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How to get from Bangkok to Mae Sot
Mae Sot is a small city in western Thailand that shares a border with the neighbouring country of Myanmar. This border crossing is one of the main reasons why travellers make their way from Bangkok to Mae Sot.
The relatively small province is surrounded by lush greens, mountains and stunning views. Mae Sot is also home to the popular Gibbon Highland Farm, see more info below about this.
2 ways to get from Bangkok to Mae Sot
The distance from Bangkok to Mae Sot is 500 km (311 miles). In this post, we compare two options to travel from Bangkok to Mai Sot: by bus (7.5-8.5 hours) and by flight (1 hour 10 minutes). Ticket prices cost you about 405 THB ($11.50) to 2 THB ($67.00).
The bus is the cheapest option to travel from Bangkok to Mae Sot. The disadvantage is that the buses on this route arrive in the middle of the night. On the good side, you won’t lose a day of travelling. Tickets start from 405 THB ($11.50).
Taking the flight from Bangkok to Mae Sot is a much faster option. The flight takes only about 1 hour and flight tickets start from 2 THB ($67.00).
Volunteer at the Gibbon Highland Farm
If you are an animal lover who would love to work with monkeys and gibbons, there is a great opportunity to volunteer at the Gibbon Highland Farm.
You can help maintain their living environment, enjoy their playful nature and wake up to the sound of gibbons singing each morning. You will experience Thai culture, local food and most importantly, how to care for the gibbons and monkeys.
Gibbon Highland Farmland can help you with your queries or you can send them an email directly at [email protected] if this interests you.
Bangkok to Mae Sot by Bus
Taking the bus from Bangkok to Mae Sot is the cheapest option and also produces fewer emissions compared to flying.
The two popular bus companies operating on this route are Transport Co. and Sasanun Transport.
It is a long trip but luckily, the buses from Bangkok to Mae Sot offer a comfortable airconditioned ride with reclining seats. The staff will also provide you with a blanket which is quite useful as buses more often tend to be too cold than too warm.
Note that are only night buses available for this trip from Bangkok to Mae Sot. These buses depart around 20:00 in the evening. The disadvantage is that they are arriving in the middle of the night. For that reason, the quickest trip with The Transport Co isn’t necessarily the best.
Departure and arrival stations
Both buses depart from Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak – Mochit). This station can easily be reached by MRT, BTS, a public bus, tuk-tuk or taxi.
During non-peak hours, Mo Chit Terminal is only about a 15-minute taxi ride from the city centre, but the ride can take up to 1 hour if you’re using public transport.
All buses arrive at Mae Sot Bus Station, located 4.8 km west of the city centre.
Bus Schedule from Bangkok to Mae Sot
Bangkok to Mae Sot by Flight
Nok Air is the only airline that offers flights from Bangkok to Mae Sot. Bear in mind that Nok Air operates smaller propeller-type aeroplanes for this route. If this concerns you, we suggest taking the bus.
The airline used to operate 6 flights from Bangkok to Mae Sor every day but due to the pandemic, it’s limited to 3 flights s day. Still, enough choice with daily departures at 08:15, 11:00 and 15:30.
Flights depart from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) which can be reached by taxi, train or public bus.
Tickets for this flight from Bangkok to Mae Sot start at 2 THB ($67.00). You can use Skyscanner to find the cheapest rates and book your flights online.
The small airport in Mae Sot is located about 5 km west of the city centre.
Our favourite places to stay in Mae Sot
Retro Twin Home @Maesot - Budget Friendly
Enjoy cycling around Mae Sot with the free bicycle rentals from this hotel. Breakfast is included with your stay and your room is equipped with a private bathroom and cable TV.
You will feel right at home thanks to the friendly and welcoming staff and you’ll get a great night’s sleep in the clean and comfortable rooms.
- Free bicycle rentals
- Breakfast included
- Comfortable beds
- Friendly staff
Private room starts at $11 per night
Bed D - Mid Range
This beautiful property is a wonderful stay when you’re in Mae Sot. The rooms are large, the beds are extremely comfortable and big and the hotel is modern.
There is a cafe/restaurant on-site, a shared lounge and decent wifi throughout the building. A delicious breakfast is included each morning with your stay.
- Breakfast included
- Onsite restaurant and bar
- New, modern hotel
- Clean and comfortable
Private room starts at $32 per night
J2 Hotel Maesot - Mid Range
The modern J2 Hotel located centrally in Mae Sot is a great option if you’re looking for comfort and convenience.
There is a lovely terrace overlooking the garden where you can relax and enjoy the views while eating your complimentary continental breakfast. The hotel also offers bicycle rentals and is well known for its cleanliness and comfortable rooms.
- Breakfast included
- Clean and comfortable
- Bicycle rentals available
- Garden and terrace
Private room starts at $36 per night
Mae Sot Travel Guides
8 Best Things to Do in Mae Sot
Routes from Mae Sot
Most popular routes in Thailand
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
