Is it better to use a visa run agency or take the Green Bus for a border bounce from Chiang Mai to Mae Sai?

Visa Run Mae Sai Chiang Mai Green Bus METV Border Bounce Immigration Advice Transportation Expats in Thailand

Jun 13, 2017

8 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Morning all. I need to do a border bounce (METV stamp out/in) by the end of the month, and as I'm in Chiang Mai my thinking is to pop up to Mae Sai for the day. Question is please, should I do this with a visa run agency (for the organisation side of things), or is it simple/comfortable enough to Green Bus it?

Any thoughts or advice welcome! Thank you 😄

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion focuses on whether expats should use a visa run agency or travel independently on the Green Bus for a border bounce from Chiang Mai to Mae Sai. Most comments favor the Green Bus, citing comfort, safety, and ease of travel. It's recommended to book VIP seats in advance and plan for a long day (approximately 12 hours). Travelers also suggest allowing extra time for border procedures and exploring Tachilek.

Charlotte *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks everyone! Green bus it is 😄

8 years ago

Duncan *******

Green bus, far more comfortable and safer than a van. Book at least a week in advance for a VIP seat (they do sell out). It is a long day, if you're not up for ~12 hours break the trip and overnight in Mae Sai. Cheap hotels, reasonable sort of market and food. Tachilek itself is only slightly more favorable than cancer but if you want to do something different visit the casino (about a 15 min ride) it makes for a good drinking story :)

8 years ago

Mark *******

Another vote for green bus. Book VIP seat online and pay at 7-11. Give yourself 2 hours to deal with the border and grab something to eat.

8 years ago

Andrew *******

It's easy enough to do with the Green Bus yourself and you shouldn't need a tour agency. It's a pretty long day though (4-5 hrs each way, IIRC, leaving yourself a couple of hours to do the visa stuff and have a stroll around Tachilek if you want).

8 years ago

Davey *******

Get the green bus early in the morning .when u arrive in Mae sai there's a songtaew waiting to take you to the border .easy.....

8 years ago

Reply to

Davey *******

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