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Location : Mae Sot, Thailand
Finding a Place to Sleep
With 30 days on my visa and no itinerary in mind, I was in no rush to do anything except to chill in Mae Sot. First thing was to look for a place to stay. The cheapest option, California Maesot House (B171) was full. I proposed a barter deal with the town's newest and grandest hotel, Teak Hotel, but management was not interested (owners usually accept my offer, but my offer didn't even reach the owners). I was even thinking that if I don't get a deal, I'd go straight to Bangkok where a hotel owner who has since become a friend, gave a standing offer to let me stay there.
Nut
Nut and Sleep Nest Hostel
Fortunately, Nut, owner and manager of Sleep Nest Hostel accepted my offer in exchange for a few night's stay. I jived well with him and his mother, who were both hands-on. They were just amazing! It's a hipster-ish hotel and attracts young backpackers. It was a perfect set-up. There was an open-air veranda that opens up to the street, a work area fronting a glass wall looking out to the street, comfortable bunk beds in an a/c dorm room, and all-day coffee/snacks. It was so chill I could have lived there. Thank you, Nut !!!
Peoplescape
Equally, I jived well with my fellow travelers who came from many walks of life - cavers, chef, English teachers, seekers, etc. They were interesting as they were varied. I met just about everyone including a former school principal who offered me a teaching job! I taught free/donation-based yoga daily at 8am. Even the owner's Mom, who was in her mid-50s, joined me rope-skipping on my cardio routine. It felt like my good 'ol days again as the excitement of travel is once again rekindled. Since I stayed a few days longer than most, I saw all of them come and go. I've bonded with most of them so there was always that bittersweet goodbye.
Market Scene
I will have to say that the place that offered the most animation was the Mae Sot Divisional Market, popularly referred to as the Burmese Market. I go there every day after yoga and just soak-in the energy. There is also the 2-street Saturday Night Market and the border market, Rim Moie Market. Because Mae Sot is a border town where refugees from Myanmar took refuge to, Mae Sot keeps a sizable Burmese population. Their presence is felt at the markets - Karen tribe people, Muslims, Shan, etc. During the early mornings around 6:30am, activity is buzzing. You see monks doing their alms round, morning denizens beginning their day in a Muslim coffee/roti shop, Thai shopkeepers offering their traditional crafts, street food hawkers, etc.
Foodscape
Because Mae Sot is multi-cultural, food offering is likewise varied, extending from Thai, Chinese, Shan, Halal (Muslim), and Karen. There is a Muslim section where you get the best roti and coffee morning times in their ubiquitous coffee shops. The Chinese presence is equally dominating with their congee, noodle soup and fried donuts. Shan noodle and its special seasoning are not to be missed. Food is definitely something to explore in Mae Sot.
Ending Thoughts
Travelers usually stop overnight in Mae Sot en route to crossing into Myanmar - they don't usually stay long. With my planned longer stay here, I was hoping to discover its hidden gems by exploring, nosing around and simply being out-there! But it seems like I have to pack-up again after hearing about this fabulous place that had the biggest waterfall in Thailand!
--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
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Reader Comments:
Next stop:
Exploring Umphang, Thailand
(Feb 10-15, 2020) It was only in Mae Sot when I overheard some travelers talking about this obscure and almost unknown destination in Thailand, 5.5 hours from Mae Sot. They talked about a great waterfall, trekking tours, rafting, river splashes and a lot of nature. It reminded of my previous home in Sagada. It was enough to get me excited and pack-up.....more »»
Mae Sot Travel Information / Tips
There is a Green Bus line that departs from the Bus Arcade and drops you off at the Mae Sot bus terminal. Departure: 08:30 and 13:10. Return schedule (Mae Sot to Chiang Mai): 6:15am and 10:00am. Duration: 6 hours/30 mins. Cost: wide seats B490, regular seats B315(agencies or hotels may charge a small commission)
Mae Sot Blogs by TheLoneRider
Travel Tips for Thailand
This process is BEFORE Covid 19. Not sure what it is now.
60-Day Thai Tourist Visa
NOTE: There is no need to go back to your country to get the Thai tourist visa. Any major city with a Thai Embassy will do. Apparently there is also no need to have an invitation from a Thai establishment to justify the visa.
30-Day Extension
NOTE: When your 60-day visa is close to expiry and you want to extend your stay. No need to leave Thailand.
Book Train Tickets in Thailand Online by Train36.com
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