Border Run By Bicycle To Mae Sai

[vagabond48]

Normally, I take my bicycle on the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and then ride my bicycle to Mae Sai. At the last minute because a Thai friend wants to join me, I decided to ride my bicycle straight to Mae Sai. I never cut my visa run this close, so got a simple question.

I just want to confirm that I have to be out of Thailand, "on or before" the "until date" stamped on my passport and departure card and not "before the until date".

I want to make sure I give myself some extra time, just in case.

Thanks

[Macx]

If you don't want a fine, get out before or no later than the date on your stamp.

How's the road from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai? Are they done with the road work? It was pretty dusty and horrible when I passed through in late March.

Or are you picking one of the smaller country roads?

If you take a route that has the red government (?) bus, you could always jump on one if you have a break down and can't repair it.

[vagabond48]

If you don't want a fine, get out before or no later than the date on your stamp.

Just what I wanted to know. I want to make sure that I had until the stamped date. I am giving myself 3 or possibly 4 days before the "get out of Dodge" date. I don't plan to give immigration one baht more than is required.

How's the road from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai? Are they done with the road work? It was pretty dusty and horrible when I passed through in late March.

Or are you picking one of the smaller country roads?

If you take a route that has the red government (?) bus, you could always jump on one if you have a break down and can't repair it.

I went with my Thai bike buddy on a quick one day round trip to Chiang Dao about 2 months ago. That's almost 1/2 way. Some parts were dusty but most were ok. I am in a hurry to get to CR by the middle of the 2nd day. I have some maps that I believe are on secondary roads but I will keep in mind the possibility of having to grab a bus in case of emergencies.

Thanks for the info.

[flupke]

yes , you can bike to chiangrai in one day , 9 hours if well trained , this is the short 186 km busroute

yes , there is still a lot of road construction , narrow-dirty-dusty , not safe , all before cabbage & condoms resort

alternative : first bike to Prao , very quiet road and second day direction wiang papao to chiangrai , beautifull scenery on this trip

bon voyage

[vagabond48]

alternative : first bike to Prao , very quiet road and second day direction wiang papao to chiangrai , beautifull scenery on this trip

bon voyage

Thanks.

My friend and I are planning to do the CM, Prao, CR route 1st. Returning, we'll do a slightly longer ride back going from CR to Tha Ton, Fang, Chiang Dao, CM

[PoorSucker]

alternative : first bike to Prao , very quiet road and second day direction wiang papao to chiangrai , beautifull scenery on this trip

bon voyage

Thanks.

My friend and I are planning to do the CM, Prao, CR route 1st. Returning, we'll do a slightly longer ride back going from CR to Tha Ton, Fang, Chiang Dao, CM

Here's a tip for you.

Stay night in Mae sai.

On the way to Chiang rai, turn left towards Mae Chan, Ban Muang Ngam, Ban Tha Ton, Mae Ai and then Fang.

Beautiful route through the mountains, but very much hills.

[vagabond48]

alternative : first bike to Prao , very quiet road and second day direction wiang papao to chiangrai , beautifull scenery on this trip

bon voyage

Thanks.

My friend and I are planning to do the CM, Prao, CR route 1st. Returning, we'll do a slightly longer ride back going from CR to Tha Ton, Fang, Chiang Dao, CM

Here's a tip for you.

Stay night in Mae sai.

On the way to Chiang rai, turn left towards Mae Chan, Ban Muang Ngam, Ban Tha Ton, Mae Ai and then Fang.

Beautiful route through the mountains, but very much hills.

Thanks.

Normally, I have returned to CR from MS and stay there one night but maybe we'll do what you suggest. The only issue for me is what to do in Mae Sai? CR is quiet but I have got to believe that MS has got to be dead after 7 PM.

Please tell me I'm wrong.

[vagabond48]

I just got back from my border run to Mae Sai. I had no problem getting back with my N-I type O. This is the 1st time I took 20K baht with me. This will make 7 entries to Thailand in less than 2 years and have not been asked "show me the money" .

The bicycle trip was great. We rode to Prao, then over the mountains to Wiang Pa Pao and on to CR followed by the ride to MS. We returned by way of Thaton, Fang, Chiang Dao. Just beautiful scenery. Lots of clean mountain air to breath. Got caught in the rain twice. Great fun. The trip took 6 days with one rest day. We covered 670 KM.

I have attached 1 photo. I hope this system is smart enough to reduce it down.