Mae Sai

Introducing Mae Sai

Thailand’s northernmost town, Mae Sai can be used as a starting point for exploring the Golden Triangle, Doi Tung and Mae Salong. It’s also a good spot to observe border life, as Mae Sai is one of the few official overland crossings between Myanmar and Thailand. Don’t come expecting loads of atmosphere; the town is little more than a modern trading post.

Foreigners are permitted to cross the border to Tachileik (the town opposite Mae Sai, spelt Thakhilek by the Thais), then continue to Kengtung, and as far as Mengla on the Thai/China border. It is now possible to travel from Mengla on to Daluo and Jinghong in China, if you have arranged the appropriate visas beforehand. Chiang Saen to China via boat is another, and relatively easier, route. In spite of these opening, Thai tourists are much more commonly seen in Mae Sai than faràng (Westerners).

In February 2001 Burmese forces, apparently in pursuit of Shan State Army rebels, shelled and fired on parts of Mae Sai, invoking retaliatory shelling from the Thai army. During the fighting the whole of Mae Sai was evacuated and the border area was subsequently closed for a time. The crossing closed again between May and October 2002 following a political spat between the Thai and Myanmar governments. More recently, the border crossing was closed for a few days immediately after the September 2006 military coup. At the time of writing the border was open again, but it’s always a good idea to check the current situation before travelling to Mae Sai.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009