Located at the highest point of the highway that connects Tak city and Mae Sot, the hilltribe market at Doi Muser is a blaze of color and commerce, with motorists stopping off to buy unusual fruits and vegetables from stalls operated by Hmong, Lahu and Lisu.
The center is easy enough to find, as it’s located at kilometer marker 29, and there’s usually a flurry of activity with cars pulling in and out. Even if you don’t buy any of the goods on sale, a stop at the market offers the chance for a cup of coffee and a little exercise.
While you might spot a few handicrafts on sale, the market is predominantly about fresh food. When Thais travel far from home, they have something of an obsession with seeking out the tastiest local produce and taking a sample home to share with their relatives. This hilltribe market offers an excellent opportunity to do just that.
Getting There
Take a songthaew from either Mae Sot or Tak city.
Need to Know
- What is it? A colorful hilltribe market
- When to go: It’s at its busiest early in the morning
- Nearest town: Tak, 29km to the east.
- Opening hours: 05:00-16:00 daily
- Entrance fee: Free
- Address: Highway 12
- Where: at the 29km marker on Highway 12.