🚌 Mae Sai – Tachileik

Terrestrial · Thailand

Mae Sai is Thailand’s northernmost town, a busy border market facing Tachileik across the Sai River in the Golden Triangle — where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Historically this was a popular day-trip destination and visa-run point, and Tachileik’s market was known for cheap goods, gems, and jade. Buses connect Mae Sai to Chiang Rai (1.5 hours) and Chiang Mai (4 hours). Beyond Tachileik, a Myanmar permit (obtainable at the border) previously allowed travel to Kengtung, the atmospheric Shan State capital. IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: since the 2021 coup and ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar, Shan State has seen significant instability. Parts of the border area around Tachileik and the road to Kengtung have been affected by conflict between the military and the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS/SSA-S) and other armed groups. The scam industry has also grown significantly in border towns as criminal groups operating in Myanmar have become emboldened. The crossing may be open but the security environment in the region beyond Tachileik is not reliable. Do not attempt the route to Kengtung without the most current local information.