What to expect when visiting Mae Sot
Mae Sot is a small city in western Thailand. It shares a border with Myanmar and that is one of the main reasons why travellers make their way here. But even if you’re not visiting Burma, you may still experience a bit of Burmese culture in Mae Sot.
Many aspects of everyday Thai and Burmese life are tightly intertwined in this city. You only need to visit Mae Sot’s night markets to get a taste of Myanmar. It’s also an interesting place to experience a fusion of cultures because there are said to be around 135 different ethnicities living in Mae Sot!
2 ways to get from Bangkok to Mae Sot
There are two ways to travel the distance of 500 km (311 miles) from Bangkok to Mae Sot: by bus (7h30m-8h30m) and flight (1hr 10m). The journey takes between 1h10m - 8h30m and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 405 THB ($11.00) for the bus.Where to stay in Mae Sot?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Mae Sot at the bottom of this page.
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 2,270 THB ($63.00). 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.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Our favourite places to stay in Mae Sot
Retro Twin Home @Maesot - Budget Friendly
Enjoy a tasty complementary breakfast at Retro Twin Home before hopping on their free bicycles and exploring Mae Sot with a full stomach. The hotel is great value for money and one of the cheapest.
The cheap price doesn’t mean you compromise on comfort. The rooms are cosy, comfortable and cleaned every day. If you need anything, the staff are more than willing to help!
- Free bicycle rentals
- Breakfast included
- Comfortable beds
- Friendly staff
Private room starts at $11 per night.
The Picturebook Guesthouse - Budget Friendly
The Picturebook Guesthouse feels like a tropical oasis with an abundance of greenery and plants that fill the place. The design of the hotel is simple and rustic, yet extremely comfortable.
The guesthouse is a social enterprise training centre and is also eco-friendly making it a great choice. The staff are amazing and so is the complimentary breakfast each morning.
- Beautiful guesthouse
- Great staff
- Free bicycles
- Delicious complimentary breakfast
Private rooms start from $22 per night.
Monte Maesot Hotel - Budget Friendly
Monte Maesot Hotel is one of the fanciest hotels that you’ll find in Mae Sot and yet it’s still incredibly cheap. The rooms feel brand new, modern and bright. The beds are huge and offer a great night’s sleep.
There’s a shared lounge and terrace for you to relax in after a day of exploring. It’s also the perfect location if you’re going to or from the airport. The staff are great and will make you feel very welcome.
- Modern and clean rooms
- Amazing staff
- Close to the airport
- Delicious free breakfast
Private rooms start from $28 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bangkok to Mae Sot
What is the distance from Bangkok to Mae Sot?
The distance from Bangkok to Mae Sot is 500 km (311 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Mae Sot?
The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Mae Sot is by flight and takes 1hr 10m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Mae Sot?
The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Mae Sot is by bus with ticket costs starting from 405 THB ($11.00).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bangkok to Mae Sot. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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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.
