8 Awesome Things to Do in Mae Sariang, Thailand - A Complete Guide to Backpacking Mae Sariang

8 Awesome Things to Do in Mae Sariang, Thailand

A Complete Guide to Backpacking Mae Sariang
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By Pete R.,
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As part of the Mae Hong Son Loop, Mae Sariang is one of the best places to stop while exploring the beautiful landscapes and culture of the remote Mae Hong Son province in Northern Thailand.

Tranquility is how I would describe my experience in Mae Sariang. Located approximately 200 km away from Chiang Mai, Mae Sariang is a quiet town nestled between the mountains of northern Thailand and the River Yuam.

Due to its remoteness, you won't find many tourists out here, making it a great place to take a break from the bustling tourist city like Chiang Mai. Within this guide, you will find all the information you need to explore and enjoy the tranquility of Mae Sariang. But first, let's begin with an overview itinerary map of Mae Sariang.

10 Days Itinerary for the Mae Hong Son Loop10 Days Itinerary for the Mae Hong Son Loop

Mae Sariang Things To Do Itinerary

Mae Sariang Things To Do Itinerary Map

8 Best Things to Do in Mae Sariang

1. Visit the Mae Sariang Morning Market

The entrance of Mae Sariang Morning Market, Mae Hong Son Loop

There is no better place to observe the simple life of the people of Mae Sariang than the Morning Market, and that is the first place I would recommend you visit on your first day in Mae Sariang.

The interior of Mae Sariang's Morning Market, Mae Hong Son Loop

The Morning Market starts from 5:30 AM until 8 AM, when the crowd will start to dissipate. I would recommend you visit between this period. Within the market, you will find many fresh fruit and vegetable stalls and a Halal congee breakfast place where you can sit and enjoy the slow life of Mae Sariang go by.

The mural infront of Mae Sariang Morning Market.

In front of the market, you will also find a nice local mural of the faces of the locals with a simple but meaningful caption in Thai that translates to "What Mae Sariang Gives You, What Will You Give Back?" which I thought was kinda nice.

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You can park your car at Wat Jong Soong, which is another great attraction you should spend some time exploring, and then walk to the morning market.

2. Admire the Burmese Temples at Wat Jong Soong

A 100 years old pagoda at Wat Jong Soong in Mae Sariang

Located not too far from the Morning Market, Wat Jong Soong is an easy recommendation as you will have to park your car here when you visit the morning market. Additionally, there are some really beautiful Mon-style buildings and pagodas within the temple.

2 white pagodas at Wat Jong Soong in Mae Sariang

More than a hundred years old, Wat Jong Soong's well-preserved Mon-style pagodas are quite a sight to behold, considering they survived the fire incident in the late 19th Century that damaged most of the temple.

Lanna/Mon style buildings at Wat Jong Soong in Mae Sariang

You will also find newer buildings built in a Mon architectural style that you won't see anywhere in Thailand, with multi-tiered roofs, colorful paint, and surrounded by colorful Thai Northern style paper lanterns like this building above. Spend around 10 - 20 minutes and explore the temple grounds before we move on to our next attraction, the Mae Sariang Museum.

3. Check Out the Mae Sariang Museum

Mae Sariang Museum's exterior, Mae Hong Son Loop

One of the first buildings you will notice when you arrive in Mae Sariang is the beautiful Mon architectural style building that is the Mae Sariang Museum. Due to Mae Sariang's location near the natural border between Myanmar and Thailand, you will see a touch of Mon culture all over the place in Mae Sariang and Mae Hong Son province.

Mae Sariang museum exterior from the road.

The Mae Sariang Museum is the culmination of the mixed cultures in the form of a structure with a tall, multi-tiered roof design that is reminiscent of those temples in Mandalay, Myanmar.

It's a beautiful structure from the outside and an important landmark of the town that must not be missed. Unfortunately, when I was there, the museum was closed due to COVID-19, so I was unable to see the content inside. However, the beautiful exterior was enough of a reason for me to recommend it here.

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4. Climb Up the Wat Chom Thong Viewpoint

The viewing platform at Wat Chom Thong in Mae Sariang

One of the most popular things to do in Mae Sariang for Thais is to visit the three "Chom" temples for blessings. They are called the three "Chom" temples because the names of the three temples I will list here start with Chom. All three temples are built on top of three different high hills that surround Mae Sariang, making them excellent viewpoints to see the town from three different angles.

The golden Buddha image at the top of Wat Chom Thong Viewpoint in Mae Sariang

One of the first Chom temples is the Wat Chom Thong, which is nearest to the town center, and I recommend you visit this in the morning when the sun is still bearable.

A stairs leading up to Wat Chom Thong viewpoint in Mae Sariang

You can drive up to Wat Chom Thong, and within the temple grounds, you will find a 300-step path that you can walk to the top for a stunning view of Mae Sariang and all its rice fields and mountains surrounding it.

An aerial view of Wat Chom Thong viewpoint at the golden Buddha image at the top in Mae Sariang

At the top, you will find an open platform that will give you a panoramic view of the landscape, as well as a large golden Buddha image. I guarantee you, the view from the platform is worth every drop of sweat to get up there.

An Aerial view of Mae Sariang from Wat Chom Thong viewpoint.

If you have a drone with you, make sure to take it in the air and fly around to truly appreciate the aerial beauty of Mae Sariang.

5. Admire the View Across the Yuam River at Wat Phrathat Chom Mon

The view of the mountains from Wat Chom Mon in Mae Sariang

Located across the great river Yuam, you will also find another "Chom" temple. This time, it's the Wat Phrathat Chom Mon, which offers another great viewpoint of Mae Sariang from across the river.

The white pagoda at the top of Wat Chom Mon viewpoint in Mae Sariang

Located in the northern part of Mae Sariang, Wat Phrathat Chom Mon is a bit of a drive through some questionable roads, but you will also get to see the more rural side of Mae Sariang with locals attending their rice fields.

An aerial view of the River Yuam from Wat Chom Mon in Mae Sariang

The view from the pagoda, which you can drive to without having to walk, offers a different perspective from the other "Chom" temples, with a closer look at the River Yuam and the mountains around it.

6. Visit the Wat Chom Kitti Viewpoint

A statue facing Mae Sariang's landscape at Wat Chom Kitti.

Last but not least, Wat Chom Kitti, which is located south of Mae Sariang Town, offers another great view of the Mae Sariang landscape and the more rural areas of the town.

The landscape surround Wat Chom Kitti temple in Mae Sariang.

To get to Wat Chom Kitti, you will have to drive along a steep and narrow road that will take you to the top of Chom Kitti hill. From there, you can walk to the top where you will find a white Mon-style pagoda. Additionally, there is a viewing platform with a 180° view of Mae Sariang from above.

7. Have Coffee by the Yuam River at Mitmaitre Coffee

Iced coffee by river Yuam from Mitmaitre Coffee Shop in Mae Sariang

Now that you have seen all three Chom temples, we can move onto something a bit more relaxing, starting with a coffee by the Yuam river at Mitmaitre Coffee shop, a popular cafe among the locals.

The interior of Mitmaitre Coffee Shop in Mae Sariang

Mitmaitre Coffee shop is right by the River Yuam and, with their Thai traditional wooden building and the platform they built by the river, there is no better place to drink coffee, enjoy the view, and let time fly than this cafe.

The open platform by the River Yuam at Mitmaitre Coffee Shop in Mae Sariang

The coffee and pastries are also affordable, with an iced coffee costing around 50 THB. This is a very cheap offering, considering the view you get from the cafe. Mitmaitre Coffee shop opens from 8 AM to 7 PM, and it gets packed every day at around noon, when locals will come out and socialize among their peers.

A traveler sitting in a wooden room with his backpack at Mitmaitre Coffee Shop in Mae Sariang

Thankfully, there are a ton of seats in the cafe with plenty of plug sockets and fast WI-FI. So, if you are looking for a place to reconnect with your family and friends at home, this cafe is a great place to stop by.

8. Eat Your Way Through the Evening Walking Street

A crowded evening walking street in Mae Sariang, Thailand

Usually, walking streets in Thailand often take place on weekends or on a certain day of the week where you would have to plan and align your visits to those days, but that is not the case in Mae Sariang.

People walking at the walking streets in Mae Sariang, Thailand

Mae Sariang walking street happens every evening, on almost every day of the week except Tuesday and Thursday, at different locations depending on the day you are there. You will find cheap street food, ranging from 15 THB noodles to 10 THB desserts and snacks. You can get an entire 3-course street food meal for only 2 USD! It doesn't get any cheaper!

A 2 USD street food from Mae Sariang's walking street in Thailand

The walking street often starts at 4 PM and goes on until 7-8 PM. Here are all the locations of the walking street for each day you are in Mae Sariang: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

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When to Visit Mae Sariang?

Clouds above a mountain in Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son loop

The best time to visit Mae Sariang is from November to January when the weather is cooler and less humid due to Thailand's climate, making it much more enjoyable to explore the outdoors.

That said, Thailand has suffered a lot from air pollution in recent years due to the burning season, and it is extremely prevalent during Thailand's late winter period (January - February). So, even though the weather is cooler, your visibility might not be the best. Be sure to buy a face mask if you decide to visit Thailand during this time.

March - April are the hottest and most humid periods of the year, so if you can't handle heat very well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be a bit better during this time, though it's not guaranteed.

All the other months are considered to be a rainy season, which, even though the weather is a little more manageable than the summer months, you will also be seeing a lot more rain, which might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Air quality during this time should be better due to the rain.

As you can see, the best time to visit Thailand used to be during its wintertime, BUT now that the air quality is getting worse and worse, you will have to decide which is more important to you as a traveler: good weather but bad air quality, or vice versa.

The Best Time To Visit ThailandThe Best Time To Visit Thailand

How to Get to Mae Sariang?

Mae Sariang streets during Yi Peng in Mae Hong Son province

Mae Sariang is located around 190km away from Chiang Mai, one of Thailand's popular travel hubs, making it rather easy to get to Mae Sariang and the rest of Mae Hong Son province via there.

In order to get to Chiang Mai, you can either fly to Bangkok first and get here by a domestic flight, an overnight train, or a bus. You can also fly into Chiang Mai directly from countries like Taiwan, South Korea, China, and Doha.

If you choose to fly to Bangkok first, here are some of your available options:

From the US, unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Chiang Mai or Bangkok, so you will have to rely on transit flights by Emirates, Qatar, or Turkish Airlines from the East Coast or ANA Airlines or Korean Air from the West Coast.

From Europe, you can fly from most European hubs such as London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Thai Airways or local carriers like British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa to Bangkok. You can also choose to travel with Etihad, Qatar, or Emirates if you don't mind transiting.

From within Asia, there are several low-cost airlines offering multiple routes from many hub cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Jakarta to Bangkok. AirAsia and Thai Lion Air are excellent low-cost options.

To find a cheap flight to Bangkok or Chiang Mai, I would recommend using Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule, so you can compare and pick the best one.

16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

Getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

The statue of the 3 kings in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

By Air: The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is to fly from Don Muang Airport to Chiang Mai International Airport using one of the many low-cost airlines in Thailand.

For AirAsia, there are over 13 flights per day and they can cost as low as 492 THB, which is even cheaper than taking a bus or a train. Thai Lion Air and Nok Air also offer the route, so be sure to check them out too. You can book a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai here.

By Buses: If you are not in a rush, you can also take a bus from Morchit Bus Terminal in Bangkok, and it will take you about 10 hours to reach Chiang Mai Bus Terminal Arcade 2. The bus leaves from Morchit Bus Terminal every hour from 5:30 to 22:00, and it should cost about 400 - 800 THB per person. You can book a Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai here.

By Train: You can also take a train from Hua Lamphong Train Station in Bangkok to Chiang Mai Train Station, which can take anywhere from 11 to 15 hours. It is a long ride, and you are not even saving that much as the price for a ticket is about 400 to 500 THB. There are 7 trains running between the two stations from 08:30 to 22:00 every day.

It is a long ride, and you are not even saving that much as the price for a ticket is about 400-500 THB. There are 7 trains running between the 2 stations from 08:30-22:00 every day. If you wish to travel by train, you can reserve your train ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai here.

Getting from Chiang Mai to Mae Sariang

One of the reasons why you would want to visit Mae Sariang is to do the Mae Hong Son Loop, which is best explored using your own vehicle, either with a rented motorbike or car.

I would not recommend relying on public transport because the beauty of the Mae Hong Son Loop lies in the numerous detour trips you can take, and you would require your own vehicle to explore all of them.

The same goes for Mae Sariang, so I would recommend you rent either a motorbike or a car in Chiang Mai before you embark on the journey. When I was exploring the Mae Hong Son Loop, I used my own car, but many people often opt for a more adventurous journey with a motorbike.

For more information on renting your own vehicle in Chiang Mai, be sure to check out the How To Get Around Mae Sariang section below.

How to Get Around Mae Sariang?

The paved road up to Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai.

By Motorcycle: If you want to explore Mae Sariang and the rest of the Mae Hong Son Loop on a motorbike, I recommend you rent a motorcycle from Mr. Mechanic, a motorbike rental shop in Chiang Mai that offers a variety of motorbike options for you to choose from.

From Chiang Mai to Mae Sariang, the road can be quite curvy and mountainous, so I would recommend getting at least a 150cc motorbike. The rent for a 150cc motorbike should be around 500 THB per day. You can also rent a 200-250cc motorbike for 700 THB or more from Mr. Mechanic.

To rent a motorbike in Chiang Mai, you will have to provide an ID or a valid driving license (don't leave your passport with them as you will likely need it along the way when passing through checkpoints. Give them a photocopy version instead), a deposit of around 1000 THB, and you are off to explore Mae Sariang. Yup, it's that easy to rent a scooter in Thailand.

By Car: For a more convenient way of getting around Mae Sariang and the Mae Hong Son loop, a car is also a great option, especially for those who are not traveling solo or who have a lot of luggage or camping gear with them.

There are several car rental companies operated right from the Chiang Mai airport with a price range of around 700 - 1500 THB, depending on how big the car is.

Since you will be driving along a mountainous road, I would recommend that you get a car with at least 1500cc so that you can navigate the area without stalling. To rent a car, be sure to click the link below and explore all available options.

Rent a Car in Chiang Mai

How Many Days Do I Need For Mae Sariang?

An aerial view of a hut in the middle of rice fields in Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son loop

There are not a lot of things to do in Mae Sariang, but that is the beauty of it. Mae Sariang is a place to take a break and enjoy the slowness of life, and I would recommend you spend at least 2 nights in town before you continue on and explore the rest of the Mae Hong Son Loop.

For a 2-night itinerary, here are all the things you can do in one full day:

Day 1: Visit the morning market before you hop in your car and check out all the "Chom" temples around town. To escape from the heat and rain, you can also enjoy a nice cup of coffee over the Yuam River at Mitmaitre Coffee shop, and end your day on the evening walking street.

How Much Money Do I Need For Mae Sariang?

With the itinerary above, we can roughly calculate how much you will be spending in Mae Sariang, considering you are staying in a hostel and opting for a motorbike. Here is how much money you will need for this trip.

Accommodation: For 2 nights of accommodation in Mae Sariang, you can expect to pay around 14 USD for accommodation.

Food: Food in Mae Sariang should cost around 40 - 60 THB per meal, so you can expect to pay around 150 THB for 1 day in Mae Sariang.

Transportation: For a 2-day 150cc motorbike rental (1,000 THB) plus gas (~100 THB), you can expect to pay around 1,100 THB for transportation.

Activities: All the places listed in this Mae Sariang guide are free, so there's no need to pay for any activities here.

Total Budget for 2 nights in Mae Sariang province: 1,673 THB (55.36 USD).

Is it Safe in Mae Sariang?

It is extremely safe in Mae Sariang. The locals are lovely, and the town is rather quiet and peaceful. That said, the road to get there can be quite curvy, and for those who aren't used to driving mountainous roads, be sure to be extra careful while driving, especially if it rains.

The road is well-paved for the entire length of Chiang Mai and Mae Sariang, which makes it much easier to drive. However, due to how mountainous the region is and how some Thais drive like maniacs (and that's coming from a Thai), be very vigilant of your surroundings and do not drive fast. With all that in mind, you should be able to drive to Mae Sariang with no problem.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Thailand?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Mae Sariang, Thailand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Mae Sariang, Thailand:

There are 3 major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True, all of which offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages as well as coverage. Personally, I use AIS as I have been with them since my first phone. They have a lot of Support Centers around Thailand and their coverage hasn't failed me yet. So, if you are looking for a reliable carrier, I can recommend AIS.

There are 3 packages for tourists: 5 GB for 5 days at 160 THB, 15 GB for 8 days at 299 THB, and 30 GB for 15 days. Depending on how long your trip to Thailand will be, you can pick one of these 3 packages that fit your itinerary the most.

With these three packages, you can top up more in case you need more data or calls for your trip. More often than not, 5 GB is more than enough for me to travel around Thailand for a month.

For more information about Thailand's local SIM card: Thailand's Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Mae Sariang?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Mae Sariang, Thailand:

  • Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
  • Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
  • Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
  • Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
  • Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
  • Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Mae Sariang, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
  • Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
  • Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
  • Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
  • Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
  • Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
  • Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
  • Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

What to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing ListWhat to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing List

Further Reading for Northern Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Northern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Thailand that you might find useful:

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Categories DestinationsThailandSoutheast AsiaAsiaNorthern Thailand

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