Tag: Most Amazing Destinations of Mae Sai in Northern Thailand

Most Amazing Destinations of Mae Sai in Northern Thailand

Most Amazing Destinations of Mae Sai in Northern Thailand The northernmost destination in all of Thailand is Mae Sai. The town is used as a stepping stone for those interested in visiting Myanmar, but it also boasts a lot to do in its own right. The Wat Phra That Wai Dao, a stunning temple, is open to the public, and a smaller Burmese temple stands to one side. You also won’t want to miss the giant scorpion statue, with its claws outstretched toward Myanmar, which is a show of the Thai people’s strength and past prowess in war. Mae Sai is a great place to go shopping at the local markets, and some of the most popular souvenirs to pick up include jewels imported from Myanmar and items carved from local sandalwood. At first glance, Thailand’s northernmost town can appear to be little more than a large open-air market. But Mae Sai (แม่สาย) serves as a convenient base for exploring the Golden Triangle and Doi Mae Salong, and its position across from Myanmar also makes it a jumping-off point for those wishing to explore some of the more remote parts of Shan State. Because occasional fighting within Myanmar or disputes between the Thai and Myanmar governments can lead to the border being closed temporarily, it’s always a good idea to check the current situation before travelling to Mae Sai. Rain and Flooding Maesai has a pronounced wet season during which it is likely to experience flooding 2 or 3 times. The Ruak River rises quickly and falls almost as quickly. It is not uncommon for there to be some flooding in the centre of town, but not the border crossing itself. On 5th September 2014 there was a heavy overnight storm which caused an exceptionally high river flow and flooding and the river flowed over the border bridge (in the picture). Some of the market areas are especially low lying and suffered worst.