Answered2 years ago
What are the cheapest border run options from Phuket?
Looking for options for border run from Phuket. Have looked at flights to Cambodia, but want to see if cheaper options. Thanks Group. 
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around finding budget-friendly options for a border run from Phuket, with suggestions including flights to Cambodia and alternative nearby destinations like Malaysia (Penang and Langkawi). There’s also a recommendation to drive to Ranong, which is a 3.5-hour journey north of Phuket. Participants are seeking safer minibus services for the trip.
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Roberto ******
OPOk Group. Any recommendations for van companies that that don’t try to set the Land Speed Record to Satun that will pick up at Phuket Central mall? See many on web search but like to get your experiences. Thanks
Michael *******
Better to fly than drive, some of the minibus drivers are a little dodgy……
Roberto ******
OP@Michael ******
thanks.
Julian *******
Drive to Ranong and do it there. 3.5 hours drive north of Phuket
Baz *********
Malaysia, Penang or Langkawi
James *******
Ranong, but depends on what you need the border run for, i.e. visa type or visa exemption stamp?
Roberto ******
OP@James ******
I received a 60day on entry with a 30 day extension direct from immigration office. Understand that I can leave for a few days and re-enter for another 60 days. But just say another post saying I need to be gone for 30 days to return to Thailand. Any info on that?
James *******
@Roberto *****
i'd probably go through a visa run company if I were you as have more sway and knowhow of which borders are cool with visa exempt runs.Baz *********
@Roberto *****
I don't believe that's the case..You should be able to leave to a neighboring country for a 2 or 3 nights and just re-enter Thailand for another 60 days..
The only thing I would say is don't expect to just keep doing that several times consecutively as at some point in the future the Thailand immigration may question you about being a genuine tourist and could refuse entry if they believe you are trying to live in Thailand on just tourist excemption entries.
James *******
@Roberto *****
never heard you have to leave for any specific amount of time, although it up to the IO if they believe you are a genuine tourist. The good thing about Renong is they tell you before you leave if they will let you back in, so don't do it on the very last day of your permitted stay.Roberto ******
OP@Baz ********
thanks Baz. Flights seem better to Penang. Any recommendations on 2-3 star hotels there or other advice. Visa on arrival or need other documents. USA PASSPORTBaz *********
@Roberto *****
I have Australian passport and got free visa entry from memory so I expect US passport is the same..Plenty of budget hotels around the $20 to $40 US price in Georgetown..
Check out Agoda hotel booking website or App
Roberto ******
OP@Greg **********
thanks. Just saw that.
Greg ***********
@Roberto *****
google MDAC, you need to fill out an online form for entry to MalaysiaRoberto ******
OP@Baz ********
excellent. Very helpful. Thanks
Joe **********
Why not Malaysia? Penang is okay for a night or 2…
Roberto ******
OP@Joe *********
thanks Joe. Looks like much better option. Do you know of how long immigration requires number of days to stay? Also, do you have any recommendations for 2 to 3 star hotels or other fun stuff to do 555?
Mark **********
@Joe *********
Langkawi Malaysia is easy and fun too
Brett *****
Try
@Andrew *****
phuket travelActivity
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