I debated for a long time whether I should even visit Mae Sot after my trip to the Thi Lor Su waterfall, for two main reasons. The first? The border town's dubious reputation.

When I woke up the morning after my return from Namtok, I actually heard some kind of explosion. That was strange, because I hadn't felt unsafe or particularly worried the night before; I had done some light exploring, but this was odd.

The second reason for my hesitation was, of course, the lack of well-known tourist attractions in Mae Sot. Would it even be worth sacrificing an entire day of my already packed trip, which at that point had been going on for almost a month, for that?

Accommodation in Mae Sot

Primarily due to cross-border trade and humanitarian work on the other side of the river in Myanmar, Mae Sot has more hotels than one might expect. However, a certain level of luxury was essential for me if I wanted to stay overnight after visiting the waterfall instead of flying straight back to Bangkok. I opted for the Teak Hotel, even though I had originally booked a different one.

I have no affiliation with this hotel and can only recommend it based on my own excellent experience. Therefore, I advise you to spend a little more money in Mae Sot. While the town is interesting, it's not exactly comfortable for tourists. But don't worry: I have a few tips to help you enjoy your stay.

Things to do in Mae Sot

Explore the unique city center

Mae Sot's cityscape is quite industrial, with a single main street running east-west and only a few noteworthy sights (more on that later) located to the north and south, sometimes separated by one or two other streets. To be honest, I spent my first few hours there walking to the laundromat and doing laundry. Not exactly ideal for photography, but wonderful for people-watching.

eat Burmese food

What else did I discover during my stroll through the center of Mae Sot? A beautiful Burmese restaurant with fantastic food (the tea leaf salad was so good I went back twice) and incredible hospitality. "Eat as if you were at home," the owner said as she brought me my meal. We chatted for a long time afterward; she told me she was planning to expand to Chiang Mai—and back to Myanmar after the war. Unfortunately, I just checked: the restaurant is closed!

Visit the (limited) tourist attractions

Among the few sights in Mae Sot is the Burmese-inspired Wat Thai Wattanaram temple, which truly made me feel like I was in Myanmar. As was the case everywhere in the city, the only other tourists were locals, and there weren't many of them. Had I had a little more time in Mae Sot, I could easily have spent the whole day exploring this beautiful site.

Go to the border of Myanmar

Instead, I continued my journey through Mae Sot and headed towards the border with Myanmar. More precisely, to the Rim Moei Market, which is practically right on the border. I had read before my visit that the market was significantly less crowded since Covid, and that was indeed true. It seemed almost to have disappeared, something my Grab driver (who was still waiting in the area when I was finished) was well aware of.

(But maybe you shouldn't cross it)

Admittedly, I briefly walked from the supposed market area to the Moei River, but then turned back. The whole atmosphere felt eerie, and since the river is several hundred meters beyond the border crossing, I wasn't sure if it would be safe there. I don't know how often it happens that con artists kidnap foreigners in broad daylight in the border region, but I certainly didn't want to stay long enough to find out.

How long should one stay in Mae Sot?

Although Mae Sot and the surrounding area offer some sights, I can't imagine staying here for more than a day, at least not nowadays. Of course, one could argue that the situation would have been different before the situation in Myanmar became so tense. Now, however, not only is it no longer advisable to cross the border, but there's also the added fear of being kidnapped and forcibly taken across the border if you stay in Mae Sot for too long.

I would say you should focus less on how many days you spend in Mae Sot and more on being clear about what brings you here. Do you simply want to recover after a trekking tour, or are you here for a specific reason (e.g., because you're only back in town after the last flight of the day)? Or, like me, do you want to explore the area and keep in mind that you should be somewhat vigilant while out and about?

Other frequently asked questions about visiting Mae Sot

Is Mae Sot safe?

Mae Sot is relatively safe compared to other cities worldwide, but it harbors unique dangers found in few other Thai cities. Due to its proximity to the Myanmar border, it is not uncommon for representatives of fraudulent organizations to recruit foreigners (voluntarily or involuntarily) with purported "job offers." Also, ensure your vaccinations are up to date, as helpers sometimes bring diseases with them.

Is Mae Sot worth a visit?

Provided you're willing to be a bit more vigilant than in other Thai cities, Mae Sot is an interesting place to visit. This is due both to the limited number of tourist attractions and the opportunity to enjoy delicious Burmese food and experience the unique atmosphere created by its location on the border with Myanmar.

Are foreigners allowed to visit Mae Sot?

Foreigners can visit Mae Sot, but should be aware of a few things. First, your passport will be checked upon arrival at Mae Sot Airport before you are allowed to leave the arrivals hall; this also applies to your return flight to Bangkok. Second, although there is no immediate danger, you should be careful about whom you speak to and (at least since the mid-2020s) absolutely avoid the border with Myanmar. Otherwise, you could unknowingly become a victim of human trafficking.

Conclusion

The list of attractions in Mae Sot isn't the only reason to visit – it certainly didn't convince me. I also have to admit that some aspects of the town worried me a bit (even though I had imagined some of what I'd read about it before my arrival). Nevertheless, Mae Sot is, for better or for worse, unique in Thailand. Especially if you have a free night and morning after exploring the more rural areas of the surrounding Tak province, I highly recommend a visit to Mae Sot. Do you need personal assistance choosing worthwhile destinations in Thailand? That's just one of the many things I'd be happy to help you with when planning your trip!