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How much time do I need to spend in Myanmar during a border crossing at Mae Sai?

Mae Sai Myanmar border crossing Visa regulations Border bounce Thailand immigration Quick visits to Myanmar

Jul 23, 2018

8 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, quick question regarding border crossing at Mae Sai. How much time does one need to spend across the border in Myanmar? (ie can I enter Myanmar, spend 30 minutes at the market and then turn around and re-enter Thailand?) I need to book my bus ticket to and from the border and I want to make sure I allow myself enough time there. Thank you!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

You can cross the border at Mae Sai, spend a minimal amount of time (around 30 minutes) at the market in Myanmar, and re-enter Thailand without any mandatory waiting period. Generally, it takes about 10 minutes for immigration processes. Travelers have successfully done this with enough time for travel and a meal.

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Oscar ******************

Usually I catch the bus from Chiang Mai at 8:00 and come back from Mae Sai at 15:00. Enough time to do the border bounce and lunch in Mae Sai.

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Dianne *****

I did the same, but found it a bit pushed time wise. You can encounter road works and numerous police stops on the way up and coming back into Mae Sai from Tacheleik there was a bit of a wait in a queue. We made it back to the Mae Sai bus station with 5 mins to spare. It was stressful doing it in this time frame and a quickly gobbled meal was hardly enjoyable but otherwise we would have been ravenous during such a long day. If I did it again, I would go earlier and allow myself more time over in Tacheleik

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Mindy *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Perfect, this was exactly what I was thinking of doing! Thanks!

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Mindy *******

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David *****

You can go in and out.done.

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Mindy *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you!

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Mindy *******

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Russell **********

It takes about 10 mins at their immigration. Just a quick stamp and 500 baht.

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Mindy *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you!

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Mindy *******

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Tod *********

walk across, turn around and come right back. There is no amount of time you have to be out of thailand.

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Mindy *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Perfect, thank you!!

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Mindy *******

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