The crowning tourist attraction is a large gold-colored stupa, Shwedagon Pagoda,[1] which, among other things, showcases the seven days of the week. The idea is for a pilgrim to go to the spot which has the day he/she was born known as the planetary post, and do a simple spiritual ritual.
West of town there are hiking trails, though currently they're designated for locals, not for tourists. There's an Akha hill tribe, over an hour's walk northwest of Tachilek called Ho Yu. There are no maps and no guides for such excursions, and Burmese authorities frown on foreign visitors leaving the beaten track. Perhaps in the future, Tachilek authorities will lighten up on their restrictions for tourists, but for the foreseeable future: trekking, hiking, exploring, rock climbing, camping, and enjoying the river are not allowed.
Pasa Wildlife Reserve is located in the eastern side of the district.