thailand
Ask question

What are the best driveable border points for a border bounce from Thailand?

Thailand Visa RulesBorder CrossingsRanongKawthoungImmigration ProceduresVisa RunCambodiaLaosMae SotKanchanaburiLongtail BoatsExpat Experiences
Apr 24, 2023
2 years ago
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Referring to my older post. What is the easiest driveable border point for a border bounce? I’m still waiting to here back on if Khanchanaburi is open. And ranong down by Phuket is open but the whole take a long tail thing seems sketchy to me. Is Cambodia a good and easy one?
3,107
views
2
likes
128
all likes
81
replies
0
images
15
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion explores the easiest border points for conduct a visa border bounce. Ranong is highlighted as a straightforward option, with a scenic boat ride to Kawthoung. While concerns are raised about the sketchiness of the longtail boat experience, many users report it as reliable. Cambodia and Laos are also mentioned as potential border options. The conversation touches on the current closures of certain borders like Kanchanaburi and the need for valid information regarding customs and immigration processes when crossing.
Cris ********
I went to Padang Besar, Malaysia by train and back to Hua Hin.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Cris *******
A bit long, given how slow the train is. Not to mention how risky taking the train south of Hat Yai is...insurgents blew up the line to Padang Besar 3 times back in December.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Jo **********
depends on your point of origin. For Chiang Rai it’s mae sai
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Jo *********
Mae Sai is the only border that is confirmed to be open for overnight stays on the Myanmar side. I'm waiting for confirmation this is also allowed at Ranong.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Mike ********
@Jo *********
 Kamphaengphet,.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Mike ********
Reply
Mike ********
I’m hoping and praying Mae sot remains open for at least another couple of weeks,.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Mike *******
Yes, I know what you mean. I believe if they close the border again for that reason (as they did maybe a month ago) it would only be for a day or so.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Mike *******
Of course as you already know as you've been there, foreigners can do a border bounce. Just that we're prohibited from entering Myawaddy.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Mike ********
@Paul ******
 Just a little concerned over the recent air strikes in that area,. not for my personal safety but in case they decide to close border again,.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Mike ********
Reply
Paul *******
@Mike *******
Mae Sot briefly closed several weeks ago but has since reopened. I don't see them closing the border again unless fighting really escalates as they're trying their best to keep it open.

However, I think it will be years before anyone, Thai or 3rd country foreign nationals like us, will be permitted to use the overland passage from Myawaddy into the interior of Myanmar again.

I also don't expect foreigners to be allowed to access Myawaddy this year. It's Thais only right now and I don't see that changing for a long time to come.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Danielle ********
@Cris *****
 Hi when are you going? Are you going to ranong? Just we are thinking of doing this aswell just a bit worried if it will all work out ok
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Danielle ********
@Richard ********
 we are going next month if you go please let me know how it goes
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Richard *********
@Danielle *******
 when are you planning on going? I might need go 26-28th
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Richard *********
not heading up, figured out a way so i dont need to> 🙂
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Richard ********
Ah I see.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Sascha **********
@Paul ******
 I’m going this Sunday, I can ask ☺️
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Sascha *********
 Thanks! Looking forward to it.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Paul *******
@Richard ********
Are you on your way to the border today? If you are or whenever you do go, kindly ask immigration (particularly on the Burmese side) what the requirements are for foreigners wanting to visit Myanmar by entering the country this way. How long can we stay and where can we go? Which islands? I assume if the border is open, spending the night in Kawthoung is permitted, with travel restricted to not far north of the city, as well as Grand Andaman Island and possibly Bruer and Nyaung Oo Phee.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Danielle *******
 I am going tomorrow morning. I will let you know.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Danielle ********
@Cris *****
 did you go? What was it like? Thanks
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Richard *********
@Cris *****
 did you go? i might need go on the 26th/27th
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Cris *****
Don't forget to give us a trip report. Even if you only do a border bounce, kindly inform us whether it's possible for foreigners to stay the night on the Burmese side and where we are permitted to travel (for instance what islands or radius from the border).
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Danielle ********
@Cris *****
 ok great thanks
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Danielle ********
Reply
Josh *********
Victoria Point/Kawthaung is fascinating. Maybe last look at Old Burma :)
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Josh *********
Perhaps, but Moulmein is a hike and Victoria Point a paddle :)
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Josh *********
Thanks!
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Josh *********
I have heard intermittently that Tachileik and Myawaddy are open. Not sure if true and not sure if applies to foreigners. Please DM me if you find out. Also interesting if Htiki (K-buri), 3 Pagodas and Prachuap crossings accessible.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Josh ********
Kanchanaburi may reopen soon but if they do, it will be the same deal for foreigners as Myawaddy: you won't be allowed to step foot on Burmese soil, but they will probably do a stamp in/stamp out for those needing to stay longer in Thailand. Local fixers were offering this service for 950 Baht pre Covid. You already weren't allowed to do it yourself back then despite the border being fully open, you won't be allowed when the border reopens now because it's too dangerous and the political situation has changed.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Josh ********
3 Pagodas hasn't been open to foreigners since 2007. Forget it they'll probably never allow foreigners access to it and Prachuab (Dan Singkorn) is only for traders at present, otherwise when it's open normally, it's open to Thais and Burmese for limited travel. Other foreigners aren't allowed to use it.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Josh ********
Myawaddy isn't open. You can only do a border bounce there. Thais can cross for the day but travel beyond Myawaddy won't be allowed this year or possibly for years to come. There is regular fighting on the main highway connecting the town with the rest of Myanmar. Hpa-an is also difficult to access and requires a permit for us foreigners to go there, if we're allowed at all.

Tachilek is open. You can travel with a guide to Kengtung. Thats the only land border (other than Kawthoung) which is relatively safe and accessible at the moment.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Paul *******
@Josh ********
Well yeah at present Moulmein isn't readily accessible but should the Mae Sot-Myawaddy border reopen fully, making it safe for overland travel, then Mawlamyine is located a mere 110km from Mae Sot, taking just over 2 hours along the newly upgraded highway. That said, a bridge along the road was partially damaged in a recent attack. Not sure if it was one of the new bridges that was completed only in 2021. I think it will be a while before we're permitted to travel to Moulmein by road from Thailand, whereas Kawthoung could already be open from what I understand.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Paul *******
@Josh ********
Not the only place to see "Old Burma". Mawlamyine is probably an even better place as Kawthoung is too close to Thailand and thus more influenced by it.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
And Khanchanaburi is closed until further notice 😞
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Cris *****
Even if it was open, you would only be allowed to do a border bounce whereby you'd be required to pay an agent (usually some local fixer connected with Thai and Myanmar immigration) to get your passport stamped while you wait on the Thai side. They wouldn't allow you to step foot on Burmese soil. Pre-Covid, even though it was perfectly safe to cross this border, border bouncers paid 950 Baht for this service. Only those with Burmese visas were allowed to proceed into Burmese territory.

Due to the fighting now, it's even less likely a westerner would be permitted entry here but I do believe they will permit border bounces in the relatively near future.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Jan **********
I went to the Club Andaman (casino) ex-Ranong a few times, it was very easy. Check with them if they are operating. They have a huge parking lot.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Jan *********
OK but who does the stamping? The casino or Kawthoung immigration?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Jan *********
Did you spend the night there? How does it work with immigration at the casino? Do you get stamped in at Kawthoung or does the casino have their own designated immigration service? If so, do they stamp Burmese visas or only do the on arrival stamp?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Jan **********
@Paul ******
 no, just in and out.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jan **********
Reply
John *************
@Jan *********
 it’s the Grand Andaman now. I can’t tell if it’s open or not from their GPage. 🤷‍♂️

Grand Andaman Hotel

+95 1 572 535

*************************************************
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Jan **********
@John ************
 THAILAND OFFICE

9 M. 5 ,T. Paknam, A. Muang, Ranong

*****
, Thailand

Tel: +66 (0) 77 871 081-3

Tel: +66 (0) 81 893 8528
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jan **********
Reply
Pascal ********
Check if the hotel casino is open on the Myanmar side opposite of Ranong, if open use their nice boat to do the visa run
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John *************
Ranong is dead easy. Yes, you park but they have a nice parking lot there and the boat ride is scenic and short. There is nothing to do in Kawthaung, what the Thais all call "Koh Song" for some reason. It's a dump. So do your border dash and come back to Ranong and enjoy yourself. The "long tail thing" is certainly not sketchy. I've done it hundreds of times (not for visa but to visit the islands beyond it.)

It's also nice then to add a few days on to Koh Phayam and the drive through Isthmus Kra past Chumphon is one of the prettiest drives in southern Thailand. It follows the second "death railway" that was built to bring supplies from the Gulf to the Andaman Sea. Later torn up by the British. Ranong is a nice little border town, lots of good food, a nice downtown backpacker area with guesthouses and restaurants. Lots of hotels. I don't know where you're driving from but if you haven't been south, now is your chance.

*************************************
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ************
 weird question. Can I shore fish while I’m there? I’ve always heard a Andaman sea fishing is way better than gulf of Thailand.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Dang ok. Thanks 🙏
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John *************
@Cris *****
 it’s all shallow mud and mangrove and harbors. Na. The fishing is offshore.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John *************
Reply
Paul *******
@John ************
Nyaung Oo Phee has been open to Thai tourists at least since November.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
Great photos by the way. Are you a diver?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John *************
@Paul ******
 Yes, I used to run diving and kayaking trips up there. I'm afraid that people won't be visiting Myanmar for a while. It was always a hard sell politically but now it will be virtually impossible.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@John ************
You're right. I have been doing business in Myanmar for years and will go as long as it's safe. The same can't necessarily be said about your average tourist though.

Either way, I don't see Myanmar fully reopening like it was pre-Covid, for years to come.

I doubt we'll see the full reopening of land borders with Thailand and India to visa holders this year, because it's too dangerous.

The limited reopening of Mae Sai-Tachilek and now what appears to be a similar reopening of Ranong-Kawthoung, both of which offer only limited travel from the border, is probably the best we'll see this year and next. The political situation will take years to be resolved, if ever.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John *************
@Paul ******
 I completely agree and am so sad.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John *************
Reply
Paul *******
@John ************
Wow! Yeah after going there so many times it would get boring. I'd provide the same advice for anyone going to Myawaddy, which I've been to more than 40 times, all since 2013. Whereas Hpa-an and Mawlamyine are fantastic.

Anyway, can you tell me more about Bruer and Nyaung Oo Phee islands? Have you been there?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John *************
@Paul ******
*****************************************************************
**********
*****
*****
*****
72
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John *************
@Paul ******
*****************************************************************
**********
*****
*****
*****
67
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John *************
@Paul ******
 Not sure what I can tell you about them. There are hundreds and hundreds of nice pretty islands up there. Most of them look like Surin but some have the big boulders like Similan too.

As far as I know it's all closed now, but there are hints that they may open up. I know one boat who went out last month but for some reason they were very secretive about why they were there. No idea why they were being like that, we've been going up there since 1994.

There are small resorts and bungalows on some of the islands now. I used to go up there for diving so we would mostly stick to the western islands, further out to sea where the visibility is best.

Without a boat it's impossible to get around of course.

*****************************************************************
**********
*****
*****
*****
90
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John *************
Reply
Paul *******
@John ************
How are the islands in the area and are you referring to those on the Burmese side or Thai side?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John *************
@Paul ******
 both.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John *************
Reply
Paul *******
@John ************
Ranong is pretty boring in my opinion. Again it's worth checking out if you haven't been, but the town is as grubby and uninspiring as Kawthoung. Didn't think there would be any worthwhile restaurants there either. If it wasn't for the border crossing and boats for Koh Payam and other islands, I don't think you'd find any foreigners going to Ranong.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John *************
@Paul ******
 I guess. I’ve been going there for almost 30 years. It’s got a certain charm and lots of history. The drive north along the border is spectacular. And I love old railroads, even torn up ones.

For me it was the gateway to Mergui before the coup. One of my favorite places on earth. Phayam is also very nice.

To each his own. 🤷‍♂️

And lack of tourists makes it even better.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
Anyway, my point is - worth seeing both towns if you're in the area and need to go there. If you've been to Kawthoung before and know the place, then I can understand why you might not want to spend much time there. There is only one good hotel in town the others are dumps. It's the same with Myawaddy. The town is totally uninspiring and a bit of a dump BUT worth checking out for the teahouses, temples and general ambience if you've never been before. When it's permitted, don't spend the night in Myawaddy if you don't have to. The hotels are crap and overpriced. Mae Sot hotels are far superior.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Paul *******
@John ************
Don't be ridiculous. For someone who's never been to Kawthoung it's worth checking out the restaurants, temples and general ambience of the town. Moreover is it even permitted right now? No one seems to be able to tell the answer. Perhaps instead of discouraging exploration, we should be encouraging it so people can provide some useful trip reports.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ************
 ok. I’ll do that. Can you google maps me the location of the place I need to go? Thank you.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John *************
@Cris *****
 You can try the B.C. Badin Resort, see what they have to offer. You can always call down if your Thai is up to scratch.

*************************************
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John *************
@Cris *****
 There are several piers and resorts on the north side of the harbor. I would think that any of these resorts would be able to offer you a more VIP kind of trip. There is one resort just south of the main pier and one north of it.

*************************************
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John *************
@Cris *****
 Sure, you go just past immigration and you'll see the harbor and then all the kids will come out and help you get on a boat.

There is also a way to do it from the people who run the casino, but I'm not sure they are operating right now. You could call them. I'll post that next.

*************************************
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ************
 already called. Open from 9am to 6pm. So basically I park. Take the boat. Get a stamp. Come back. And get my new 30 day exempt stamp?

Sorry for all the questions this is my first time doing this.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John *************
@Cris *****
 yes. That’s it!
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John *************
Reply
Hnin ***********
Laos
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I just don’t want to get caught in the rain. Or the border just suddenly closes. Etc
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Cris *****
Just go and even if the unthinkable happened and the border closed just head for Malaysia or Laos instead.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Jeff *********
@Cris *****
 You won’t melt and as hot as it is it would feel good!😆
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Cris *****
 any of the Myanmar borders could suddenly closed based on rebel fighting.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John *************
@Brandon ***********
 But there is no fighting in the south so the chance it will close is very small.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John *************
Reply
Jan **********
@Cris *****
 take an umbrella.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jan **********
Reply
Vernon *********
Ranong, sketchy?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Richard *********
Kawthoung 🙂 Was lasty in Burma in 2017, anxious to go back but the areas i want travel to are not open for tourism>

**************************************
*****
2719
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Richard ********
Ditto. The areas I want to visit are closed for tourism (and well, closed to all foreigners in general, whether you're a business traveler or expat, it doesn't matter, you can't go).

I was last in Myanmar/Burma in February 2020 and almost went again in March 2020 but luckily I didn't as the world was shutting down then.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Paul *******
@Richard ********
Do you mean Kawthoung or Ranong (or both)? I've been to Kawthoung just once (everywhere else further up the narrow peninsula I've visited multiple times) and while I definitely agree with other posters who've said that Kawthoung isn't really a worthwhile place to hang out, I would go there and spend some time there now for 2 reasons: 1) I haven't been to Kawthoung in 20 years and 2) I haven't been to Myanmar since Covid closed the borders. I'd love to spend a day or two walking around Kawthoung to visit temples, tea shops and restaurants, taking pictures and taking in the ambience. I doubt I'd be doing that after trips 3 or 4, but the first trip and maybe a second time after that? For sure, simply to experience something different from my everyday life.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Vernon *********
When a border is water then a boat is necessary, very easy stamp out then stamp back in again.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Vernon ********
 don’t you have to park then take a long tail?? Lol
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Cris *****
If you do go to Ranong, please let us know whether we're allowed to stay the night in Kawthoung. I realize this group is filled with border bouncers who seemingly have no desire to spend even 1 minute more than necessary outside of Thailand, but I think I speak for many others when I say "kindly provide us with all the details about Myanmar entry". There is nothing up to date available online. TripAdvisor doesn't tell us much either.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Richard *********
@Paul ******
 Nothing there worth staying for>> been there a few times
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Richard *********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the easiest destinations for border bouncing to get 180 days in Thailand by plane?
16 comments
4 months ago
What is the best border crossing option from Hua Hin for a border bounce?
10 comments
9 months ago
What are the budget-friendly options for a visa run or border bounce from Bangkok?
16 comments
9 months ago
What are the risks and alternatives for a border bounce at Aranyaprathet?
2 comments
a year ago
How can I easily do a border bounce from Jomtien, Thailand?
57 comments
a year ago
What is the best way to manage a visa run to Myanmar and what are the current border conditions?
8 comments
a year ago
What are the best border crossing options for making a visa run to Malaysia from Thailand?
5 comments
a year ago
What are the current status and recommendations for border crossings in Thailand?
7 comments
a year ago
What are the best options for expats in Thailand needing to exit and re-enter due to visa rules after Myanmar stopped border bounces?
113 comments
2 years ago
Is the border crossing at Ranong open for a border bounce near Hua Hin, and what is the status of Kanchanaburi?
40 comments
2 years ago
What are the best options for a visa run from Hua Hin, Thailand?
23 comments
2 years ago
What are the recent experiences and requirements for border bouncing between Thailand and Laos?
23 comments
2 years ago
Which is the better option for a visa border bounce: Laos or Cambodia?
19 comments
2 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?
47 comments
2 years ago
What are the best strategies for border bouncing and visa runs in Thailand?
23 comments
2 years ago
What are the current procedures and regulations for border bounces at Ban Laem to Cambodia?
25 comments
3 years ago
What are some alternative land borders for a visa run from Pattaya besides Poi Pet?
3 comments
5 years ago
What are the best borders to consider for a visa run from Pattaya while avoiding issues?
8 comments
5 years ago
What is the best border crossing option for a visa run from Chantaburi after moving from Koh Samui?
0 comments
5 years ago
What are the best land borders for a visa run in Thailand, specifically to Malaysia, Laos, or Myanmar?
0 comments
5 years ago
What border should I use for a tourist visa renewal while in Bangkok?
24 comments
6 years ago
What is the closest and easiest border to visit for a border bounce near Bangkok?
0 comments
6 years ago
What are the recommended border crossings from Thailand to Myanmar and Cambodia for a visa run?
14 comments
6 years ago
What are the cheapest options for border runs from Bangkok to extend a visa or get a visa exempt entry?
6 comments
7 years ago
Is it still possible to border bounce from Ranong to Victoria Point in Burma for visa holders?
3 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.