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By road
The distance from [wiki=f6c5dc9e87737f27cbffe323def199af]Tak[/wiki] is about 100 km along Highway 105 via Doi Musoe (870 m altitude) and Doi Son (784 m altitude). Tak is connected to regular bus services between Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
Frequent mini buses connect Mae Sot directly with Tak bus station starting at 05:30 and finishing around 19:00 and, in theory, departing every 30 min from the lower end of the Burmese Market. However, those buses that are already full can be expected to leave early, and those that are not will probably go late. The journey takes about 90 min and costs about 78 baht/person. The surcharge for putting a bicycle on the roof rack 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 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 08:00 and 21:00), day bus or night bus. After approximately 7-8 hr of travel time you reach your destination. Tickets on first class and VIP buses entitle you to a free light meal and/or drink when you stop half-way. There are motorbike 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 (ie not mini buses) to Chiang Mai can be purchased at the bus office on the Asian Highway or on the Green Bus website. A ticket to Bangkok can be purchased from the main bus station. Chiang Mai buses leave at 08:30 and 13:10 and are 319 baht each way.
Songthaews 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 en route, but beware, they are bone shakers and sometimes very full (spare seating on the roof).
From Mawlamyine you can get a shared taxi. If there is 4 of you, you will be charged 10.000 kyat each and the taxi driver will bring you to Myawaddy in just 5 hours. Then you just cross the bridge by foot and you are in Thailand. From the bridge you can get a tuk tuk to Mae Sot city center (10 bath). They are just building a new road (there is no asphalt yet so is very dusty) from Mawlamyine to Myawaddy so you basically skip the old super winding road.
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By air
Mae Sot Airport is about 2 km west of the edge of town, and just 1 km from the border.
Nok Air [http://www.nokair.com] operates three daily flights between Mae Sot and Bangkok.
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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 Hospital. You must wear a helmet (supplied) as the police do fine people (especially 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 careful as driving in Thailand can at best be described as unconventional and at worst, downright dangerous.
Taxis come in the form of motorbikes or tuk-tuks, 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.
Here[https://maps.google.co.th/maps/ms?msid=217134799861125195209.0004b80c959c270acc6eb&msa=0&dg=feature] is a user friendly map of town where most things are located.
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While many other animals reside here, the gibbon sanctuary houses dozens of rescued gibbons, of the great ape group, who are often adopted as pets and then neglected by their owners when they reach adulthood. These fascinating creatures speak to you as you walk among their pens and hand feed them ripe fruit. Don't forget bags of ripe fruit.
* Legend has it the Mae Kasa Hot Springs are hot enough to boil an egg. There's a nice walk you can take around the area and it's a great place to have a picnic.
* It is possible to travel inland into Burma from here since border was opened for regular xrossing in August 2013. It is possible to continue travelling from Myawady to Rangoon by direct bus, so this is the easiest way to cross into Burma from Thailand without buying air ticket.
* Accessible by car or motorbike. There is a well-beaten trail alongside its 97 steps, providing a beautiful stroll through the jungle. Bring a picnic with you and be prepared to get wet. The ascent up the 97 steps is often closed during rainy season.
* On your way to the border, look toward your right for a beautiful Buddhist temple which contains a giant reclining Buddha. Continue straight on and find the Buddha's footprint.
* Well worth a visit for a whole range of locally made and Chinese & Burmese imports, including counterfeit Viagra, 'knocked off' cigarettes, whisky and designer goods, plus gems and plants.
* Delightful one in a private house in the Mae Sot Villas (follow the signs), plus a gym and pool at Centara Hotel (Asian Hwy).
* Tararak is part of the Ti Lor Su waterfall group and like its cousin Phra Charoen contains a nice walking trail and plenty of places to picnic.
* 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): a reclining Buddha and other delights.
* 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: buyers should be able to identify genuine and fake gems. A small indoor market is held mornings and evenings at Baan Nua, on the way towards Mae Sot villas, with fresh vegetables, meat and cooked take-away meals on sale.
*The shrine is on the left approx 15 kms from Maesot on Asian Highway while driving towards Tak. A few kilometres after the Magic Hill. Easy to notice as all the cars and trucks driving by will honk while driving pass this place.
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Yoga in a peaceful setting. Mat provided. Regular classes Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Advanced classes Tuesday & Thursday.
* The Puzzlebox offers courses in batik, ceramics, sandblasting and basic art. Professionals teach you basic techniques and you create your own original work. The course culminates in a product you can take home. Participate individually or schedule a group course.
If you're new to the neighborhood, stop by on Sunday mornings for coffee and homemade treats! It's a wonderful place to socialize and to meet fellow travelers/expatriates.
* Explore the scenic surroundings of Mae Sot on bicycle. Fully loaded Trek 3900 with disc brakes. 216, 218 and 220 inch available.
* The Centre for Children in Need offers short- or long-term volunteering in their project for abandoned Burmese children. Volunteers participate in the daily activities and household chores. You stay with the family and participate in their life. To disrupt the life of the children not too much, please stay at least 2 weeks and be respectful and open to a very different culture. Dada is an amazing cook, expect great Burmese food, fresh from scratch.
* Bring your own towel and water bottle. Women should wear a sarong or loose wrap. There's a separate section for men and women. The steam room is tiny, but this gives a good opportunity to mix with locals. GPS-coordinates: N 16° 43.019 E 98° 34.455
*Rent a vehicle to get around town or drive to places in outskirts of main city like
- Shrine of Pha Wo
- Pha Charoen waterfall (33 kms from city towards Phob Phra)
- Mae Kasa Hot Springs
- Hua Fai Reservoir etc
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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. It is also a fantastic place to buy great fresh, often live, food.
* There are many gem stone and jewellery shops, with most of the trade being for wholesale. 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 the WEAVE or Borderline shops, which are almost opposite each other, on Inthrakiree Road heading into town from the west. Borderline also has a local artists gallery and a coffee shop and free Wi-Fi out the back.
* There are a couple of trekking/tour companies in Mae Sot offering jungle trips, elephant rides (if you have to) and white water rafting. SP Kitchen on Asia Highway is one option, Bai Fern in the centre on Inthrakiree Road is another. Some routes are seasonal and cannot be accessed during the height of the rainy season in May-Oct.
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Mae Sot is catering for tourists, NGO workers, business visitors and local residents. Most of the places below have English-speaking staff.
* Thai, Burmese and Western food. Friendly, English-speaking staff, with home made bread, pasta and cakes.
* Thai, Burmese, Italian and Western food. Friendly, English-speaking staff, with home made bread, pasta and cakes. Try the Banoffe Pie for dessert.
* Run by a Taiwanese woman, with a French chef named Alex, the best pIzza in Maesot but a pleasanat selection of Pasta, Duck Steak, and nicer dishes. Alex makes batches of Manarinia, a sort of orange version of a limoncello. Always excellent
* Good Thai food. Don't be put off by the décor and TV soaps as the food is all freshly cooked in front of you by a chef recently returned from a top Bangkok hotel.
* Thai, Burmese and Western food. Comfortable with friendly staff and Bu, the owner, speaks English. The food is reasonably priced with good service.
* Sleek décor with delicious cakes, chocolates and excellent coffee. Air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
* European, Mexican and Thai menu. The owner is very nice and kind, always offer help to foreigners. Reasonable price with good quality of food. Sells take-away bread, wine and Thai coffee in gift bags. Now has a pub attached next door. Free Wi-Fi.
* Pleasant place to eat and drink. Food is tasty but hygiene is questionable.
* Good Thai food. Don't be put off by the décor and TV soaps as the food is all freshly cooked in front of you by a chef recently returned from a top Bangkok hotel.
* Vocational restaurant run by the Hospitality & Catering Training Centre, an NGO offering a hospitality training programme to under-privileged children of the Tak-Myanmar border. As part of their studies for the Certificate of Hospitality and Tourism, students are required to master basic cooking and service techniques. In order to enable this, they have opened a casual dining venue opened to the public 3 nights per week. Great cocktails and the most extensive wine list in Mae Sot; Western and Thai cuisine served: som tam spring rolls, tom yam goong, curries, dessert tray. All reasonably priced.
* Delicious Burmese, Thai and Western food.
* Delicious Burmese food, also some Thai dishes. Very friendly service.
* Owned by a husband & wife, who bake daily. Free Wi-Fi and has a nice balcony on the 2nd floor.
* There are many restaurants and good street food sellers in Mae Sot. Som tam 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 Gigahertz 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 Hospital), a lovely atmospheric 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, 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 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 there is a wonderful fried chicken take-away look for a sign Sharifa fried chicken. 35-45 bhat per quarter, depending on white or dark meat. Often times a line forms after 5pm. Easily the best fried chicken in Asia.
* Two steak houses are on Asia Hwy. One is named "Cowboy & Indian" (Note: "Cowboy & Indian" burned down in January, 2015 but is being rebuilt). The other is a bit further east and has a bright yellow sign - called the Asia Steak House.
* Night Market is terrific for late diners as the open air shops stay open quite late. All Thai food with English menus.
*Located at the next intersection abt 500 meters from Centara Maesot hill hotel (next to the now defucnt, old mazda showroom), this place is a famous with the locals.
*On the 'strip' located on the restaurant side of the road. It serves Thai food and grill yourself BBQ hot plate. Very popular at lunch time with Thais.
*great food, burmese, vegetarian, slads, shakes, breakfasts... beautiful garden
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Run by Burmese former political prisoners. ExPPACT is now defunct, but the club lives on. Set in a nice garden, this laid back place mainly attracts longer-term residents. Cocktails, Burmese snacks and weekly film screenings.
* Sweet Harmony Coffee Shop and Bakery 2/3 Sripanich Rd, Mae Sot, +66 55 544810 or +66 81 9711731. Pleasant atmosphere in a bustling downtown location with good snacks and drinks.
* Y2K A local Thai night club. Admission 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.
* Mestizo Located next to Bai Fern. The bartender also serves as a DJ; great music selection and she happily takes requests. Nice outdoor area and indoor area as well. Full bar and beers.
Another great spot to drink is at the night market. The restaurants toward the back have plenty of tables and serve tall beers.
There is a strong but small ex-pat community in Mae Sot that frequent the bars every night. Nights where there is a good Premiere League match, expect a good crowd at ExPPACT. Otherwise many frequent Bai Fern and Mestizo for drinks after.
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A tiny, friendly, and comfortable bed & breakfast that will make you feel like home when staying here. They also have a good selection on their menu with a big breakfast, excellent coffee, a selection of teas and delicious yoghurt smoothies.
* A boutique style mid-range place to stay. Quiet location, close to the town, markets, eating places and en-route from the bus station. 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 Wi-Fi. 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.
* Home stay in grass roots project. 1 room available with fan, shared bathroom, internet. Village has taxi, restaurants and shops. 25 min by bike to town centre. Supports the orphanage. Meals available.
*The Charm is next to Thong Udom Market and as you approach Mae Sot Villa, The Charm is located on your left immediately before the gated entrance to Mae Sot Villa. +66 91 152 7784, +66 97 936 2092 (English)" Best to contact before arriving. Singles: 500 Baht; Doubles: 700. All rooms are en suite with AC, cable TV, fridge, hot showers, WIFi internet service. Complementary drinking water. Conference rooms available. Rafting/kayaking trips available on local rivers. Airport/Bus terminal transportation available. Email: thecharm2012@hotmail.com / Facebook: The Charm Hotel
* A well-used tourist hang out with mostly older NGO people, missionaries, and the like. Tiled big double rooms with air-con, Western-style toilet (hot water), cable TV, and a balcony; fan double rooms (cold water) are cheaper. 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 Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Cable TV includes BBC, Al Jazeera, MTV, Thai, Burmese and Chinese channels.
* has invested its time and energy on its interior with wood carvings covering ceilings and bedposts, leaving the exterior to be remarkable only for their omission. Air-con rooms with double beds are available, as are other variations.
* Hotel decor is of old classic Thai-Myanmar style. You will find nice, clean and well-maintained rooms making you feel like you're staying in a real hotel, not only overnight sleep room. Free Wi-Fi and breakfast included in the room rate. Opposite and surrounding it are several restaurants and coffee shops: Bor-Kung Phao (dinner only, with seafood caught from Myanmar), Krua Kon Wan (lunch & dinner Thai-style food), Som Tam shop, Chansuda Shop (Thai traditional desserts and snacks), Yellow Green Coffee Shop (coffee, tea and baked goods), T Corner (coffee and some food).
* TV, hot shower, fan and a water bottle.
* A non-profit guest house run by a local organization that works in vocational training. Its design is unique and detailed, and the rooms are clean and comfortable. Described on their website as "boutique on a budget", it contains a secluded garden with a horseshoe recreation area and a beer-drinking table. Breakfast, air-con, hot water showers in all rooms. Yoga classes offered during the week (100 bhat donation per class) and bike rentals available (100 bhat per day). This is a beautiful hostel and rooms fill quickly so reserve ahead of time.
* Clean and simple. Staff speaks good English. Free wifi.
* Clean and simple. Staff speaks good English. Free wifi.
* The cheapest rooms have fan, shared bathroom, hot shower and no TV. Free wifi.
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Buses to Bangkok depart in the early morning between 7 and 9 AM and again in the evening between 8 and 10 PM. Most buses take 7-9 Hours costing between 300 and 600 Baht depending on the class.
* In addition to the Mae Sot to Mo Chit-Bangkok route), buses also travel directly to [wiki=3c3aa1501e4235da2a21658a3aaf52fa]Mae Sai[/wiki], via [wiki=57e94893120121f19fa688c7b1f02df2]Chiang Mai[/wiki] and [wiki=272b640a473efcd009bb46ffb68b2e8c]Chiang Rai[/wiki]. Departure times from Mae Sot are 06:00 and 08:00 from the main bus terminal. Tickets can usually be purchased without problems at the station on the morning of departure. Ask your guest house to arrange an early morning tun-tuk to the station. The ticket booth opens at 05:30. The Green Bus (direct route to Chiang 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 10 baht lunch voucher. Total travel time to Chiang Mai is about 6 hours; Chiang Rai, 9 hours. Tickets are 250/350 baht and 350/500 baht, 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).
* Bus also operate daily to [wiki=70f2233445e7d83b4579119f87571da8]Laem Ngop[/wiki] ([wiki=cdf4dee45c293de983db4a70853e5f52]Ko Chang[/wiki]) and [wiki=1ded7a9d649e88b25a026f3a12c786e2]Mukdahan[/wiki]. The company running this service is Phetprasert.
The Laem Ngop bus travels south towards Bangkok, veering east before entering the city, and then travelling along the coast via [wiki=71901b5754186e51cb84eb62bc48cf9c]Chonburi[/wiki] and [wiki=46470c506c38cdaec15bae2fd7de30a6]Rayong[/wiki]. The travel time from Mae Sot to the ferry departure point for Ko Chang is around 16 hours and the ticket costs 750 baht.
The Mukdahan bus makes station-only stops, including [wiki=cda3c97966f9a627c6f1f525525ea0c5]Sukhothai[/wiki], [wiki=79662ccd5c54a47327ede8d85b30fc0d]Phitsanulok[/wiki] and [wiki=120fe3375b8f485654b6c34a4faa82f4]Khon Kaen[/wiki]. 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 Guest house. The trip to Tak takes around 1.5 hr and costs 78 baht.
* To enter into Myanmar, the border is about 10km west of Mae Sot. Catch a taxi or a shared pick-up, or hitchhike on the main road. Thanks to the new road on the Burmese side, as of March 2015 traffic goes in both directions everyday.
* [wiki=0ec76c24d0fcac105d848424ffa12d4f]Mae Hong Son[/wiki]
* [wiki=cda3c97966f9a627c6f1f525525ea0c5]Sukhothai[/wiki]
* [wiki=f6c5dc9e87737f27cbffe323def199af]Tak[/wiki]
[[WikiPedia:Mae Sot]]
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