Things To Do
in Mae Sai
Mae Sai is Thailand's northernmost town in Chiang Rai Province, perched on the border with Myanmar. It is a lively border town where Thai and Burmese influences mingle in markets and on the banks of the Mae Sai River. The town serves as a gateway to the Golden Triangle and to nearby hill tribe villages with easy day trips to Chiang Rai.
While compact, Mae Sai offers a rich mix of market culture, temples and riverside scenery for a memorable northern Thailand visit.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the stunning viewpoint overlooking the Mekong River, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Enjoy breakfast at a nearby café while soaking in the rich cultural panorama. Afterward, take a guided tour of the various hill tribe villages in the area.
After lunch, visit the Hall of Opium Museum to learn about the region's intricate history with opium trade. You can also stroll through the local markets to experience the vibrant atmosphere and shop for unique handicrafts. End your exploration with a boat ride on the Mekong River to see the landscape from a different perspective.
Dine at a riverside restaurant, savoring authentic Northern Thai dishes while the sun sets over the landscape. Enjoy live music or cultural performances that often take place in the area during the evening. As the night falls, take a peaceful walk along the riverbank, observing the stars and enjoying the tranquil ambiance.
Begin your day with a hike up to Wat Phra That Doi Wao, a stunning temple located on a hill that offers panoramic views of Mae Sai and beyond. Explore the temple grounds, adorned with intricate designs and golden stupas, and learn about its significance to the local community. Capture some breathtaking photographs in the early morning light.
After a fulfilling visit, have lunch at a nearby local eatery, enjoying delicious khao soi, a regional specialty. Spend the afternoon exploring the Mae Sai border market, where you can find a variety of products from neighboring Myanmar, including textiles and handicrafts. Engage with friendly vendors and try local snacks to experience the vibrant market culture.
As the sun begins to set, enjoy a traditional Thai dinner at a restaurant known for its home-cooked meals. Afterwards, join a local cultural event or festival if available, immersing yourself in the traditional music and dance of the region. Wind down the evening by visiting one of the area's night markets for more shopping and street food delights.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $1-3 |
| 🚕Local transport (short ride) | $1-3 |
| 🛏Budget hotel per night | $15-30 |
| 🛍Snacks at market | $1-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong culinary scene with Thai and Burmese influences
- Safe and compact for a border town with easy day trips
- Border crowds can be chaotic at peak times
- Limited nightlife and high pace of border activities
- "สวัสดีครับ/ค่ะ" - Hello
- "ขอบคุณครับ/ค่ะ" - Thank you
- "กรุณา" - Please
- "ขอโทษ" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "อันนี้ราคาเท่าไหร่" - How much is this
- "คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม" - Do you speak English
Places to Visit in Mae Sai
Visit one of these nice places.
A gold stupa temple with mountain views and a peaceful atmosphere just above Mae Sai.
Colorful stalls and twilight reflections along the border make for vibrant market photography.
Scenic overlooks where the river forms the border and the lights of Tachileik glow in the distance.
A dramatic ridge line offering sweeping views of the border region especially at dawn or dusk.
Food in Mae Sai
Mae Sai Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy coconut curry noodle soup served with crispy noodles, widely available in northern Thai eateries near Mae Sai.
Must-Try!
Northern Thai grilled sausage seasoned with lemongrass, garlic and herbs.
A fragrant Burmese fish noodle soup often found at border stalls.
Burmese tea leaf salad featuring pickled tea leaves, nuts and crunchy toppings
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Evening stalls along the border offer Burmese snacks, grilled meats, fresh fruit and handmade crafts.
Cross border stalls with Burmese goods and fusion snacks that show the blend of Thai and Burmese cuisines.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, remove shoes before entering temples, and show respect when taking photos of monks or sacred figures.
Be patient at border crossings, follow local directions, and respect Burmese markets and vendors.
Safety
Tipping in Mae Sai
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not expected. If you receive good service in a restaurant, a 10 percent tip is common in tourist spots.
Cash is king in Mae Sai especially in markets. Some restaurants and hotels accept cards; ATMs are widely available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool and dry, comfortable for long walks and temple visits; evenings can be chilly so bring a light jacket.
Hot and humid with temperatures often rising above 30 C; stay hydrated and seek shade during peak sun hours.
June to October brings frequent showers and lush scenery; carry a compact rain jacket and be prepared for slick roads.
Mae Sai at Night
Hiking in Mae Sai
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A nearby ridge offering viewpoints over the border region and forested hills.
Scenic rural paths near Chiang Rai with waterfalls and lush landscapes.
Airports
How to reach Mae Sai by plane.
Located about 60-90 minutes from Mae Sai, with flights to Bangkok and domestic routes.
A longer drive away but an option for international connections via Bangkok.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Thai communities living in Mae Sai with strong Burmese cross-border ties.
A significant presence in markets and border services with Burmese languages commonly heard.
Small communities in the surrounding hills with unique crafts and cultural traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Traditional Thai boxing widely watched in northern towns and gyms.
Popular local leagues and pickup games in parks and schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mae Sai.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes can be prepared without meat, but fish sauce is common in Thai dishes. Ask for requests without fish sauce or shrimp paste and look for vegetable curries and tofu options.