Answered4 years ago
Is it possible to do a border bounce from Chiang Rai to Laos instead of Myanmar, given that Myanmar's border is closed?
EDIT: solved , since Maynmar border is closed
I'm in Chiang Rai and I want to do a border bounce. Should I go to Myanmar (Tachileik) or Laos (Chiang Khong)? EU passport . thanks
I'm in Chiang Rai and I want to do a border bounce. Should I go to Myanmar (Tachileik) or Laos (Chiang Khong)? EU passport . thanks
Answer summary
A user in Chiang Rai sought advice on border bouncing options due to the closure of the Myanmar border. Community responses unanimously highlighted that the Myanmar border remains closed to foreigners and recommended Laos (specifically Chiang Khong) as the only viable option for a border run. Additionally, suggestions included the Golden Triangle crossing, which is nearby and often overlooked. Comments also provided insights on potential hassles at the Laos border and tips for a smooth re-entry into Thailand.
47 repliesnewest first
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Paul *******
You can try the Golden Triangle crossing at Chiang Saen, but not sure whether a same day return is acceptable. Since the golden triangle is a mere 33km from Mae Sai, you might as well try that first. On the other hand, Chiang Khong opens longer and there are cross border buses.
Jean-francois *******
You said it yourself Myanmar is closed,why ask ?
Paul *******
Golden Triangle crossing works as an alternative for now.
Bob *******
@Jean-francois ******
Mae Sot opens today, hopefully Mae Sai will soon follow.Steve ********
No such thing as an EU passport. Depends on country, not political union. Are you entitled to visa exempt entry?
Steve ********
@Glen-do *********
Someone has to get it right. I guess I'm the chosen one!
Glen-do **********
@Steve *******
every comment see Steve correcting folks 😂😂😂😂😂Gregg *************
Oh shit of course it’s closed lovely
Paul *******
So? Firstly, it will reopen soon, seeing that Mae Sot just opened today. Secondly, just 33km or a 25-30 min drive from the Mae Sai crossing you have the Golden Triangle border crossing with Laos.
Gregg *************
@Paul ******
thanks paul I didn’t realize it was that close I’m pretty surprised but it’s good to know sirPaul *******
@Gregg ************
Yes, it's one border crossing many people overlook or don't realize is there. There are actually two checkpoints rolled into one - the first one is for local Thais and Burmese only, for the small, older casino on the opposite bank.The big one, open to everyone is the Golden Triangle Economic Zone one, which is designed to allow gamblers across from Chiang Rai. The opening hours aren't as long as Chiang Khong, but it may be an alternative for those who don't want to go to the latter for whatever reason. Even though you have to catch a boat, it may be quicker than waiting for the bus at the Chiang Khong crossing and again on the way back.
Gregg *************
Myra mar is a lot closer and less hassles
Paul *******
@Gregg ************
err..for anyone based in either Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, going to Laos is about the same distance as Myanmar. There is no additional "hassle". In fact, it may even be easier, seeing there are cross border buses that connect Chiang Rai with Bokeo, Laos and Chiang Mai with Luang Prabang (the latter service might not have resumed yet). In any case, there never have been any Thailand-Myanmar cross border bus services and might never be any.Gregg *************
@Paul ******
thanks for the update sir be safe out there and remember to hydratePaul *******
@Steve *******
the closest alternative is the Golden Triangle crossing. Not sure why no one talks about that one. Is it a case of not being aware it's open to foreigners or people don't want to recommend it because its the one that serves the shady Kings Roman casino? Either way, it's a legitimate border crossing for all foreigners with Laos.
Steve ********
@Gregg ************
So if you're a tourist, you have to tolerate the rules for tourists, surely? And if Myanmar keeps its border closed, you have to look for an alternativeSteve ********
@Gregg ************
But not really Thailand's fault is it? And you've been in Thailand since 1999 and you're STILL doing border runs? I haven't done one in about 20 years!Gregg *************
@Steve *******
I don’t live in thailand only been a tourist since 1999Gregg *************
I have no desire to live in thailand
Steve ********
@Gregg ************
I've been coming to Thailand since 1984. The Myanmar border has never affected me, but, er....yeah
Steve **********
@Steve *******
closedGregg *************
@Steve *******
but it hugely affects those of us who base out of chiangmai and use chiang rai for border runs and don’t want to deal with all the hassles of going all the way to Laos for a stamp
Jeremy ********
@Gregg ************
why not just get a legitimate visa?Steve ********
@Gregg ************
Not quite sure what that has to do with the Myanmar border being closed, but er, yeahGregg *************
@Steve *******
it has everything to do with it esp for someone like myself who has been visiting thailand since 1999Steve ********
@Gregg ************
Actually a lot of hassles, seeing as the border is closed! 😂
Mike ********
@Steve *******
open today , Thai immigration officer informed me when getting my 30 day extension ,.Gregg *************
Tomáš ***************
OPthank you all
David ********
good luck with the Myanmar border
Gorgon *****
try a Sunday from CR..very quiet and efficient (though depends on what you intend to ask for in terms of readmission , of course) .
Gorgon *****
if doing a true "bounce" as opposed to a regular visa where you would have to stay a few nights to process application:
currency used on Laos side is Thai Baht...(not American dollars suggested for visa application)
on THAILAND re entry..fill out the TM6 slip before approaching Immigration counter..leave exit portion (left hand portion) blank as this will be stamped and stapled in your passport. (TM6's were used in the past for all entry to Thailand..now just land crossings)..
currency used on Laos side is Thai Baht...(not American dollars suggested for visa application)
on THAILAND re entry..fill out the TM6 slip before approaching Immigration counter..leave exit portion (left hand portion) blank as this will be stamped and stapled in your passport. (TM6's were used in the past for all entry to Thailand..now just land crossings)..
Gorgon *****
if you know of another..or others..who are doing the same thing, consider getting a Grab driver for the day..simplifies things and wonderful drive back if you go in a loop ..following the Nok River on the way back..then, no need of bike taxis after bus ride...just the very short bus ride between Immigration checkpoints.
Marcel ***********
Chiang Khong is the easiest. Don't worry.. you can go and come back same day
Goudoune ************
None some people get bounced back if they don't stay long enough in laos .. forcing them to come back by air.... happened to few people i know from Chiang khong.... depends on your visa history i guess
Nick *******
Laos is your only option. Myanmar border is still closed for foreigners
Paul *******
It's all over the news (Thai and Burmese news). No specific details about foreigners being allowed across yet. No word on whether it's day return only or if Burmese visas are allowed to be used there. No word on Covid requirements (likely to be waived for day trippers in my opinion, though until a report comes through its all speculation).
Paul *******
Not quite. Mae Sai is closed to everyone. Mae Sot reopened today at least to Thais and foreigners. No idea whether it's day return only or if Burmese visas are now recognized there again.
Nick *******
@Paul ******
hmm, could be that I am a bit behind with the latest update. Where have you found that Mea Sot reopened today?
Stuart *********
Myanmar borders closed to foreigners. Have been for a couple of years now.
Paul *******
@Terary *********
did they test you for Covid? I remember that effective a couple of weeks before the border was closed, Myawaddy immigration was testing foreigners on arrival. A report on TripAdvisor I think it was, dated March 8, 2020 mentioned this happening.BTW my colleague in Myanmar claims the border is in fact open to foreigners now. I have tried calling Tak immigration to confirm but no one ever picks up.
Paul *******
Yes Mae Sot opened today but no idea whether foreigners will be allowed across. I can confirm Thai and Burmese citizens can cross.
Terary **********
@Paul ******
When I did my visa run there last (the same day they closed the border because of covid), there was a guy there that takes the passports, disappears, comes back an hour later, bada-bing, passport stamped in/out of Myanmar.Bob *******
@Stuart ********
mae sot opens today.Stuart *********
@Bob ******
Ok not heard that.Activity
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