Border town: According to the Dutch travel advice (as of 15 October 2026) the border crossing with Myanmar is only open to people with a Thai or Myanmar passport. Do not cross into Myanmar. Read the current travel advice (NederlandWereldwijd, Dutch) ↗
Border town: Border rules, opening hours and visa conditions can change. Check current information and the travel advice before you cross a border.
About Mae Sai
Mae Sai is Thailand's northernmost town and lies on the Myanmar border, with Tachileik on the other side of the river. The town is mostly a stepping stone for visitors to Myanmar and a busy border market selling clothing, spices, gemstones and snacks. There is more to see, though: on the hill of Wat Phra That Doi Wao stands a temple with a giant dragon and views over the town and the river. Not far from town lies Tham Luang Nang Non cave, known from the 2018 rescue when a youth football team and their coach were trapped. A short drive away are the Doi Tung mountains with gardens and a royal villa. Mae Sai suits those who want to see Thailand's far north. Check the current rules for crossing the border beforehand.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: cool and dry, with chilly mornings in the hills. From February to April smoke and haze from agricultural burning can limit visibility; June to October is the rainy season, green and quiet. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Chiang Rai by bus or songthaew (about 1 hour, roughly 60 km); from Chiang Mai about 4 hours. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Mae Sai
- Border market A busy market with clothing, tea, spices and snacks by the border bridge.
- Wat Phra That Doi Wao A hilltop temple with views over the town and the river.
- Tham Luang Nang Non The cave of the 2018 rescue, in a nature park near the town.
- Doi Tung A mountain area with gardens and a royal villa, a short drive away.
