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What should I know about doing a visa run to the Mae Sai border from Chiang Mai?

Visa runMae Sai borderChiang MaiVisa ExtensionMulti-entry VisaTransport to Mae SaiGreen Bus ThailandMyanmar Immigration
Jan 24, 2019
6 years ago
Kaj ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi, Two questions, I'm about to do my first visa run to the Mae Sai border. I picked that border because it seems to be the closest to Chiang Mai although I'm not sure if it's the best or safest border to loopback. Also, can someone recommend a border run service here in Chiang Mai? I found Chiang Mai run service but I think they use a minivan I'd rather go on a big bus. I was also thinking of renting a car and driving up there myself but I'm not sure if that's a good idea. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses preparations for a visa run to the Mae Sai border from Chiang Mai, querying about the best and safest route, and asking for transportation recommendations. Several users suggest using the Green Bus service for comfort and cost-efficiency, detailing the journey and time required. Users also confirm the re-entry visa rules for multi-entry visas, clarifying procedures with Thai and Myanmar immigration during the process.
Kaj ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I forgot to ask one other important thing I have a 6 month multi-entry visa that will expire in May. I already went to the immigration office here in CM

early this month for a 30-day visa extension. My question is on re-entry will Thai Immigration give me a 60-day visa instead of a 30-day visa? I'm just double checking.
6 years ago
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Kaj ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ivan ***********
 ok that's what i wanted to know. thanks so much for helping me.
6 years ago
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Ivan ************
Yes if you are looping straight around, you stamp out of Thailand, take it to Myanmar immigration (on the right), give them $10 and they will stamp you in and out on the spot and give your passport back to you. Then you return directly to Thailand and stamp back in.
6 years ago
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Kaj ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
 thanks so much!
6 years ago
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Kaj ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
 ah yes sorry that's what i meant.
6 years ago
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Benjamin ******
@Kajito ******
 Immigration will not give you a "60 day visa" when you return, they will stamp you in for another 60 days. Your current visa will still be valid.
6 years ago
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Kaj ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
 tourist
6 years ago
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Benjamin ******
What type of multiple entry visa? A tourist visa would be 60 days, a Non-immigration is 90 days.
6 years ago
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Kaj ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
nah I just want to loop back right away so hold on to it right?
6 years ago
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Ivan ************
No, you bring it with you and give it to Myanmar immigration who will stamp you in and out of Myanmar. If you want to go visit Tachikeik you would leave it with Myanmar immigration and pick up from Myanmar immigration (on the opposite side- the left) coming back.
6 years ago
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Kaj ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Leo Yai hey man thanks so much. Last question I leave the passport with officer and get it back when I loop around is that right?
6 years ago
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Ian ***************
With METV each entry is 60 days, extendable 30 more.
6 years ago
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Ian ***************
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Julie ************
We just took the green bus last week there and back and it was super easy and comfortable and cheap.
6 years ago
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Kaj ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Julie ***********
 now that's service!
6 years ago
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Julie ************
@Kajito ******
 they also give you water and a snack!
6 years ago
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Kaj ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
wonderful!
6 years ago
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Julie ************
@Kajito ******
 yes
6 years ago
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Kaj ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
is there a bathroom on the bus? 😅
6 years ago
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Kaj ********
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Ivan ************
Green Bus is the bus that goes from Chiang Mai to Mae Sai. 319B each way for the VIP seats. Advertised 4h40 but it's more like 5h maybe 5h10 at the moment due to roadworks. So just make sure to leave enough time either side. You can book that online on Green Bus website.

Then from Mae Sai bus station you take a songtheaw to the border, stamp out, pay Myanmar immigration $10 or 500B for a day pass, come back, songtheaw back to the bus station and bus back to Chiang Mai. Making a bit of a trip out of it and visiting Chiang Rai or the Golden Triangle or Mae Salong is also a good idea if you have the time.
6 years ago
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Kaj ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ivan ***********
 thanks again!
6 years ago
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Ivan ************
@Kajito ******
 from Mae Sai direct to CM yes, from Mae Sai to Chiang Rai no there are frequent local buses. But Green Bus prebooked is more comfortable. From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai maybe.
6 years ago
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Kaj ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ivan ***********
 do bus tickets need to be booked in advance from Maesai to Chiang Mai? I was thinking of spending a night or two in Chiang Rai?
6 years ago
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Kaj ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
ok thanks again!
6 years ago
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Ivan ************
@Kajito ******
 the full timetable is on the Green Bus site, there are many buses. If you want to do it all in one day and get back realistically you aren't going to see anything, it's 5h each way. If you make a multi day trip you can visit other things. You often need to book the bus several days in advance, it usually books out
6 years ago
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Kaj ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My guess is to leave from Chiang mai around 7ish is that right to make it back by evening right?
6 years ago
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Kaj ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
yes I have the time I will def visit these sights thanks so much.
6 years ago
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Kaj ********
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Andrew ********
I went on Monday with green bus, comfortable and great value, and ran on time
6 years ago
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Ian ***************
******************************************************************
6 years ago
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Kev *******
Google Green Bus Thailand
6 years ago
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Kev *******
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