I assume from the outset that most people won't be looking for a travel guide for Tak. After all, Tak is one of the least visited provinces in Thailand.

Most travelers probably don't even know how to pronounce it (the "t" sounds like a hard "d", the "a" is long, the "k" more like a "g"), let alone that it's on their list of places to visit in Thailand. If they knew more about Tak—a lack of knowledge that underscores the real reason for this article—that might be different.

No matter where you are on this continuum right now, I hope you'll give me a few more minutes of your time. I believe you'll be surprised—I hope you'll be amazed—by what you'll discover.

Where to settle in Tak

As you can imagine, most hotels in Tak are located in Mae Sot. The options range from relatively comfortable accommodations like the Teak Hotel (my usual choice when I'm in town) to more basic guesthouses like the Monte Mae Sot, and the typical Airbnb apartments. If you are traveling to Tak for humanitarian reasons, the organization supporting you will, of course, take care of your accommodation.

Since Thi Lor Su is only accessible via an organized tour for most of the year, the tour operator you work with will usually book accommodations for you. You'll typically stay in tents near the waterfall. However, depending on how extensively you explore the area, you might also have the opportunity to stay with a local family. Be warned, though: the accommodations will be very basic.

Things to do in Tak

Dedicate at least one day to Mae Sot.

Mae Sot is one of the most unusual cities I've ever visited in Thailand. In some ways, this unusualness is a good thing; I expected it to feel seedy, or even be somewhat seedy, but with one exception (which I'll mention later), it was completely different. The Burmese architecture and cuisine, on the other hand? Absolutely fantastic!

Next, we'll go to the Thi Lor Su waterfall.

It will come as no surprise that Thi Lor Su Waterfall tops my list of must-see attractions in Tak. This particular Namtok was, after all, the main reason for my trip to this western province. If you'd like to follow in my footsteps, I recommend traveling in November or December rather than late February – closer to the peak season.

(Or elsewhere in the countryside)

For most travelers, the easily accessible areas of rural Tak Province are likely to be the main attractions on the way to and during the Thi Lor Su tour. These include the town of Umphang, other natural attractions such as Rainbow Waterfall, and numerous charming (but spartan) villages whose picturesque scenery at least partially compensates for the lack of electricity and running water.

Go to the border of Myanmar

Whether during your stay in Mae Sot itself or on a more adventurous part of your Tak trip, I recommend getting as close to the Myanmar border as possible. I always find border regions fascinating, be it for the culinary diversity, the colorful mix of people, or the aforementioned Burmese temples in Mae Sot.

(But maybe you shouldn't cross it)

Given this situation, I would like to emphasize that while I would have recommended something different before the Covid-19 pandemic, I still strongly advise against crossing the border from Thailand to Myanmar by land or traveling to Myanmar at all. This is particularly due to the risk of being kidnapped and forced to work in a scam center, but also more generally because of the ongoing civil war in Myanmar.

Is Tak safe?

To be honest, I was a little apprehensive before my trip to Tak. Not because of the Thi Lor Su trekking tour, which was to be organized by my tour operator; I would be with a local guide the whole time. Rather, Mae Sot itself frightened me. I had read about various disease outbreaks that had spread across the border, and also about people being kidnapped there and taken against their will to scam centers in Myanmar.

I visited Tak and I'm fine; I didn't get sick or get kidnapped. However, as I mentioned above, I did feel a bit uneasy being near the border, even though it was the middle of the day. So I strongly advise you to stay vigilant (but not paranoid), no matter how many days you plan to spend in Tak or what you intend to do there.

Other frequently asked questions about visiting Tak

Is Tak worth a visit?

Tak is absolutely worth a visit! While it's not the most exciting part of Thailand (Mae Sot is an interesting town, but not particularly touristy; the Thi Lor Su Waterfall is the only truly impressive attraction in the province), it's authentic, not overcrowded, and has definitely not fallen victim to "overtourism".

How do I get from Bangkok to Tak?

Nok Air offers direct flights from Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok to Mae Sot. However, these flights have become significantly less frequent (only once a day since the late 2020s, compared to up to three times a day in the past) and consequently more expensive. The only alternative is a bus journey from Mo Chit (North) bus station in Bangkok, which takes approximately seven hours.

How many days will I need in Tak province?

Tak is a vast province where travel takes a considerable amount of time. While it's possible to visit Thi Lor Su Waterfall (including an overnight stay in Mae Sot at the beginning or end) in about 3-4 days, more comprehensive exploration of Tak province can easily take a week or even longer.

Conclusion

To be honest, I'm not sure how many of you are actually looking for a guidebook to Tak. Most probably just want to plan a trip to Thi Lor Su Waterfall, or your search for things to do in Mae Sot has ended here. Whatever the case, I'm glad you're here. Jangwat Tak is one of Thailand's most interesting provinces and certainly one of the least visited. It's the epitome of "off the beaten track" and surprises (and delights) anyone adventurous enough to make the journey. Want to plan your Thailand adventure with maximum convenience? Then get a personalized Thailand itinerary today!