Mae Sot is a town in western Thailand bordering Myanmar to the west. It is notable for being a commercial center and having a significant population of Burmese immigrants and refugees. The city is part of Tak Province, 87 km from Tak city and 492 km from Bangkok. It houses Mae Sot District Headquarters and is the main gateway between Thailand and Burma. As a result, it has become known for its trade in gems and teak and black market services such as human and drug trafficking.
History
In 1937, Mae Sot was a local administration headed by a chief, usually the village chief or village chief. The population at that time was about 12,000 people. On September 30, 1939, Mae Sot was incorporated as a township, governing 27 villages. It became a township in 2010. In 1997, the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge was opened over the Moei River, connecting Mae Sot to Myawaddy. West of Mae Sot with a junction entitled No.2 Friendship Bridge. The city has become home to thousands of Burmese immigrants in recent decades. Industries in Mae Sot have grown, particularly in international trade and manufacturing textiles, garments, precious stones, jade, and teak.
What to see?
Chinese Temples: Mae Sot has a sizeable Thai-Chinese population. Beautiful Chinese temples just behind the police station near Krua, Canadian, are worth visiting. Impressive, well-kept temples that host a fantastic vegetarian festival every October. If you’re lucky enough to participate, the meal is donation-based and a great way to learn about Mae Sot’s diverse culture.
Sunset Dam Visit: Hua Fai Dam is one of the best places to watch the sunset, go for a walk, have a beer, and have dinner in the evening. It gives you a beautiful view of Mae Sot and the mountain ranges of Myanmar.
Abandoned Hotel at Sunset – On the way from the Friendship Bridge, there is an abandoned hotel on the left, just before the new highway and the second bridge. Climbing the stairs gives you the best sunset and Mae Sot views. Bring a beer, flashlight, and maybe some art supplies, and enjoy. This is Mae Sot’s jewel.
Gibbon Sanctuary (Take the light blue Songthaew #48 off the main road for an hour and a half; ring the bell to get off at km 41. While many other animals live here, the Gibbon Sanctuary is home to dozens of rescued gibbons from the group of great apes, which are often adopted as pets and then abandoned by their owners when they reach adulthood. These fascinating creatures will talk to you as you walk through their enclosures and feed them ripe fruit.
Mae Kasa hot springs (at km 13-14). According to legend, the Mae Kasa hot springs are hot enough to boil an egg. There is a nice walk in the area, and it’s a great place to picnic.
Myawaddy (Myawaddy is located in Myanmar and is accessible with a passport for a small fee across the border bridge). Since August 2013, it has been possible to travel inland to Burma. It is possible to continue traveling from Myawady to Yangon by direct bus, so this is the easiest way to get from Thailand to Burma without buying a plane ticket.
Stay Safe:
In general, Mae Sot is a relatively quiet and growing town. However, Mae Sot is a city like any other city. It is also a frontier town rich in commerce. Avoid any risk when cycling, walking, or riding a motorcycle. Many reported incidents have affected the expatriate, Burmese and Thai communities (women and men). Drunk driving is ordinary, so wear a helmet at night too. Police often set up checkpoints at night to look for helmets and drunk drivers.
Climate:
Mae Sot has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen climate classification Aw). Winters are dry and very warm. Temperatures rise until April, which is very hot, with an average daily high of 36.8°C (98.2°F).
The monsoon season lasts from May to October, with heavy rains and slightly cooler temperatures during the day, although nights remain warm.
