The city of Mae Sai is the northernmost spot in Thailand located at the border of Burma. Just like border towns anywhere in the world, shopping is the number one activity. A river separates the two countries, and on either side stalls are set up one after another for the first couple blocks.

The bridge between Thailand and Burma is easily crossed on foot. Sometime since February of 2001 and now buildings housing immigration offices were constructed making the border crossing a mere technicality. Back in 2001 the border was a tiny wooden building about the size of a toll booth on the Thai side and a similarly sized glass and metal structure on the Burmese side. Also since 2001 a large street market has materialized on the Burmese side as well as a huge duty free store in what was once a Buddhist temple.

One of the stores in Mae Sai is owned by a lovely lady who imports handbags from Burma. She has the loveliest selection I've seen anywhere in Thailand. Strangely enough the market on the Burmese side does not selll any of the beautiful purses.

Click a picture to see a larger view.

Street Vendors

A Park

Along the River

On the Bridge

Going Back to Thailand

Handbag Store

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