10 Best Things To Do In Mae Sot, Thailand

10 Best Things To Do In Mae Sot, Thailand
Kavita
Kavita 
Updated
| 4 min read

If Instagram and Facebook feeds are any indication of popular vacation destinations, then Thailand is at the top of the list. As with any travel planning, it’s always helpful to have a list on hand of things to see and cities to visit. Mae Sot, a popular destination in Thailand, is found on the border of Thailand and Burma. With its rich culture, architectural wonders and delicious culinary creations waiting to be consumed, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. That’s why Trip 101 is here to help make your trip a breeze! So sit back and check out some of the amazing sights that are available to all who take the time to visit Mae Sot, Thailand!

Culture

The Buddhist faith is a prevalent part of Mae Sot culture, and as such is represented by the many beautifully constructed Buddhist temples. Visiting some of these temples not only allows visitors to embrace Mae Sot culture, but to also see some absolutely stunning and ornamental Buddhist structures.

1. Wat Thai Wattanaram

reclining buddha
Source: Photo by Flickr user antony griffiths used under CC BY 2.0

Wat Thai Wattanaram is a Buddhist Temple that is extremely influenced by the close proximity to the Burmese border. Built in the Burmese style of Mahayana Buddhism, the temple is a remarkable structure. Guests will be greeted by lion guardian statues, while further inside the temple inside is a large marble Buddha that is meant to resemble the Buddha image of Wat Don Kaeo. While you continue your journey within the temple, you will see many other beautiful representations of the Buddhist faith. Outside, you’ll see the famous (huge) reclining Buddhist statue - an incredible sight indeed.

Wat Thai Wattanaram

Address: Moo1 | Ta Sai Luat Subdistrict, Mae Sot 63110, Thailand

Opening Hours: 8am - 5pm

Duration: ~2 Hours

Access: Between Mae Sot Airport and the Border

Near by Food: Food vendors located outside

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2. Wat Chumpol Khiri

The stunningly beautiful simulation of Shwedagon Pagoda in Wat Chumphon Khiri is the culmination of centuries of...

Posted by Amazing Thai temples of sister city on Monday, 3 July 2017

Wat Chumpol Khiri is another Burmese-style temple, where the main pagoda is a replica of the Shwedagon in Yangon, Myanmar. Surrounded by dozens of satellite pagodas, Wat Chumpol Khiri has some really diverse architectural elements and styles to explore.

Wat Chumpol Khiri

Address: Wat Chumpol Khiri Mae Sot District, Tak, Thailand

Opening Hours: 8am - 5pm

Duration: ~1 hour

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3. Wat Mani Phraison

Mae Sot temple04
Source: Photo by user Meneerke bloem used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Wat Mani Phraison is most known for its gold Buddha statue (shown above) and the Chedi Wihan Samphutthe - a building filled with over half a million Buddha images and surrounded by over two hundred small pagodas.

Wat Mani Phraison

Address: 2812 Tambon Mae Sot, Amphoe Mae Sot, Chang Wat Tak 63110, Thailand

Opening Hours: 8am - 5pm

Duration: ~1.5 hours

Contact: +66 55 543 023

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4. Chao Por Phawo Shrine

Statue and Mountains A photo of Chao Por Phawo Shrine taken in the mountains near Mae Sot, Thailand.

Posted by Deadbuddha Arts on Monday, 15 December 2014

The Chao Por Phawo Shrine (often seen as the Pha Wo Shrine) is just a fifteen kilometer drive from Mae Sot, towards Tak. The shrine is a sacred facility where passing drivers are supposed to honk their car horns or visitors are to set off fireworks - both are considered a sign of respect. According to the legends, the shrine was built to honor the courage of warriors who defended the Cliff’s Gate in ancient times.

Chao Por Phawo Shrine

Address: Highway 105, Mae Sot 63110, Thailand

Opening Hours: 7am - 6pm

Duration: ~2 hours (including travel time)

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Shopping

5. Hilltribe Market


The Hilltribe Market was originally established as the Ban Umyom Hilltribe Cultural Center to provide advice to local leaders about tourism management. These days it has morphed into a market full of local treasures like clothes, jewelry, home goods, food and more! If you’re lucky, you may even catch a spectacular dance performance or cultural activity.

Hilltribe Market

Address: Tak-Mae Sot Highway No.105 | Km marker 29, Mae Sot, Thailand

Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm

Duration: ~1.5 hours

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6. Tesco Lotus Mae Sot

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This popular multinational supermarket chain has found its way to Thailand, meaning that visitors should take the opportunity to check it out and find some great savings. Whether you’re looking for picnic supplies, bug spray, sunscreen or some snacks for a day spent in the sun, Tesco Lotus certainly has you covered.

Tesco Lotus

Address: 17 Asia Rd., Mae-Sod, Mae-Sod, Tak 63110 Muang Tak, Tak, Thailand 63110

Opening Hours: 8am - 10pm

Duration: Varies

Contact: +66 55 545 267

Website: Tesco Lotus

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Nature

What’s a visit to Thailand without exploring some of its natural beauties? Here are two excellent choices for nature excursions in The Land of Smiles.

7. Hot Springs Maekasa

MaeKaSa Hot Springs

Posted by Saw Gipsy on Wednesday, 22 March 2017

The Mae Kasa hot springs are HOT. Legend has it that you can boil an egg in the spring (you can actually try if it you want). If you’re up for some adventure, then take a dip in the spring pool, explore the nearby caves or admire the waterfall. Once you tire yourself out you can also enjoy a nice picnic in the park or just enjoy the view.

Hot Springs Mae Kasa

Address: Mae Kasa Subdistrict, Mae Sot 63110, Thailand

Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm

Duration: ~3 hours

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8. Taksin Maharat National Park

Kabark-Tree Taksin Maharat NP
Source: Photo by user Spreesprotte used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Taksin Maharat National Park is home to some incredible natural wonders, including Thailand’s largest tree, several waterfalls, caves, rock formations and more. While some may wonder what’s so great about a huge tree, Ton Krabak Yai (yes it gets its own name) is a 700-year-old Krabak tree that stands roughly 50 meters (160 ft) tall, with a 5 meter (16 ft) diameter. Other popular attractions in the park are the Saphan Hin (Stone Bridge), Tran Loard Krow Cage (featuring stalactites and stalagmites), and the Pang A Noi, Mae Ya Pa, and Sam Muen Thung Waterfalls.

Taksin Maharat National Park

Address: Mu 10, Mae Tou Sub-district, Amphur Muang Tak Tak Thailand

Price: Adults: from 6 USD; Children: from 3 USD

Opening Hours: 6am - 6pm

Contact: +66 055 511 429

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Restaurants & Entertainment

Now to one of the best parts of any visit to Thailand - the food!

9. Borderline - Cooking Classes

Cooking Burmese with Neelima Pandit at Borderline Mae Sot

Posted by Kiran Pandit on Wednesday, 29 January 2014

Why just eat Thai food when you can learn to make it? Borderline, a popular restaurant in Mae Sot, offers cooking classes where you can learn to make authentic regional foods, including Shan, Karen, and Burmese foods. The class starts out with a guided tour of the main market, where you’ll actually have the chance to help pick out the ingredients to prepare your full meal! Once you finish the class, you can enjoy your meal in the tea garden and bring home a Borderline cookbook so you can recreate these magical recipes again and again.

Borderline Cooking Classes

Address: 674/14 Intharakeeree Road, Mae Sot, Tak 63110, Thailand

Price: from 30 USD for one person; from 36 USD for two people; and from 15 USD per person for a class of 3-6 people

Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 7:30am - 9pm

Duration: ~3 hours

Contact: (66) 05-5546-584

Website: Borderline

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10. Khaomao Khaofang Restaurant

Khaomao Khaofang

Posted by Myanmar Food Master on Monday, 20 October 2014

The Khaomao Khaofang is not only a restaurant but an immersive dining experience. Guests will be transported to the rainforest, where they’ll enjoy a plethora of flowers, a roaring waterfall, and soothing music. While the food (which is a variety of Thai, regional, and seasonal dishes) is definitely a treat, guests are bound to fall in love with the atmosphere.

Khaomao Khaofang Restaurant

Address: 382 Mae Sot-Mae Ramad Rd., Mae Pa, Mae Sot District, Tak 63110, Thailand

Opening Hours: 11am - 3pm; 5pm - 10pm

Contact: +66 55 532 483

Website: Khaomao Khaofang Restaurant

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Excited yet?

It’s hard not to be excited when it comes to Thailand. Filled with beauty, history, culture, friendly people and amazing food, Mae Sot is an excellent place to experience some of what Thailand has to offer. Already visited and have suggestions? Feel free to leave a comment below. That way you can share your ideas and experiences with everyone!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Kavita is an avid traveler and enthusiastic foodie, who is always looking for the next city to experience. Kavita’s wanderlust started from a young age (she celebrated her first birthday abroad)...Read more

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