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What are the best border run options from Phetchaburi to renew a visa in Thailand?

border runs Thailand visa Phetchaburi Penang Ranong visa renewal procedures Myanmar border restrictions travel advice expat experiences train travel ferry services

Jan 6, 2023

2 years ago

Carrie **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

To those who have done border-runs into Penang, Malaysia or through Ranong into Burma (which I hear involves a ferry?) please share your experiences .  

I’m a snowbird from Minnesota who built a house in Phetchaburi.  Need to do my first border-run in many years around mid-February. (Used to be a teacher so never had to worry about border runs!) Trying to do this as cheaply as possible. 

From Phetchaburi province my guess is that these are the two easiest options. Penang sounds simpler as I can take a train there and back from here. Ranong sounds harder but maybe more scenic or exciting…? 

Please help me decide.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post seeks advice from the community about performing a border run from Phetchaburi, Thailand, to either Penang, Malaysia, or Ranong, Burma, in mid-February for visa renewal. The original poster mentions their previous lack of concern for border runs due to their teaching position. Community responses highlight that the Myanmar border is currently closed, making Ranong an invalid option. They discuss the simplicity of traveling to Penang by train or ferry, emphasizing the enjoyable cultural and culinary experiences there. Suggestions include considering cheap flights from Bangkok to Malaysia for efficiency and ease, while sharing personal travel experiences and opinions about the overnight train service.

Andy **********

I've done first class overnight trains in Thailand including private cabins and they are not comfortable or an enjoyable way to travel. They are bearable, slightly better than 2nd class. I always arrived feeling as though I needed 3 days to recover.

Don't get me wrong, they can be fun, just not easy to sleep on and I always feel sweaty and dirty when I get off.

I'd fly every time. Penang is good for a couple of days.

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Glyn **********

I'd fly out and return and get the 45 days, which you can extend another 30 days.

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Carrie **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Glyn *********

I only need 30, visa expires Feb 17 and I leave March 15 for the US.

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Carrie **********

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Monika *******

You can take the overnight sleeper train from phetchaburi to penang besar the border town. From there you can take an other train to penang, if you wish to stay in Malaysia. It is well organised and very comfortable.

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Frank-Steven ***********

Phetchaburi is rather far away from any open (as in not Myanmar) and good (as in not Poipet / Cambodia) land borders. May grabbing a cheap flight from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur or something would be easier.

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Carrie **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks!

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Carrie **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

So, like I said, I am in Phetchaburi.

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Chris *****

Stuart replies to pretty much every post in the group with the most authoritative advice of anyone in the group. I advise being really polite, as you'll probably need his help shortly.

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Carrie **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Chris ***************

Yep yep. Just clarifying my location.

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Carrie **********

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Stéfan ********

@Carrie *********

direct train ride directly to Butterworth... Most people really enjoy Penang. It's got loads of fun restaurants and has one of the best foodie scenes in Asia.

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Stefan ************

@Stéfan *******

I don't think there is a direct train. All trains from Thai or Malaysia side terminate at Padang Besar.

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Stéfan ********

@Stefan ***********

Ahhh.... You're right! We do change trains... I forgot about that

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Stefan ************

@Stéfan *******

but nevertheless Penang is a nice place, I have to agree. I've lived in Malaysia over 10 years (mostly KL) and I loved to go to Penang.

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Stefan ************

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Tom *******

@Stéfan *******

totally agree. My Thai wife and I loved it there. The Chocolate Museum was fab as was the fort with the Genral Cornwallis story. The place is full of history. Our hotel had its own beach and the food was really special—-full of all Asian fusion—a mix of Malay, Chinese and other places. After 25 years of being in and out of Thailand, via the Middle East, we had a really nice time in Penang. Definitely worth a visit.

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Tom *******

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Robert ******

Ranong option seems to be closed.

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Stuart *********

Guessing with those options you’re in Phuket. If so a number of companies will do a same day border run to Sadao Google KBV or TMT. Two I know run most days

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Stéfan ********

There's a ferry to get to Penang from the mainland as well as bridges. The ferry loading dock is directly across from the Butterworth train station. Burma land borders are closed.

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Brandon ************

Myanmar borders have been closed to foreigners for over 2 years so you can forget that option.

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Brandon ************

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