Travel
Mae Sot A PEACEFUL HIDEAWAY IN A BURMESE BORDER TOWN
For couples who delight in leaving tourist crowds behind , you ’ ll find refuge in this city by the Burmese border . At Mae Sot , you can soak in the hot spring , ogle wondrous caves , and trek to waterfalls .
The Mae Usa Cave , an underworld of natural beauty , is not to be missed on a visit to Mae Sot . Exploring the cave takes about three hours ; but , for an extra romantic treat , hit the cave in the afternoon , when the setting sun shines through a large hole in the Western wall , creating a spotlight in the cavern . A guide is required at 300 baht per group . For more natural-world wonder , stop at the Mae Gasa Spring and get steamy : Take a dip in these naturally hot waters that can reach 75 degrees Celsius .
Wondering where to stay on your visit ? The Picturebook Guesthouse is a boutique hotel for a tranquil , green , romantic hideaway . And as for what to eat ? Escape into a hidden garden at Khaomao Khaofang , one of the top recommendations for Mae Sot trips . In environs designed to simulate the jungle , diners can enjoy a menu of classic Thai dishes to the natural music of cascading waterfalls and murmuring brooks .
A day trip to a waterfall itself is a must-see . Tararak Waterfall sits 26 km south of the city , and Phra Charoen Waterfall lies just beyond , providing the perfect spot for jungle trekking up its 97 steps .
For sightseeing , check out the mix of Thai and Burmese temples and mosques unique to the town . Wat Thai Wattanaram , a 7 km drive from downtown , features Burmese architecture , golden lions , a large reclining Buddha , and a marble Buddha , among other design fascinations .
GETTING THERE
Nok Air operates daily propeller plane flights from DMK , averaging about 3500 baht per ticket . First and second-class buses also depart Mo Chit bus station daily for 373 or 590 baht , respectively . The trip is 13 hours .
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