Thanks Tod.

And seeing as tomorrow is Chakri day, I suspect it won't be open tomorrow. Confirmed that Chiang Mai immigration is closed tomorrow (April 6)

You mentioned that you're planning to travel to other countries in the region. You should know that your single entry 60 day tourist visa AKA SETV (if you decide to get one at the Thai Consulate in the states) is only valid for ONE entry to Thailand. So, you enter, you get 60 day stamp in your passport and your visa is stamped "USED". If you then leave Thailand, you lose whatever days remain on that entry. So, if you plan on leaving Thailand within 30 days of arrival, then the SETV is not the visa for you.

If you are planning on travelling around to other countries (good idea...explore while you're here!) then just come and enter on the 30 day exempt entry. Then, anytime you travel to another country and come back to Thailand you get another 30 day exempt entry. Only caveat is that you are only permitted 2 visa exempt land entries per year (unlimited if flying).

One item to note though is that some airlines might not let you travel to Thailand without a visa in your passport. But, assuming you have a return flight, you can explain to them that you're entering visa exempt and, might work. All that being said, if you do plan on staying in Thailand for more than 30 days, definitely get a 60 day SETV as it is a cheaper and easier option with less headaches.

Done several Mae Sai runs and never been asked for anything. It's a very casual border with mostly Burmese coming and going.

Just an FYI, Green Bus is a good option to go there and back (if you don't plan on spending some time up there). Catch the 8 am VIP bus there and 2:30 VIP bus back (giving you two hours to do your border crossing and get some lunch). You have to take a song theaw from the bus station to the border (15 baht)...just follow the other foreigners. VIP seats are the first 4 rows on the bus and much more comfortable. Book online and pay at 7-11 within a couple of hours. Your 7-11 receipt is your ticket. Have a good trip!

Thanks Tod...I was actually planning on going that day.

As Brad pointed out, most of the low cost airlines fly out of Don Muang airport (DMK). So if you do plan to have an onward flight, make sure it is the same airport. Bangkok Airways would be a good one to check as it flies out of BKK.

See this thread: 3/?multi_permalinks=6

Correct... usually the fine is 1600 baht. But others have posted that if you're on a tourist visa, it's not an issue.

Book it online on the greenbus website and pay at 7-11 within 2 hours. Your 7-11 receipt is your ticket. I just went up and back yesterday and, as it's the weekend and high season, all the busses were fully booked the day before so I recommend you book a few days in advance if you want a VIP seat (much more comfortable).