Tak

Tak province spans from the Central Plains to the Myanmar border and contains some of Thailand's wildest and least-accessible terrain. Mae Sot, the main border town, is a fascinating cultural mashup — Burmese, Karen, Thai, and Chinese communities create a market scene unlike anywhere else in the country. The Rim Moei border market sells Myanmar goods, and the town's Burmese restaurants serve authentic curries and tea-leaf salad. The Friendship Bridge crosses to Myawaddy, Myanmar.

North of Mae Sot, the road to Umphang — one of Thailand's most dramatic mountain drives with over 1,200 curves — leads to Thi Lo Su Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Thailand. The multi-tiered cascade in a remote jungle valley is accessible only during the dry season (November-May) and requires a guided trek or raft trip. Taksin Maharat National Park near Tak city has easier waterfalls and forest trails. The province's Lan Sang National Park has hot springs and accessible hiking, and the historic town of Tak sits on the Ping River with quiet temples and a riverside market.