Didn't notice no bungalows but theres this on GH just over looking the Burm,.. er Myanmar Customes House. Think it has a certain Cachet, Not sure abot stayin there though. When you check intop the immigration there you have the option to pay $10.00 US or 500 Baht for a two week "travel pass" you are limited to the areas you can travel; appears to be just the Shan state. I asked specific questions and got vague answers, kind of a wave over the NE region, you can travel as far north as Kentung (sp?). keep threatening to do it. Should be fun/miserable/interesting.
The market has any number of gemstone dealers;
Ribies, Sapphires and spinels are available the cuts are improving but you must know quality, you must understand how to identify stones, They will sell you a nice pink sapphire as "Ruby" Now Rubies and Sapphires are the same material (aluminum oxide) but Rubies are ot pink, they are RED. Any thing red will be touted as "ruby" These folks use slight of hand, misdirection and trick they can. Be Aware if you buy stones there.
We left after and hour or so, My kid got a boxed set of Indiana Jones, The Kingdom of Heaven, and some obscure crime/comedy I picked out for 500 baht. I picked up season 4 of the Sopranos for 250. But to be honest, I just wanted to get home, It was hot as fuck; and no matter how good the deal, Shopping ain't one of my hobbies.
Nothin like comin' home:
This street is directly across the Police station on the Thai side. They've got a big Gem/Jewelry store on the corner but take walk down this street if you're interested in Gems.
lots of dealers set up shop on the street, same folks ever time. further down are small dealers where you can buy cut stones, one kilo bags of un cut stones and anythng in between. you can get some good quality stuff here.
if you take the VIP at 8:00 AM you should have time for a bit to eat, an hour or two in Myanmar. just slow paced stroll then back to the Bus station for a return VIP at 3:30 PM. be sure to book ahead i coldn't get a VIP return so took the normal Aircon back at 4:00 The VIP takes an hour less and is well worth the extro hundred. Depending on your tastes teh cost can vary between 236 and 660 Round trip. The normal fan bus is miserable, Fuckin miserable for anyone over 5'4"
There are visa run services starting about 700 - 900 baht they drive you up and drive you back but you get to share a nice little van with a dozen other folks. They advertise in the local Farang rags. Some are good and others fly-by night. I've never tried any of them I like the VIP, a tiny bit cheaper and more comfortable. The movie is dubbed Thai though.