Mae Sot

Mae Sot is a town in northwestern Thailand that borders Myanmar. The town is the capital of Mae Sot District in Tak Province. Mae Sot is located about 620 km (390 mi) north of Bangkok. The town has a population of over 100,000 people and is an important trading center between Thailand and Myanmar.

Mae Sot was founded in 1834 by Hsai Hseng, a Shan prince. The town was originally named Mae La Noi, meaning "Small Forest". In 1856, the town was renamed Mae Sot, meaning "Golden teakwood". The town grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a result of the timber trade between Myanmar and Thailand.

The town's economy is still largely dependent on the timber trade. Other important industries include agriculture, gems, and tourism. Mae Sot is also a major transit point for migrant workers from Myanmar.

Mae Sot is a culturally diverse town. The majority of the population is Thai, but there are also large numbers of Karen, Shan, and other ethnic groups. There is a significant Muslim population, and many mosques can be found throughout the town.

The town is served by Mae Sot Airport, which has regular flights to Bangkok. Mae Sot is also a popular destination for tourists who want to visit the nearby archaeological site of Ban Chiang.

There are several ways to reach Mae Sot, depending on your starting point and your preferred mode of transportation.

If you are coming from Bangkok, the easiest way to reach Mae Sot is by plane. Bangkok Airways offers daily flights to Mae Sot Airport, which is located just outside of town. The flight takes about two hours. Another option is to take a bus from Bangkok to Mae Sot. The journey takes around 10 hours and there are several companies that operate this route.

If you are coming from Myanmar, you can take a bus or a taxi from one of the border crossings. The most popular crossing is the Tachileik-Mae Sot Friendship Bridge, which is located about 10 kilometers from town. There are also crossings at Myawaddy and Kawthaung, but these are further away from Mae Sot.

Once you arrive in Mae Sot, there are a variety of things to do and see. There are several markets where you can buy Myanmar handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as a variety of restaurants serving both Thai and Myanmar cuisine. Mae Sot is also home to a number of NGOs that work with refugees from Myanmar, so there are opportunities to volunteer or learn more about this issue.