Originally published on Hubpages.com 12/16/2011. Since this was first published, we have been back to Mae Sot a couple of times to visit my nephew, who is now working in one of the Burmese camps nearby. It has been changed a bit and updated with a little more information. Some of the students in the photos have since moved back to Myanmar.
When most people think of Thailand, they think of white, sandy beaches and large international resorts. There is a lot more to Thailand to see if you get off the well-beaten tourist trails. Six hours south of Chiang Mai is the sleepy border town of Mae Sot. Up until now, it has been one of several well-known destinations for those that seek a quick visa run to renew papers to stay in Thailand. For the first time in a long time, starting this week, Thai citizens and other foreign tourists will be allowed to cross into Myanmar and stay for up to 28 days. How this will affect the town of Mae Sot is yet to be seen.
The Green Bus line has a couple of buses leaving daily from the Arcade Bus Station in Chiangmai. Currently, both buses leave around lunchtime, one just before and one after. You can always check the up-to-date bus schedules here. The trip takes about six hours and winds its way through some spectacular scenery along the last part of the route. You not only get to see the surrounding countryside but also some first-hand views of Thai life outside the cities as you ride along. Taking this bus ride, staying in Mae Sot, and visiting the schools and the area was definitely a highlight of one of our first trips to Thailand. Read More
