Mae Sai is the northern-most city of Thailand. It is mainly a stepping stone for visits to Myanmar and has no attractions of its own. Mae Sai is Thailand's northern most border district to Chiang Saen A small town about 30 kms. further from Mae Chan. Its lovely setting on the Mae Khong River strongly enchants the charm of its old temples ; Wat Pa Sak , Wat Phrathat Chom Kitti etc.

Mae Sai is a boarder town in Chiang Rai Province, some 65km (41mi) north of Chiang Rai. As Mae Sai is just at the border to Burma, Burmese goods, especially handicrafts, can be purchased at good prices. Thais and Burmese and foreign tourists can cross the border officially during daytime. Actually, many Burmese work in Mae Sai. The border river is just about 30cm (1ft) deep.

You can get in by

By bus from Chiang Rai (there are day-tours taking visitors to Mae Sai and the Golden Triangle)

By car which can be rented in Chiang Mai and other cities

Mae Sai is easy to get around on foot, exploring the border area which is probably the only place worth seeing.

Or by car to get around all areas.

See The border

Take a picture with the gate marking the northern-most point of Thailand
Cross the bridge into Tachileik, Myanmar. As of September 2006, a single-day entry permit costs US$10 - travellers using this option are given a paper entry permit and their passports are held at the immigration office until they return to Thailand. Short-term visas-on-arrival are available at this border crossing but they only allow travel in the local area - to travel to the rest of Myanmar, a visa in advance is needed.

In May 2008 the entry fee to Myanmar is 500 Thai Baht or $10 US, and this gives you a 14 day entry permit to the local area. This entry permit has photo id and you are required to leave your passport with Myanmar immigration. Transit travelers can arrange for a visa and can have their passport sent to their port of exit.


There are plenty of small shops lining both sides of the street leading to the border crossing that sell

Cheap jewels (rubies, emerald and jade) imported from Myanmar
Cheap curio items, many of which are imported from China
Fresh cut fruit

Thip Sukon House Hotel, This hotel is probably the best of the lot on the same road as the old King Kobra hotel.From the 3rd floor you have a view right into Myanmar and the Sai River.

Tip Sukon House (642816), Sairom Joy Rd / Superb big concrete rooms w. HW shower 250 but unfortunately on the noisy side of the road.

King Kobra Maesai Guesthouse (733055), 135/5 Sailom Joy / Downstairs rooms 100(1) or 120(2), upstairs w. HW shower 150(1) or 200(2), also more expensive / HW / Go there for the big upstairs rooms, the relaxing lobby, the movies on request, the info about the area from the owner / What you may not like : the lack of view, the rooms downstairs, the road.

Maesai Plaza Guesthouse (053 732230), 386/3 Sailom Joy Rd, just after the above / Bungalows 80, 100 (w. cold shower), 120, 150 (w. HW shower), 200 or 300 / Go there for the original setting on the slope of the hill, the good view, the cheap price for room w. shower / What you may not lack : the size of the place, the lack of cleanliness, the basic rooms, the dim lighting

Northern Guesthouse (731537), 402 Thumphajom Rd, after the above, on the right / Bungalows 60(1) or 80(2), 150 w. HW shower, 200 next to the river / Go there for the good setting inside a nice garden and the cheapest correct bungalow in town / What you may not like : the lack of outside HW, the not so clean common showers & rooms.

River Side Guesthouse (732554), 690 Moo 1 Wiangpangkam Rd, continuing your walk a bit, 5mn from bridge / Nice room with big bed, HW shower and a balcony overlooking the river 200. Unfortunately, it is also next to a small road.

Maesai Guesthouse (732021), 688 Wiangpangkam Rd, 10mn from bridge / Room 100(1) or 150(2), bungalow w. HW shower 200(1) or 300(2), by the river 400 / HW / Go there for the best setting in town in a nice garden by the river, directly facing Burma and the correct rooms (shared bungalow) at a reasonable price