Mae Sot Things to Do
Mae Sot is an amazing destination in terms of what it offers to visitors. It is surely not number one in the must-visit list, but for those who love off the beaten track destinations the area has a lot attractions and activities – from waterfalls and jungle trekking to hot springs and volunteering opportunities.
Pha Charoen Waterfall
This breath-taking waterfall is located right at the entrance of the Pha Charoen National Park, 36 km south of Mae Sot. An easy jungle trail will lead you along the water stream from the bottom to the top of the falls. A 50 meter drop forms 97 staircase-like levels all differing from one another in size and form and the jungle setting provides endless opportunities for spectacular pictures. The park is completely unknown to Western tourists, but it’s a popular destination for the Thais so it can be quite busy on weekends and holidays. Try to go there during the week to get the most out of your visit.
The best way to get there is to rent a motorbike and drive south on highway 1090 which is also known as Death Highway: don’t let the name scare you off since the road is in good condition and the journey is pleasant and quick; just drive carefully and wear the helmet. Alternatively you can hire a taxi; expect to pay THB600 for a round trip.
Gibbon Sanctuary
Established in 2013, the mission of this foundation is to give a permanent and safe home to gibbons and other animals native to Thailand that have been mistreated and abused in various ways and situations by humans. At the moment the sanctuary hosts 66 gibbons, 20 monkeys, 2 jackals and 1 Asiatic moon bear. The sanctuary doesn’t get any government support and it’s totally funded by contributions of volunteers and occasional visitors.
To get there take the same road as to Pha Charoen Waterfall but keep driving for ten km more. For information about visiting hours and entrance fee contact the sanctuary.
Maekasa Hot Springs
Located half an hour drive north of Mae Sot, these hot springs are a perfect spot for a relaxed and fun day immerged (literally) in the nature. There is a main pool which is usually quite busy with the Thai day trippers boiling eggs and eating papaya salad. If you want more privacy there are several other smaller pools that are usually deserted. For the best spot hike along the trail that leads to the top of the waterfall where you will have the warm water pool that feed the falls. To get there drive north on highway 105 for 25 km. The park is open every day from 9.00am till 5.00pm.
Volunteering or visiting an orphanage
If you have some spare time (even just one day) you may consider volunteering and helping one of the many orphanages in the villages around Mae Sot. They take care of kids who are orphans or have been separated with the parents who are still living in Burma. Orphanages give them a home, proper nutrition, free education, medical care and clothes. Volunteers’ tasks are different and are based on individual skills and time. English teachers are usually required to stay for at least few weeks, but for other projects like gardening, general maintenance, farming or language practice they welcome people willing to help even just for a few hours or days.
In case you decide to stay overnight they generally offer free accommodation (quite basic), three meals a day and most of all a lot of free playtime with the kids. If you don’t have time to volunteer you can also visit one of the orphanages and if donate food or medicines we would suggest you to contact them in advance so they can tell you what is their priority at the moment. There are countless of orphanages around Mae Sot; your guesthouse will be able to direct you to one of them.
