Mae Sae Musing

[Ijustwannateach]

I'm trying to get to Mae Sae (on the Burmese border) just before Song Kran and stay through most/all of the Song Kran period in April.

What options do I have for travel there (is there a bus? which station in Bangkok does it leave from- is it VIP or one of these horrible 2nd class affairs? Or is there a cheap flight that's easy to book?)

Any recommendations on staying there (hoping to find a room from 700B maybe up to 1500B- nothing fancy needed, but comfortable and clean)?

Finally, any experience with Song Kran in this neck of the woods? Same-same as other rural Thailand, or is it especially annoying/dangerous?

I'm totally clueless about this area, so please be kind! Thanks!

"Steven"

[ProfessorFart]

Its a 12 hour trip from Mor Chit and costs 745B. They leave at 0700, 1900, and 1940.

The town is interesting enough as far as border towns go and there are plenty of hotel options in your price range. Its a nice place to sit and watch all of the comings and goings too. if you can get out into the the surrounding area you will get the best out of the place but be sure to find out how safe it is.

[Thetyim]

Mae Sai is a bit boring when you have no transport.

Most of the touristy bit is just west of the bridge. The street is patrolled at night by soldiers. We called them the Pyjama Patrol because of their camaflage pattern. At 9pm they march past, at 10pm they walk past, at 11pm they stroll past, at 12pm they stagger past in an alcoholic haze.

Lots of shops selling goods from China.

Be careful daytime with the burmese street pedlars, they are very clever at being deceiptful.

[Ajarn]

I wouldn't say there are plenty of hotel options in your price range in Mae Sai. There is only 1 in town, that I know of that's decent... The Wang Thong, for 900 baht per night (last year)

WANG THONG HOTEL, MAESAI

299 PHAHOLYOTHIN ROAD,

MAE SAI, CHIANGRAI 57130, THAILAND

TEL. (053) 733388-95 FAX: (053) 733399

Do watch your step at night if out alone, especially in the area to the East of the bridge. Not dangerous, per se, but definately Wild West'ish..

[Thetyim]

There are some very good accomodation options outside town if you have transport, and very cheap as well.

[meadish_sweetball]

There are some very good accomodation options outside town if you have transport,  and very cheap as well.

Mae Sot is a far more interesting border town than Mae Sai in my opinion, at least, as somebody said, if you dont have your own transport.

I never found anything interesting to do in Mae Sai apart from shopping Burmese pirate goods and eating substandard food, whether Thai, farang or Burmese. I am sure the countryside may have more to offer, but the town itself is a hole once the novelty of the market and border crossing has worn off.

[Ijustwannateach]

Many thanks for all the replies!

[charles]

I wouldn't say there are plenty of hotel options in your price range in Mae Sai. There is only 1 in town, that I know of that's decent... The Wang Thong, for 900 baht per night (last year)

WANG THONG HOTEL, MAESAI

299 PHAHOLYOTHIN ROAD,

MAE SAI, CHIANGRAI 57130, THAILAND

TEL. (053) 733388-95 FAX: (053) 733399

Went to Mae Sai 2 years ago with the parents. They stayed at Wang Thong and it seemed like a place that had been let go. Kind of Fawlty Towers for the Burmese border. Wires hanging down, no hot water, they even had to take it in turns to read under the one working light!

I'd recommend checking out the guest houses on the riverside road on the left just before the bridge. A few have TV, air-con, balconies etc. Much cheaper than Wang Tong and probably better unless Wang Tong has improved (probably unlikely).

Outside of Mae Sai is a great area, one of Thailand's best, especially near and along the mountainous border to the West of town. Travel with caution though and expect plenty of army checkpoints. Easy to wander into Burmese territory but not recommended!