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Mae Sai

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City
—°8
Mae Sai (Thailand)
ℹ️

Practical info — Mae Sai

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

Mae Sai is Thailand's northernmost town, sitting directly on the border with Myanmar, separated only by the Mae Sai River. The town is a buzzing commercial hub, where the sprawling border market is the main attraction, offering everything from local handicrafts and gemstones to goods from China and Myanmar. A key landmark is Wat Phra That Doi Wao, also known as the 'Scorpion Temple,' which sits on a hill and provides a commanding view across the border into Myanmar. The local food scene is a fascinating mix of Thai, Burmese, and Yunnanese Chinese influences. Visitors should try the unique northern noodle dishes and sample the high-quality coffee and tea grown in the nearby mountains. Mae Sai serves as an excellent base for exploring the Golden Triangle, the point where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, as well as the beautiful botanical gardens of Doi Tung. The town is roughly a one-hour drive or bus ride from Chiang Rai. Mae Sai is often used as a starting point for brief excursions across the bridge into the town of Tachileik in Myanmar. The best time to visit is from November to February, when the weather is dry and the mountain air is refreshingly cool. It is a place of cultural exchange that captures the rugged beauty of Thailand's northern frontier.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C182124272726252525232118
Rain mm2052258144123225251170873215

Live webcam – Mae Sai

See what it looks like near Mae Sai right now.

Mae Sai · 2.2 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
27,520 (2023)
Coordinates
20.42806, 99.88361

Facts

  • Northernmost town in Thailand
  • Border crossing to Myanmar
  • Massive border market
  • Center for gemstone trade
  • Wat Phra That Doi Wao
  • Gateway to Golden Triangle
  • Overlooks Tachileik, Myanmar
  • Cultural crossroads

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Sights in the town Mae Sai (8)

Myanmar Toenaya Field🏺 historical

Commemorative monument located near the busy border crossing in Mae Sai.

Northernmost point in Thailand sign📍 landmark

Iconic photo spot marking the country's geographic limit at the Myanmar border.

Skywalk - 50B entry📍 landmark

Modern glass walkway offering views over the border town and the river below.

Scorpion Mountain (Doi Wao)🌿 nature

Scenic viewpoint on a hill overlooking the Tachileik border area.

Tham Pha Chom Temple⛪ religious

Peaceful cave temple situated at the base of a cliff near the border.

Tea Oil and Plant Oils Development Center📍 landmark

Research center showcasing sustainable agriculture and cold-pressed oil production.

Tar Lot Market🎭 culture

Bustling border bazaar famous for its variety of inexpensive electronics and imported goods.

Mueang Daeng Fresh Market🎭 culture

Traditional wet market offering fresh local produce and northern Thai specialties.

Frequently asked questions

Mae Sai: where is it located?
Mae Sai is located in Thailand.
Mae Sai: what is there to see?
Highlights include Myanmar Toenaya Field, Northernmost point in Thailand sign, Skywalk - 50B entry.
Mae Sai: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Nov.
Mae Sai: why is it worth visiting?
Mae Sai is Thailand's northernmost town, sitting directly on the border with Myanmar, separated only by the Mae Sai River.
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