Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ethnic mix of Burmese men in their
longyi
(sarongs), Hmong and Karen women in tradi-
tional hill-tribe dress, bearded Muslims, Thai army rangers and foreign NGO workers.
Burmese and Karen are spoken as much as Thai, shop signs along the streets are in Thai,
Burmese and Chinese, and most of the temple architecture is Burmese. Mae Sot has also
become the most important jade and gem centre along the border, with much of the trade
controlled by Chinese and Muslim immigrants from Myanmar.
Although there aren't many formal sights in Mae Sot, and many visitors come simply
for a visa run, many end up staying longer than expected. A vibrant market, several good
restaurants and a fun nightlife scene have become attractions in their own right.
Mae Sot
