Alongside Mae Nam Moei on the Thai side of the border is an expansive market that sells a mixture of workaday goods from Myanmar, black-market clothes,…
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Mae Sot
Despite its remote location and relatively small size, Mae Sot (แม่สอด) is among the most culturally diverse cities in Thailand. Walking down the town's streets you’ll see a fascinating ethnic mixture of Burmese men in their longyi (sarongs), Hmong and Karen women in traditional hill-tribe dress, bearded Muslims, Thai army rangers and foreign NGO workers. Burmese and Karen are spoken as much as Thai, shop signs along the streets are in Thai, Burmese and Chinese, and much of the temple architecture is Burmese. Mae Sot has also become the most important jade and gem centre along the border, with much of the trade controlled by Chinese and Muslim immigrants from Myanmar.
Although there aren’t many formal sights in Mae Sot, many visitors end up staying longer than expected. The multicultural vibe, not to mention a vibrant market, fun activities and good food have become attractions in their own right.
Explore Mae Sot
- BBorder Market
Alongside Mae Nam Moei on the Thai side of the border is an expansive market that sells a mixture of workaday goods from Myanmar, black-market clothes,…
- WWat Aranyakhet
A Buddhist temple in Mae Sot.
- WWat Chumphon Khiri
A Buddhist temple in Mae Sot.
- NNurulislam Mosque
Mae Sot's principal mosque.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Mae Sot.
See
Border Market
Alongside Mae Nam Moei on the Thai side of the border is an expansive market that sells a mixture of workaday goods from Myanmar, black-market clothes,…
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