Mae Sai

Today I walked from Myanmar to Thailand! Sounds so far but actually from the hotel at Tachilek(myanmar) to the hotel at Mae Sai(Thailand).

Mae Sai is the most northern tip of Thailand. Never heard of it till now. About an hour's drive from Chiangrai.

A vast difference between the two countries. Stepping into Myanmar is like going back in time. The roads are narrow, messy with potholes. The shops are disorganised. People rush all over the road on funny looking vehicles which are laden with goods.

Being in Mae Sai is like civilisation in every sense. The hotel is clean, big and like all hotels that I've been. The hotel in Tachilek is like those old rumah tumpangan that we see back home.

What makes the difference? The government.

I voiced to a Myanmar pastor that I would love to visit one of the hill tribes. He said he would love to invite us to his village but he can't because of unrest and fighting amongst tribes and drug lords. Hmmm...interesting. Never thought it is that bad.