Tak province
The large, mountainous province of Tak is seen by many as the future gateway to Burma -- but for now, the gates remain largely closed -- thanks in no small part to the ongoing military dictatorship there. Growing infrastructure and a good network of roads -- including a bridge between Thailand and Burma just to the west of Mae Sot on the Moei River, demonstrate the enormous potential the region holds -- if political condition improve. But that's one very very big if.
Continuing with the theme of big ifs, if the border was to open on a permanent basis for foreigners, it would be the most likely place travellers would be allowed to enter Burma for overland travel throughout the country
The border is open in an on-again, off-again fashion, more often on than off, but is only open for the purposes of doing a visa run from Thailand. You are not permitted to travel further into Burma than to the border town at Myawadi. Given the border is not always open, it's prudent to enquire in Mae Sot before heading to the border. Please be aware that the several dollars you pay to cross for your visit are very unlikely to be used for school books or any other material which may actually improve the lot of the downtrodden population.
Tak province is also home to thousands of (mostly) Karen refugees who have fled the atrocities being committed by the Burmese junta. A strong Karen and Burmese cultural influence pervades western Tak, while several other ethnic minority groups find their home across the province.
While the provincial capital, Tak, offers little to the casual visitor, Mae Sot -- the launching point for both the border and Umphang has a country town feel to it and enjoys a substantial NGO presence. Spectacularly placed, trekking centre, Umphang, at the end of a 160+km mountain-top road south of Mae Sot remains one of Thailand's most under-rated destinations. With stunning waterfalls and splendid, rugged mountain scenery, it's a trekking centre for good reason.
The surrounds are rich in national parks -- Taksin Maharat, Lan Sang and Khlong Lan national parks all encroach into the province, while Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary holds court in the southern reaches of the province. The Moei river valley runs north along the Thai Burma border creating some surprisingly pretty vistas.
Overall, take your time, do some exploring and most certainly make the effort to reach Umphang -- you won't be sorry.
