Mae Sot

 Mae Sot is a border town and has grown enormously since 2 bridges were constructed across the river to Myanmar. Trade with Myanmar is the one of the most important businesses in the area and is mainly responsible for that growth along with the influx of migrants and refugees from Myanmar. It is known for its teak and gem trading and also has a certain notoriety for drugs and people trafficking. It is a fascinating city with huge ethnic diversity. Walking around the morning market in the centre of town, one can see so many different types of people going about their business. It is a proverbial melting pot of religions and ethnicities. The variety of people is matched via the variety of fresh produce on the huge market and it is one of the cheapest markets we have ever seen. There are also many temples and mosques in the city but the most outstanding is the Chinese temple belonging to the Chan Thak Foundation.

Mae Sot morning market, Tak Province

Mae Sot morning market, Tak Province

Mae Sot morning market, Tak Province

Mae Sot morning market, Tak Province

Mae Sot morning market, Tak Province

Mae Sot morning market, Tak Province

Chinese Temple of the Chan Thak Foundation, Mae Sot

Chinese Temple of the Chan Thak Foundation, Mae Sot

Wat Manee Praison, Mae Sot

Later, that evening, we discovered a very nice restaurant called Getthava. The food is excellent, has some interesting specialities such as tea leaf salad and Chinese sausage fried rice. The cost os those 2 including steamed rice, pork and tofu clear soup and a pork stuffed omelette came to 255 THB! Unbelievable good value.

Dinner in Getthava Restaurant, Mae Sot