday, Friday & Saturday) upon reservation at 087 20 66 514. Great cocktails (Visa Rum, Nutty Smuggler, Incorruptible, Cosmopolitain...) the most extensive wine list in Mae Sot; Thai specialties (Sum Tam spring rolls, Tom Yam Goong, Curries... Dessert Tray. All priced very reasonably.

• Krua Canadian Cafe is in the centre of Mae Sot, opposite the police station on the western route of Inthrakiree Road. Extensive European, Mexican and Thai menu. The owner is very nice and kind, always offer helps to foreigners. Reasonable price with good quality of food. Opens early for breakfast (7am) and sells take-away bread, wine and Thai coffee in gift bags. Now has a full Pub attached next door. Also has free WIFI

• Casa Mia offers Thai, Burmese and Western food. Friendly, English speaking staff, with home made bread, pasta and cakes. Left off Intharakiree Road (heading east from the bus station) at the western end of the town.

• Hazel Cafe is on the right hand side of Intharakiree Road, just before the police station. Has a sleek decor with delicious cakes and chocolates. Free wifi (with a/c).

• Waree Restaurant just up the road from Casa Mia. Delicious Burmese food, also some Thai dishes, very friendly service.

• Yellow Green Coffee Shop is a cosy coffee shop located at 599/1 Inthrakiree Road (west-bound, before Irawadee Resort). Owned by a husband & wife, who make fresh bakery daily. Provides free wifi and has a nice balcony on the 2nd floor.

• Peace Cafe is in Sawanwithi Rd in the town center (at the traffic light of Intharakiri Rd), just round the corner of the VIP bus to Bangkok. It supports The Best Friend libraries and education projects. Wednesday and Friday Buffets, Sunday night at 7 PM Burma Film Series, entrance free. European, Karen and Burmese Food. Saturday Brunch, Sunday Family Lunch. Only fresh ingredients, MSG and gluten free. many vegetarian dishes. Bicycles for rent and guided tours. Open 9AM-9PM [1]

• Cafe de Moei next to PTT, left hand side of Asian Highway on the way to Moei river, serving good Thai fusion cuisine.

• The Night Market is terrific for late diners as the open air shops stay open quite late. All Thai food with English menus. have English menu.

• Opposite T Corner / affectionately known as 'Fishtank' (due to its location next to an aquarium shop) offers good Thai food. Don't be put off by the decor and TV soaps, as the food is all freshly cooked in front of you by a chef recently returned from a top Bangkok hotel.

• Mai Thai is a lovely place to eat and drink. The Thai owner and chef cooks each dish to order according to her northern Thai roots. Open early for 'after work' drinks and on until late.

• SP Kitchenserves delicious Burmese, Thai and Western food - on the left of the Asian Highway heading towards the border with Burma.

• Aiya is a Thai-Burmese restaurant on Intharakiree Road (heading east), across from Ban Thai. An expansive menu (in English). Friendly but very slow service.

• Bai Fern Restaurant also on Intharakiree Road (virtually opposite Aiay. Comfortable with friendly staff, serves Thai and European food. The food is quite expensive with poor service. The steaks are always overcooked.

• Coffee Corner is a restaurant serving Thai, Burmese and Western food. Located at DK Plaza (opposite DK Hotel) on Intharakiree Road. Comfortable with friendly staff and Bu, the owner, speaks English. The food is reasonably priced with good service. They make excellent coffee.

• There are many restaurants and good street food sellers in Mae Sot. Somtam on the street heading east from Tesco towards the temple, Pad Thai on the left just before the traffic lights on the road towards Mae Sot villas, fish on the right (also on the road to Mae Sot villas, (just before the Giggahertz shop), Vietnamese on the left heading towards the bus station, fish opposite the junction to Casa Mia, Burmese chicken curry at Mandalay (second turning left after Mae Sot general hospital), a lovely atmostpheric Thai diner just off the main road to Tak (turn right at the top of the first mountain) and the up market place a couple of kilometres on the left on the road north towards Mae Ramat. However, really good Vegetarian food is limited: there is one good restaurant on the left hand side of the road heading out towards Mae Sot villas (just before the traffic lights and close to the Pad Thai place) and a small, very reasonably priced cafe off the main road leading towards Mae Sot general hospital. Incidentally, the turning left to this place is just after a good curry cafe opposite the main town mosque.

• a bit past the mosque, the road splits. Left takes you to the hospital, but on the right fork, at the end of the 1st block is a wonderful fried chicken take away.

• 2 steak houses are along Asia Highway. One is named "Cowboy & Indian" (?) the other is a bit further east and has a bright yellow sign.

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Y2K A local Thai night club. Entrance is 70 baht, with a free small Leo beer. The interior is "table style" where everyone has their own group and table (few dance outside of their own table). On Friday and Saturday nights host a large number of ladyboys with live music.

• Auntie's Coffee Shop [2] 489 Intharakiree Road, Mae Sot, 63110 is a popular place with both Thais and foreigners - on the right before Wat Chumpon. Specialties include coffee from Vietnam Coffee and fruit smoothies. Free wifi and little souvenirs for sale. Antie also has a homestay place north of Mae Sot on the way to Mae Sariang. http//auntiescoffeemaesot.shutterfly.com

• Sweet Harmony Coffee Shop and Bakery 2/3 Sripanich Road, Mae Sot, 055-544810 or 0819711731. Pleasant atmostphere in a bustling down town location with good snacks and drinks.

• Mai Thai welcomes drinkers as well as eaters, screens live sport games and has a menu stuffed with traditional northern Thai fare.

• Plutobar on the eastern part of Intharakiree Road (across from the big Yamaha store) is run by Burmese ex-political prisoners. Set in a nice garden, this laidback place mainly attracts long(ish)-term residents.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

There are many hotels and guest houses in Mae Sot.

• Irawadee Resort, the hotel decoration is of old classic Thai - Myanmar style. You will find nice, clean and well taken cared room making you feel like staying in a real hotel not only overnight sleep room. Free wifi and breakfast includes in the room rate. It situates on 758/1-2 Inthrakiree Road (west-bound), nice and quiet side. Price range between 850-1,250THB. Opposite and surrounding areas are several restaurants and coffee shops: Bor-Kung Phao (dinner only, with seafood catched from Myanmar), Krua Kon Wan (lunch & dinner Thai style food), Som Tam shop, Chansuda Shop (Thai traditional deserts and snacks), Yellow Green Coffee Shop (coffee, tea and bakery), T Corner (coffee and some food).

• Baan Tung Guest House is a boutique style mid range place to stay. Rates based on 350 - 500 baht per room per night are negotiable for longer stays. Quiet location, close to the town, markets, eating places and en route from the bus station (see website map: http://baantungguesthouse.com/?page_id=5. Large, clean and very comfortable en suite (with hot water) double rooms with locally crafted furniture and seating area have a fridge, cable TV and free wifi. Enjoy fresh coffee on the balcony or terrace and obtain excellent information (places to see, places to eat, places to drink) from the Thai owner, Kung or his friendly staff who speak Thai, English and Burmese. Reservations can be emailed to baantungguesthouse@gmail.com or telephone 055 533 277.

• Green Guest House, a clean and affordable converted set of homes. There are private and shared bath rooms available. Television is also included. If you stay more than one night a towel and toilet paper are included.

• First Hotelhas invested its time and energy in its interior with wood carvings covering ceilings and bedposts, leaving the exterior to be remarkable only for the difference. Air con rooms with double beds are available, as are other variations.

• Bai Fern has wifi, mostly unremarkable rooms, and some have a/c. It is conveniently located in the middle of town between across from Aiya.

• Lusy's Home Guesthouse offers cheap rooms (200B per night, cheaper if you stay for a longer period) with tv, hot shower, fan and a water bottle. GPS-coordinates: N 16° 43.012 E 98° 33.882

• Smile Guest House cheap and basic rooms, some with a/c.

• No. 4 Guest House appears to be a haven for trekkers, and has clean comparable rooms. Update (September 2011): it seems that No. 4 Guest House has been closed down. We looked for it for ages and asked around but did not find it and learned that it is no longer open.

• DK Guest House is also a well used tourist hang out with mostly older NGO people, missionaries and the like. About 400b per night tiled BIG double rooms with a/c, western toilet (hot water), cable TV, and a balcony; fan double rooms (cold water) are cheaper at around 250b. Don't get the rooms at either end (next to the road or at the opposite end) as the noise can be a bit much from chickens and cars very early in the morning. The staff are nice; internet is available in the lobby, as well as free WIFI throughout the hotel. Cable TV includes BBC, Al Jazeera, MTV to Thai, Burmese and Chinese channels.

• The Porn Thep Hotel is by, comparison to all other similarly priced accomodation, sub-standard; with musty rooms, broken TVs and torn curtains.

• Auntie's Coffee Shop [3] 489 Intharakiree Road, Mae Sot, 63110 The guesthouse has 4 rooms, all modern furnished and very comfortable. There are 2 shared bathrooms and two toilets, with hot shower available. Guests can spend their time in a funky lounge or in the garden. Free wi-fi and breakfast are included in the price, with free coffee and tea available all day long, as well as free bike rental to explore the town. Staff is friendly and very helpful. 400 Baht for a double fan room. http//auntiescoffeemaesot.shutterfly.com

[edit] Get out

In addition to the Mae Sot to Mo Chit route Bangkok), buses also travel directly to Mae Sai, via Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Departure times from Mae Sot are 6am and 8am from the main bus terminal. Tickets can usually be purchased without problems at the station on the morning of departure. Ask your guesthouse to arrange an early morning tuk tuk to the station. The ticket booth opens at 5:30 am. The Green Bus (direct route to Chaing Mai) has moved its ticket office to a building on the Asia Highway just to the west of 105 North.

There are two classes of buses, but both are very clean and spacious and also include a free or 10bt lunch voucher. Total travel time to Chiang Mai is about 6 hours; Chiang Rai, 9 hours. Tickets are 250/350bt and 350/500bt, respectively, and depending on the bus class. Green Bus buses from Chiang Mai to Mae Sot depart daily at 11:45 (2nd class) and 13:10 (1st class).

As of early 2009, bus lines have also opened for daily travel to Laem Ngop (Ko Chang) and Mukdahan. The company who runs this service is Phetprasert.

The Laem Ngop bus travels south towards Bangkok, veering east before entering the city, and then traveling along the coast via Chonburi and Rayong. The travel time from Mae Sot to the ferry departure point for Koh Chang is around 16 hours and the ticket costs 750 bt.

The Mukdahan bus makes station-only stops, including Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, and Khon Kaen. The company claims that total travel time is 12-14 hours.

Another way to leave Mae Sot is to catch the minibus to Tak to connect to onward buses. These leave throughout the day around every 40 minutes from the old market area which is over the bridge from Green Guesthouse. The trip to Tak takes around one and a half hours and costs 78 ฿.

• Mae Hong Son
• Sukhothai
• Tak

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