Mae Sai

City · Chiang Rai Province, 🇹🇭 Thailand

Mae Sai is Thailand's northernmost town, on the border with Myanmar. It is a busy trading town with markets, temples and mountain views.

Visitors come for the border atmosphere, hilltop views and nearby gardens and caves.

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When to visit

The cool season from about November to February is most comfortable. The rainy season brings greenery and mist.

Best time to visit: January, December

Select a month

Typical weather in January

Great

28° · extremes 10°–32°
14° at night
2 rainy days
19 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Calm winds
UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in February

Good

31° · extremes 12°–35°
16° at night
2 rainy days
20 sunny days
9 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Calm winds
UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in March

Poor

34° (feels like 35°) · extremes 15°–38°
19° at night
4 rainy days
15 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Calm winds
UV index 8 · very high

Up to 15 days above 35°

Typical weather in April

Poor

36° (feels like 39°) · extremes 19°–41°
23° at night
11 rainy days
12 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Muggy, humid air
Calm winds
UV index 9 · very high

Up to 21 days above 35°

Typical weather in May

Poor

35° (feels like 39°) · extremes 21°–41°
24° at night
19 rainy days
7 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Calm winds
UV index 9 · very high

Up to 16 days above 35°

Typical weather in June

Poor

34° (feels like 38°) · extremes 23°–37°
24° at night
21 rainy days
1 sunny day
5 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Calm winds
UV index 8 · very high

Up to 8 days above 35°

Typical weather in July

Poor

32° (feels like 37°) · extremes 23°–36°
24° at night
25 rainy days
0 sunny days
4 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Calm winds
UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in August

Poor

32° (feels like 37°) · extremes 22°–35°
24° at night
27 rainy days
0 sunny days
4 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Calm winds
UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in September

Poor

32° (feels like 37°) · extremes 20°–35°
23° at night
21 rainy days
2 sunny days
5 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Calm winds
UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in October

Fair

31° (feels like 35°) · extremes 18°–34°
21° at night
14 rainy days
6 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Calm winds
UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in November

Good

29° (feels like 31°) · extremes 13°–33°
18° at night
6 rainy days
16 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Muggy, humid air
Calm winds
UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in December

Great

27° (feels like 28°) · extremes 10°–31°
15° at night
2 rainy days
16 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Calm winds
UV index 6 · high

Climate data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2) · 1996–2025

Top sights

Wat Phra That Doi Wao is a hilltop temple with stairs and views over the town and the border.
Tham Luang Cave is the cave system made famous by a 2018 rescue.
North Pole Point marks the northernmost point.
Covered Market is a market in the town center.
Mae Fah Luang Arboretum is a garden and arboretum south of town.

Featured Lists

NBT / CC BY 3.0

Mae Sai's Absolute Essentials

Mae Sai marks Thailand’s northernmost frontier, serving as a cultural crossroads with Myanmar. This selection features the Tham Luang karstic cave system, famous for the 2018 rescue operation, and Doi Tung mountain, home to royal villas and botanical gardens. The list covers the Akha coffee-growing community of Pha Hi village, the 'Scorpion Temple' at Wat Phra That Doi Wao, and several limestone caves including Tham Pla, known for its resident macaque population and freshwater springs.

8 places

What to experience

Border market: Browse goods and snacks.
Hilltop temple: Climb for views.
Cave and garden: Visit nearby natural sights.

Tours & Activities

Mae Sai — Map

Day trips

Chiang Rai: reached by road to the south.
Mae Chan: a town on the way south.
Golden Triangle: a famous river meeting point.

Where to explore

Chiang Rai covers the wider province.
Mae Chan lies south of Mae Sai.

Getting there

By bus: Frequent buses run from Chiang Rai.
By car: The main road is paved.

Getting around

Walking: The central streets are compact.
Tuk-tuks and taxis: Available for farther sights.

Driving

Is a car worth it?: Useful for gardens and caves.
Driving side: Traffic drives on the left.
Roads: Main roads are good.

Food & drink

Northern Thai dishes mix with Burmese and Chinese influences. Markets sell noodles, snacks and local products.

Lunch

Pad ThaiStir-fried rice noodles with egg, tofu or shrimp, bean sprouts, and tamarind sauce, topped with crushed peanuts.

Som TamSpicy shredded green papaya salad with lime, chili, fish sauce, and peanuts.

Boat Noodles Kuay Teow ReuaSmall, intensely flavored bowls of noodle soup, traditionally served from boats along Bangkok's canals.

Dinner

Tom Yum Goong Tom Yum KungHot and sour soup with shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili.

Green Curry Gaeng Keow WanCoconut-milk curry with green chilies, Thai basil, and meat or tofu, served with rice.

Massaman Curry Gaeng MassamanMild, rich curry with Persian and Indian influences, typically made with beef or chicken, potatoes, and peanuts.

Snacks & street food

Satay SateGrilled skewers of marinated meat served with peanut dipping sauce.

Mango Sticky Rice Roti RotiCrispy pan-fried flatbread, often served sweet with condensed milk and banana, or savory.

Sweets & desserts

Mango Sticky Rice Khao Niao MamuangSweet sticky rice served with fresh mango slices and coconut cream.

Drinks

Thai Iced Tea Cha YenStrong black tea sweetened with condensed milk and served over ice.

Singha / Chang Beer Beer Chang / SinghaPopular Thai lagers widely available at bars and restaurants.

Safety & health

Border: Carry your passport and follow local rules.
Bargaining: Agree prices before buying.
Royal family: Do not speak or write badly about the monarchy. It is a serious crime in Thailand.