This border town faces Myanmar across the Mae Sai River, and is located 62 kilometres north of Chiang Rai on Highway No. 110. Numerous shopping opportunities exist for popular Thai and Burmese goods.
Mae Sai is also the ideal market for gem lovers, where numerous kinds of precious stones from Myanmar. such as rubies, emeralds, jade, and others, are for sale. Some prefer to take a trip to Tha Khi Lek province in Myanmar to hunt for their own kind of stones. To cross the Myanmar borders, you need to have your identity card with a 30 baht fee to apply for a temporary border pass at Mae Sai Bridge. Another 10 baht fee is collected at the entry point. This will allow you to have a 7 day stay in Tha Khi Lek province.
Wat Phra That Doi Wao
About 100 meters before the Mae Sai border, there stands another important place of Chiang Rai called Wat Phra That Doi Wao. This chedi was built by a ruler of Yonok Nakkhaphan to contain some strands of Buddha’s hair. It is thus one of the most ancient and most worshipped chedis in Chiang Rai. From the vantage points at this temple, you can visit Myanmar by sight, without having to pay the fees or crossing the borders.
Khun Nam Nang Non
(Lagoon of the Sleeping Lady) Located 12 kilometres before reaching Mae Sai Community Centre along a 2-kilometre spur road, natural rock formations resemble a reclining female to give the tree-shaded area its name.
Tham Pum-Tham Pla
(Reed & Fish Caverns) Located 1 kilometre north of the ‘Sleeping Lady Lagoon’, and 1.8 kilometres from Highway No. 110, these caves are known for their spectacular interiors.
Tham Phayanak
Located within a few hundred metres from the Reed & Fish Caverns, this cave is regarded as being especially beautiful thanks to its multi-coloured rocks.
Tham Pha Chom
Located 2.5 kilometres west of Mae Sai, this cave is noted for its beautiful stalactites, and as a place of meditation.