Mea Sai  About 62 kilometres from the Chiang rai province on Highway No. 110 is Thailand’s northern-most district. Mae Sai (แม่สาย), borders on Myanmar’s Tha Khi Lek (ท่าขี้เหล็ก) marked by the Mae Sai River with a bridge spanning both sides. Foreign visitors are allowed to cross over to the Tha Khi Lek market by presenting their passports and paying a fee at the Mae Sai immigration checkpoint. Foe more details, call 0 5373 1008-9.

In addition, there are tour services up to Chiang Tung in Myanmar which is some 165 kilometres to the north by road.
MAESAI BACKGROUND At the northernmost point of Thailand, near the Burma borderline, opposite Tachilek, the twin towns, are now known throughout the gem world as a source for rubies.

Burma, now called Myanmar, has been known to produce the world’s best rubies and often times are funneled through this corner of the Golden Triangle. Burma’s sapphires and gem-quality jade and jade boulders, sometimes weighing several hundred kilograms, can be found on a merchant’s property on either side of the border. However, although gemologists from the world over often visit both sides of the border, most transactions are finalized on the Thai side, Maesai.

The Maesai Market A steady flow of ruby rough is usually a daily occurrence with parcels ranging from several stones into 10’s and 20’s of carats, to smaller carat stones in 1/2 to 1 kg parcels. There are many temptations on the market, but one should spend the time in the market to sort out its many trends.

Also found on the market are sapphires from Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Laos. Wherever there is a gem market, it seems that gem merchants find the opportunity to travel to this northern destination to trade or sell gem goods from as far away as Africa, Afghanistan and Australia.

There are several small factories available for all the services required for gemstone production, including cutting, polishing, heat treatment and carving if necessary.

I have witnessed high quality gems pass through Maesai, bound for Japan. Seven stones purchased out of a selection of 20 in the rough, the largest of the Mogok selection were over 44 carats plus, gem-quality. Not all stones are witnessed, and major stones that penetrate this border are only a phone call away from being sold on the Thai marketplace or the international market.

Although Mong Hsu is referred to as the new mine, it seems that most stones are from this mine. Mogok, the old mine, is usually the request made by most gemologists, however, it seems that there are adequate quantities and quality stones from Mong Hsu to please those who venture to thisgateway.

If it’s gems that one comes for, don’t forget the charm of the mixed cultures at this major crossroad of the gem world. Rich in culture, one can find Tibetan minorities mixed with Chinese, Thai, Burmese and even headhunters most have never heard existed.

Mae Sai ‘s a big border market where poppular among tourists

Take a bus on route Chiang Rai- Mae Sai end at Mae Sai bus terminal and transfer to minibus or 2 rows bus to the border (5 baht /person ) What 2 shop : Jewelly , jade , silk , clothes , TV, VDO, Stereo , VCD, DVD and all electricities (almost made in China) , Chinese medicine, liqaure , cigarette, dry food such as dry shrimp&dry fish from Myanmar