Which border crossings from Chiang Rai to Myanmar and Laos are currently open and what are the best recommendations for visiting them?

Mar 21, 2023
2 years ago
Richard *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Home base is Chiang Rai, and now time to explore the border countries Myanmar (Burma) and Laos.

I am retired American on multiple entry 60 Day Visa good till July 30 2023, and have my Covid Vaccination record card. I expect to have my retirement visa before current visa expires. Have visited many local attractions in and near the Chiang Rai and still have many local activities in planning. Have Thai friends whom may or may not join me exiting Thailand.

What border crossing are open, which ones are your favorite, what must see must do would love to hear your recommendations. I have looked and usually find contradicting information on border crossings. While I will likely depart and enter Thailand more for tourism than border run or border bounce, would like to also learn about them. My Thai friends have cars, I have Thai car and motorbike licenses but not my own car or motorbike (also have international DL).

For those whom kindly help me by sharing your knowledge and experience I kindly thank you in advance.

For those whom helped me with the large bill nuisance, I visited Bangkok Bank and can now scan and learned no ATM charges for me at any ATM in Chiang Rai so pulling out small sums not a problem.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A retired American expat based in Chiang Rai is seeking recommendations for open border crossings to Myanmar and Laos, as well as must-see attractions and activities. As of now, the international crossings available are: Chiang Khong-Huay Xai (4th Friendship Bridge), Golden Triangle to Kings Roman casino in Laos, and Mae Sai-Tachilek (requiring proof of vaccination for Myanmar). Also noted are the transportation rules for vehicles and motorbikes at these crossings.
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Chris *********************
Good luck with Burma
Paul *******
@Mai *******
Looks like fun! There certainly seems to be a lot to do in the Tachilek area.
Mai ********
@Paul ******
yep,it’s quiet busy with many things to do.
Paul *******
@Richard ********
Foreign governments are always overly cautious. That being said, in this case, they're legitimate. However, you need to do your own research.

Foreign governments will say things like "we recommend you reconsider your need to visit border areas of Myanmar at this time ". The reality is, if that border area is Karen/Kayin state, you won't be allowed to go there if you wanted to. Thai authorities will prevent you from leaving, while the Burmese authorities will immediately apprehend a white person found in the area as we're not permitted to enter Karen state due to fighting.
Richard *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ********************
after I read your comment I did the homework I should have already done. Well going to scratch off Burma for the time being.
Paul *******
@Richard ********
Why? You could spend up to 14 days in Tachilek or Kengtung. The border is open now.
Richard *********
@Paul ******
Been there ,no idea what someone would do there for 14 days

and Kengtung is not open unless with a tour guide>
Paul *******
@Richard ********
You just hire a guide on the spot. Kengtung is open.
Richard *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
what are your thoughts on the Travel Advisory?
Chris *********************
@Paul ******
are you sure
Paul *******
@Chris ********************
yes 100%, read the recent report from
@Mai *******
Mai ********
@Paul ******
fun at a water park 30 minutes north of Tachilek
Richard *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
Travel Advisory last updated February 27, 2023 has highest level warning "Do Not Travel":
*******************************************************************************************************
COUNTRY SUMMARY: The Burmese military detained and deposed elected government officials in a February 2021 coup d'état. Protests and demonstrations against military rule occur. The military often responds to these protests by arbitrarily arresting individuals and with the indiscriminate use of deadly force against protesters and bystanders.
Mai ********
@Richard ********
these attacks are mainly in Karen and Kachin state.
Av **********
please dont support riding elephant places 🙁 only elephant sanctuaries.
Av **********
@Richard ********
yah it's quite sad :( a lot of people don't know what they go through. I experienced similar ar a couple of other places . There are some great animal sanctuaries where you can hang out, feed them etc. Have fun!
Richard *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Av *********
i did take a couple photos and fed a couple but then we left because they were chained up.
Paul *******
All the international border crossings Chiang Rai shares with its neighbors are now open including:

1. Chiang Khong-Huay Xai (4th Friendship Bridge) - all Covid restrictions lifted

2. Golden Triangle crossing to the Kings Roman casino in Laos - all Covid restrictions lifted

3. Mae Sai-Tachilek - proof of Covid vaccination or a test required for the Burmese side (which you have). Travel permitted up to Kengtung (with a guide).

The 4th Friendship bridge and Mae Sai borders allow cars and motorcycles to pass. For the 4th Friendship bridge, I believe only motorcycles with an engine capacity of higher than 250cc are allowed. At Mae Sai, even scooters are permitted to cross, but can only drive around Tachilek and its immediate surroundings.
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