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Is it better to extend my 30-day visa at immigration or do a border run to Mae Sai for another stamp?

Visa ExtensionVisa RunMae Sai BorderThai ImmigrationVisa Rules30 Day VisaBurma Border RunTravel Tips
Mar 9, 2018
7 years ago
David ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey guys,

I went back to OZ to get a passport renewal - so now it doesn't all those Thai stamps from the last 12 months.

I came in this time on a 30 stamp and now have to decide whether to go to Immigration and get a 30 extension or just get a bus to Mae Sai and get another 30 day stamp. Will the latter be possible and easy? I've done visa runs to Vientianne before but never a border run to Mae Sai.

Do you think I'll run into any issues. I was wanted to save a bit of money by going to the border instead and do a proper visa run next month.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is considering whether to extend their 30-day visa at the immigration office or take a border run to Mae Sai to obtain another 30-day visa exemption. Comments provide insights into the ease of the Mae Sai border run, costs involved, and transportation options, suggesting that the border run could be a cost-effective alternative with no significant issues reported.
Jeremy ********
why didn't you get a 6-month METV while you were in OZ...it would have simplified everything for you
7 years ago
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Matt *********
Which way did you end up going
@David *****
? I am on my way up now to mae Sai. Looping find to spend the night in Chiang khong
7 years ago
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David ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm getting the bus up on Monday 6am, then just doing a quick border run and coming back on the 2pm bus.
7 years ago
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David ******
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Michael ********
Just did Mae Sai border run last week. Easy no issues at all. Cross the border pay 500 baht to the burmese immigration (i had 1000 baht note and they gave me change). Stay in Myanmar for an hour or so and walk back in. Red buses take you to and from the bus station/border for 15 baht.
7 years ago
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David ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Michael :)
7 years ago
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David ******
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Tod *********
it's 1900baht to get a 30 day extension at the immigration office and only 10USD or 500 baht to get a 30 day visa exempt entry at the Mae Sai - Tachiliek border with burma.

You would however use one of the two 30 day visa exempt entries you can get by a land border in a year doing it.

You won't have issues either way.
7 years ago
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Ian ***************
Green Bus to/from Mae Sai one way

V-Class 319 Baht

X-Class 205 Baht

A-Class 160 Baht

*********************************************************************
7 years ago
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Tod *********
@David *****
*******************************************
7 years ago
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David ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Excellent, thank for your help mate.
7 years ago
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Tod *********
@David *****
 google green bus line, It takes people to Mae Sai from Chiang Mai
7 years ago
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David ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 CM
7 years ago
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Tod *********
@David *****
 wanna say where you are in thailand first?
7 years ago
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David ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
do you know the most economical way to get to Mae Sai and back?
7 years ago
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Tod *********
@David *****
 that's the price to get a 'day pass' to burma (get stamped in and out)
7 years ago
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David ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
yeah cheers man. Is that 500baht the stamp fee, or the bus ride there and back?
7 years ago
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David ******
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