Ranong Border Run

[Thailand Tiger]

Hi guys,

Just spent the last two hours browsing previous posts looking for the latest info on Rayong as a border run, but can't find the answers I'm looking for.

Can anyone answer the following for me?

1. Immigration hours for Thailand and Myanmar.

2. What's the straight deal on the entry fee for Myanmar? (the real deal, not the exchange rate scam)

3. Any logistical issues I should be aware of? Are the Immigration offices close the the piers?

I've had some mixed experiences with Myanmar border runs in the past, from relatively smooth sailing in Mae Sai, to outright extortion and aggression in Mae Sot. I've never done Rayong and if it's too much drama, I'd rather just spend the extra time travelling down to Malaysia where it's always a breeze.

Thanks in advance.

[007]

Just spent the last two hours browsing previous posts looking for the latest info on Rayong as a border run, but can't find the answers I'm looking for.

Check your spelling - it's Ranong, not Rayong. Both are places in Thailand, but the border run you mean is via Ranong.

Sorry, can't talk from experience, as I never went there. Other forum members may be able to give more detailed information.

Edited April 9, 2008 by 7

[Thailand Tiger]

Check your spelling - it's Ranong, not Rayong. Both are places in Thailand, but the border run you mean is via Ranong.

Oops, sorry, I meant Ranong and that is what I searched on. Wish I could do a border run at Rayong..!

Perhaps a moderator would be kind enough to correct the title for me.

[Big A]

In Ranong, you have 3 choices

1. Do it yourself by catching a long tail boat.

2. Go by the Andaman Club visa run ferry. http://www.andamanclub.com/

3 Organised tour from Chumphon. http://www.chumphon-kohtao.com/

I have done all 3, and the best is the Andaman Club IMHO. It costs a bit more, but worth it.

Edited April 9, 2008 by Big A

[Thailand Tiger]

In Ranong, you have 2 choices

1. Do it yourself by catching a long tail boat.

2. Go by the Andaman Club visa run ferry. http://www.andamanclub.com/

3 Organised tour from Chumphon. http://www.chumphon-kohtao.com/

I have done all 3, and the best is the Andaman Club IMHO.

Hey Big A. Can you tell me any more about the Do It Yourself option?

[Big A]

Upon arrival in Ranong, you have to check in at Thai immigration (Saphan Pla) to get stamped out. Just bring your passport and a photocopy of your passport. Photocopies are available beside the immigration office. However, DO NOT RELY ON THIS SERVICE. GET A PHOTOCOPY OF YOUR PASSPORT BEFORE YOU GET TO IMMIGRATION They seem to be too lazy at times to help you.

After you’ve received your exit stamp you have to cross the bay to get to Burma. The dock is a 5-10 minute walk from Immigration and there are plenty of boatmen lining up at outside Immigration or at the pier itself to take you across. They are generally OK. The boat trip costs about 300 baht, whether there is one person going or five. They will also sell you a US$10 note/bill at a slightly inflated rate. This is OK because if you try and get your own from a bank, it will have to be in MINT CRISP CONDITION to be accepted at the Burmese Immigration. I have heard of people getting rejected because of old or torn or creased or frayed notes. As I said, the boatmen will rip you off, but only slightly!!!

There are 4 stops to make along the way. The first stop is at another Thai immigration where your exit stamp is checked. No need to get off the boat here. 2nd stop is a Burmese Immigration outpost on stilts. They'll check your passport here. Again, no need to get off the boat here. Keep your $10 on you here. The 3rd stop is off the boat and on Burmese soil where you will give the cash, get an entry stamp and an exit stamp at another counter. The last stop is at Thai customs in the middle of the bay. Nothing to do here!

Back in Ranong pier, don't forget to return once more to Immigration to get your entry stamp.

Edited April 9, 2008 by Big A

[Thailand Tiger]

Upon arrival in Ranong, you have to check in at Thai immigration (Saphan Pla) to get stamped out. Just bring your passport and a photocopy of your passport. Photocopies are available beside the immigration office. However, DO NOT RELY ON THIS SERVICE. GET A PHOTOCOPY OF YOUR PASSPORT BEFORE YOU GET TO IMMIGRATION They seem to be too lazy at times to help you.

After you’ve received your exit stamp you have to cross the bay to get to Burma. The dock is a 5-10 minute walk from Immigration and there are plenty of boatmen lining up at outside Immigration or at the pier itself to take you across. They are generally OK. The boat trip costs about 300 baht, whether there is one person going or five. They will also sell you a US$10 note/bill at a slightly inflated rate. This is OK because if you try and get your own from a bank, it will have to be in MINT CRISP CONDITION to be accepted at the Burmese Immigration. I have heard of people getting rejected because of old or torn or creased or frayed notes. As I said, the boatmen will rip you off, but only slightly!!!

There are 4 stops to make along the way. The first stop is at another Thai immigration where your exit stamp is checked. 2nd stop is a Burmese Immigration outpost on stilts. They'll check your passport here. Keep your $10 on you here. The 3rd stop is off the boat and on Burmese soil where you will give the cash, get an entry stamp and an exit stamp at another counter. The last stop is at Thai customs in the middle of the bay. Nothing to do here!

Back in Ranong pier, don't forget to return once more to Immigration to get your entry stamp.

Thanks a lot. Exactly what I was after. The more info you have, the smoother these things tend to go.

[Big A]

At Immigration/saphan pla pier, don't pay more than B800 for a return trip and a $10 note/bill to a boatman.

OH! and take an umbrella in case of extreme heat or rain, and don't be tempted to bring back contraband. Once you buy some stuff, the Thai cops (tipped off) will be waiting for you. There's somewhere in this forum that someone got arrested for Viagra.

And there's really nothing to see in the small Burmese town. Just get stamped in, out and return empty handed.

You'll be fine.

Edited April 9, 2008 by Big A

[Thailand Tiger]

Ok, did my run yesterday. It'll be the last time I ever use one of the Myanmar borders. I've used all three now and am absolutely fed up with the aggression and constant attempts to scam me. Telling me my US notes are no good and that I must pay in Thai Baht (at a ridiculous exchange rate of course). Being told I require a photocopy of my passport, being way overcharged for the photocopy and then refused change when I didn't have exact money. Being told to fuc_k off back to Thailand by the Immigration guy was good advice and I certainly took it.

I'd rather spend the extra time on a sleeper train to the Malaysian border and know that it's going to be a breeze.