Getting from Mae Sot to Bangkok

About the ride from Mae Sot to Bangkok 

No matter whether you're crossing into Thailand from Myanmar or just looking to get from Mae Sot to Bangkok, there are several options for travelers heading south. 

If you're traveling overland you can choose from a tourist bus or a minivan. Both modes of transport take around 7 hours to arrive in the Thai capital. Tourist buses provide a classic Southeast Asian traveling experience as well as the most affordable option. Hiring a minivan allows you to leave at any time you wish and also gives you more legroom when compared to traveling by bus. Both minivans and buses are air-conditioned and will make regular pit stops along the journey to refuel and take comfort breaks.

You can also fly from Mae Sot to Bangkok. This is the quickest way to get down south and also allows you to exit at the airport - which can be very handy if you're heading somewhere in a hurry. Although the flight time is just an hour don't forget to factor in waiting around for departures. Also, flights are more expensive than buses and minivans, especially if you're sharing the cost of hiring a people carrier with a group of friends.

Once you arrive in Bangkok it's a good idea to know where to head to next. Sometimes hotels will send a representative to meet you at the airport or bus station. If you're hiring a minivan you can get dropped off right outside a hotel or hostel's front door. Alternatively, you can just wing it and jump on a tuk-tuk and see where your luck takes you. It all depends on your travel experiences to date. Fortune often favors the brave although, sometimes, peace of mind is worth its weight in gold!

 

What to see when traveling from Mae Sot to Bangkok

If you're traveling from Mae Sot to Bangkok overland then you can expect to see classic Northwest Thailand country scenes whizzing past your window. Bamboo forests, roadside stalls and winding roads may all be visible as you leave the region and head south. Breaks will be fairly frequent along the 500 kilometer (310 mile) route but don't expect too much other than typical roadside services i.e. washrooms, tourist restaurants and expensive souvenir stores. 

Of course, if you're traveling through the night, you're not going to see much at all. The same can be said for flying from Mae Sot to Bangkok. Clouds can feature heavily until you commence the descent and then the sprawling metropolis of Bangkok will appear for some lucky window seat passengers. Flight time is only an hour so you'll touch down no sooner than you've taken off.

 

How to get from Mae Sot to Bangkok

Taking a bus 

The bus ride from Mae Sot to Bangkok takes around 7 hours to complete the 500 kilometer (310 mile) distance overland. All buses are air-conditioned and will usually include a courtesy blanket. They also come equipped with reclining seats, onboard washrooms and a small selection of snacks and soft drinks.

This is the most affordable travel option and, if you're traveling late at night, you'll also save money on booking accommodation. Once you arrive in Bangkok you'll be dropped off at Mo Chit Bus Terminal. There will be lots of tuk-tuks and taxi cabs lining up to take you to wherever you wish to go next. Booking accommodation in advance is advisable however, sometimes it pays to just go with the flow and choose your next adventure as you arrive.

Taking a minivan 

You have the option of taking either a shared minivan or a private minivan from Mae Sot to Bangkok. Minivans can be as luxurious or basic as money allows. Rest stops will be fairly frequent and air conditioning comes as standard.

The benefits of minivan travel is that you can leave when and from where you wish and also arrive at a destination that you choose. Minivans are also less noisy and crowded than buses so you can expect to pay a few more Thai Baht for the privilege. 

 

Flying

As Mae Sot has its own airport you can fly to Bangkok. It only takes an hour in the air which can be very handy if you've got a further flight to catch or you don't want to spend a whole day in the back of a bus or minivan. Of course, flying is the most expensive way to travel from Mae Sot to Bangkok so it's up to you how far you're willing to allow your vacation budget stretch.