Recent CM-Mae Sai Visa/Border Run info.
As of 21 Mar 2018 here are two details that may be of interest:
- Lots of construction on Doi Saket mountain, many detours on different parts of it, which adds perhaps 30 minutes to a busride from Chiang Mai to Mae Sai.
- This means that the standard 8am/2:30pm VIP Green Bus (which is the most comfortable mass transit option, 319 THB each way), cuts it a bit close
- Recommended to use the motorcycle taxis instead of the red truck from the Mae Sai bus station to the border. 60 THB each way instead of 15 THB each way for the red truck, which will save several minutes and help make the 2:30pm Green Bus departure, with time to spare for lunch.
- There is a new T.M.6 form being used at the border. It has nearly identical information but is smaller so it fits better in the passport page. Not sure if the old T.M.6 form is still allowed, or if this new form is at all borders/immigration offices just yet.
TLDR : Answer Summary
As of March 21, 2018, travel from Chiang Mai to Mae Sai for visa purposes has faced some delays due to extensive construction on Doi Saket mountain, which adds approximately 30 minutes to the bus ride. The recommended transport option is the VIP Green Bus, but travelers should consider using motorcycle taxis to reduce transit time to the border. Additionally, a new T.M.6 form has been introduced at the border. Travelers are also advised to be cautious of hazardous air pollution during their journey.
