Quickest Visa Run In Cm?

[lukeskywalker]

Hello All,

I moved to CM a few weeks ago and it is time for my 3 month visa run next week. I would like to do a 1 day border bounce. Can someone please supply me with some recommendations and contact info?

Thanks in advance,

Luke

[kennkate]

I take it you are 0 muti Entry

Mai Sai is 4 hrs away By Car

Buses or Mini Bus Visa trips Every Day 500 Baht Needed for imigration Mayanmar

Easy I Have Tel No Of Minibus Visa Trips PM me if you are Interested

[PFV]

The closest is Mae Sai in Chaing Rai Province; there is bus service from CM, or you can drive it yourself.

Mae Sai is on the Thai side; then, on foot, you head for the Friendship bridge into Myanmar, pass through the Thai outbound immigration, through the Burmese immigration (they will charge you for a one-day entry visa: I can't remember how much, but it isn't cheap) and into Myanmar.

The town on the other side is called Tachilek. There is a big market with a lot of inexpensive goods from China and also a Wine shop selling really inexpensive wine (a bottle of Aussie wine that a friend bought for 300 baht is for sale here in CM at 1,800 baht). Once you have done your shopping, you can walk back into Thailand, through immigration, with a fresh entry card and stamp.

Note: Don't forget that you can only bring back a very limited amount wine per person, duty free.

[sundaypsychos]

the minibuses up there are torture, you are rarely allowed to open the windows and are at the drivers mercy as to the food and drinks stops made along the way. hire a car for around 1000baht+ fuel and drive up there yourself. make a nice day of it in your own time.

good luck.

Hello All,

I moved to CM a few weeks ago and it is time for my 3 month visa run next week. I would like to do a 1 day border bounce. Can someone please supply me with some recommendations and contact info?

Thanks in advance,

Luke

[miltonbentley]

Hi Luke

For maximum ease and comfort the VIP bus from the Arcade Bus Station is excellent.

Leaves CM at 8am returns from Mae Sae and 2.30pm or 3.30pm depending on how long you want to stay. Nice big comfy reclineable seats. Price varies according to fuel costs was 600 baht about 3 weeks ago.

Take a jumper tends to get cold especially as the sun goes down on the return leg.

[dave2]

luke.

i 100% aggree with miltonbently .

VIP Bus is the best way to do it but book seat 1 A .... EARLY .... which is a single seat at the front where you can use a computer anytime

if you dont some bright spark will put his seat right back in your face as soon as the bus leaves ( or before ) and go to sleep !

#ucks your computer time and 4 odd hours with a seat back 9 inches in from your face is not nice.

dave2

[sassienie]

Hello All,

I moved to CM a few weeks ago and it is time for my 3 month visa run next week. I would like to do a 1 day border bounce. Can someone please supply me with some recommendations and contact info?

Thanks in advance,

Luke

I often wonder what you guys are doing in Thailand, whether legit or not and how you survive here

[Paagai]

I fear there is a lot of cheap charlie advice in this thread The OP said "Quickest" Take the morning SGA flight from CM, to Chiang Rai, about 45 minutes, car/Taxi up to Mae Sai, plenty of time to pop over the border (Mai soong Kha), do some shopping, and still have time to visit to Chiang Rai city, the white wat, Mae Fa luang, or whatever takes your fancy before heading back to the airport for the evening flight back to CM.

Cost: 2500 for the flight and 1000-1500 for a car in CR. Sure beats 8 hours on the bus, and the flight in that little plane is worth it just for the views, though can be entertaining in rainy season. Checkout: www.sga.co.th

Of course, if you fancy an overnight somewhere, Singapore, KL, Luang Prabang and Taipei are all easy direct flight options from CM. Luang Prabang is quickest.

[Maejo Man]

I fear there is a lot of cheap charlie advice in this thread The OP said "Quickest" Take the morning SGA flight from CM, to Chiang Rai, about 45 minutes, car/Taxi up to Mae Sai.................

Yes the OP did say the quickest, and your suggestion is way off being the quickest. Travelling to Chiangmai airport and arriving the perscribed time prior to the flight. the flight time plus, the taxi to Mae Sai will take you longer. Plus all the stuffing around.

The quickest way is to drive yourself. I am in Mae Sai in less than 2 1/2 hours from my house in Chiangmai. Bus is an effortless way to arrive refreshed if not driving yourself.

[Steve2UK]

500 Baht Needed for immigration Myanmar

Over a year since I've had to do it, but last I heard was that Myanmar Immigration welcomes $US - ten of them (working out at about 350 baht). Just make sure they're clean new bills. More recent visa runners can advise if this is still the case?

[sceadugenga]

True, they still like USD.

There's a lady with a stall out the front of the bank across from immigration who used to sell a 10 for 400B, but last time I was there she'd raised her price to 450 so it was hardly worth walking across the road for.

[lukeskywalker]

So it sounds like driving myself up to Mae Sai is the best/cheapest/fastest way.

I need to leave on or before 11 of May.

Anyone out there want to ride along with me or is already going and want to share? I've never been and would like to go with someone who already knows the ropes.

Thanks

[IanForbes]

So it sounds like driving myself up to Mae Sai is the best/cheapest/fastest way.

I need to leave on or before 11 of May.

Anyone out there want to ride along with me or is already going and want to share? I've never been and would like to go with someone who already knows the ropes.

Thanks

I would leave the driving to others and just spend the day on a VIP bus. It's about 4.5 hours there and 4.5 hours back. You leave about 8 AM and get back about 8PM. Yuu MIGHT save a couple hours driving yourself, but it's hardly worth it. And, if you miss a turn then you could lose a lot of time. Thai highway signs aren't always apparent. The bus trip gives you enough time to shop and look around a bit before taking a songthaew back to the bus depot. The Bus depot in Mai Sai is about 4 or 5 kilometers before you get to the border and you ride in on the little pickup truck busses.

[sundaypsychos]

agreed thai highway signs are not that special. however with a map, im sure the OP could manage. afterall once you are on the 118 to chiang rai, there is only one turning(left) at the 118/highway 1 junction. northwheels has a nice selection of honda jazz's that are perfect for the trip. cd player and all!

[PETDCAT]

I just went to Mai Sai yesterday on the VIP bus. The current fare is 660 baht. Worth every penny,but make sure you get the seats in the front that are 3 across. The back of the bus is cheaper but the seats are 4 across and not as comfortable.As of yesterday they were not accepting US money for entry to Myanmar. They were demanding 500 baht. They farangs that were saying I only have US money were being told to go next door to the tour company and get Baht. Now they were not looking at US money and refusing it saying it was,old,dirty,ripped,marked or anything. They were not even looking at the money.They only wanted Baht. Now everything could be different today. I am only relating observations from yesterday. In Myanmar the Johnnie Walker is 470 Baht a litre

which seems like a great price until you do a little research and you realize it is not made by Johnnie at all. Copy booze. Do a google search for Johnnie Walker fake and you will find the give aways on the labeling.

[Maejo Man]

In Myanmar the Johnnie Walker is 470 Baht a litre

which seems like a great price until you do a little research and you realize it is not made by Johnnie at all. Copy booze. Do a google search for Johnnie Walker fake and you will find the give aways on the labeling.

It's even cheaper in a lot of the shops, but is of dubious origin. If you want genuine imported spirits wines and cigarettes, purchase them at the duty free shop on the bridge across the small walkway, and still a lot cheaper than Thailand.

[bungalowbill]

Definately the VIP bus from Arcade. And if you go up and reserve a few days early you can selcet the seat you want. If your alone they have single seats on one side of the bus.

[lukeskywalker]

I (the OP) am staying in Lamphun and it is quite a drive into CM just to make a reservation on the VIP bus. Is there a phone number I can call to accomplish this? Can I just show up on 11 May and get on the bus? Where/What is Arcade?

Sorry for the numerous questions but this (Chiang Mai) is all new to me.

[kennkate]

Luke I Live Nr Lamphun

I am here on O Visa Dont have A car. I have used the Bus From chang mai And stayed overnight

Since I came back this time in Sept I have used A Chang Mai Taxi He came to the House and Picked my wife and myself up at 07.30 Good Driver can recomend him will stop at Places on the way and Wait for A couple of Hrs in Mai Sai

Got Back at 18.00

2500 Baht All in Price I have his Tel No if you PM Me Speaks a little English so you will be ok

If you get the bus you will have to get to Chang Mai and back from Lamphun All adds to the cost and Time.

[PETDCAT]

If you just show up you probably will not get a VIP seat. You will be lucky to get a first class seat in my opinion.I believe the name of the bus is Green bus Thailand and I think they have an on-line presence but I doubt you can make a reservation. Arcade is the bus station.

cheers

[st11x]

I rented a car and is going to do this trip this weekend. While at it, I am planning to bring my dogs with me as they haven't been around Chiang Mai since we came as I only have the scooter.

Do they have any secure parking spots on the Thai side? The dogs will remain in the car while I do the walk.

thanks

Matt

[Thaihog]

I rented a car and is going to do this trip this weekend. While at it, I am planning to bring my dogs with me as they haven't been around Chiang Mai since we came as I only have the scooter.

Do they have any secure parking spots on the Thai side? The dogs will remain in the car while I do the walk.

thanks

Matt

Don't worry, there are plenty of car parks which are less than a 5 minute walk to Immigration.

I was up there 2 days ago and it only took me only 10 mins to complete all the formalities....

[bravoZ]

600 baht cost onway ticket?

[Thighlander]

I did the mini-van once--it sucks, and only stops at places they will get kickbacks. Green VIP Bus to Chiang Rai for 265, it is the 24 seater Mercedes. Then you get the local bus for about 40 THB to Maesai, where for 8 thb the red songthaews will take you right to the border.

The duty free sells lots of fake items...fake cigs, fake absolut, fake cigars....You might be able to get a decent bottle of wine, that I generally pay 3 us for back in the States. Get your fresh 10 dollar bill here in Chiang Mai. If you want to break up the trip, after you get your visa and fake cigs, then take the 40 baht bus back to Chiang Rai, buy your VIP for the next day, and get a guesthouse room for 200 THB. I've done it 20 times. The VIP will get you to Chiang Rai in 3 hours. Have lunch, take a breather, the local buses leave every 30 minutes to Mae Sai. Mae Sai is kind of a dumpy border town/tourist' trap. Chiang Rai is a bit of a tourist' trap, but has some amazing sites, and is a vibrant small city.

[jayjay0]

luke.

i 100% aggree with miltonbently .

VIP Bus is the best way to do it but book seat 1 A .... EARLY .... which is a single seat at the front where you can use a computer anytime

if you dont some bright spark will put his seat right back in your face as soon as the bus leaves ( or before ) and go to sleep !

#ucks your computer time and 4 odd hours with a seat back 9 inches in from your face is not nice.

dave2

The last time we went up there we got a bus at the arcade station. I can't remember the cost but it was plenty roomy. The seats were only three across and the leg room was more than ample. I almost could not reach the foot rest on the seat ahead of me. Been a couple of years but I think they are still running. Look around at the station.

[davehowden]

I did the trip 2 weeks ago. I used a minibus that picks up from around CM, stops on way there and back for food and drink. Cost 600 for the trip, Mynmar Immigration is 500 or 21USD. Call TU on 0898357543 for good service.

[wolf5370]

I did the trip 2 weeks ago. I used a minibus that picks up from around CM, stops on way there and back for food and drink. Cost 600 for the trip, Mynmar Immigration is 500 or 21USD. Call TU on 0898357543 for good service.

Erm I think you slipped on your keyboard there - 500 Baht or $10 US.

I always use the Green Bus - but gone are the days of getting a seat on the day (let alone a VIP seat!). Seems even when I go the day before they are mostly booked up. I never understand why they don't run another bus (a later one) at keast on the weekends when it pretty busy. Holidays can be a nightmare getting a seat! There is a phone number - and you can book on the telephone I believe - but I don't know it (when you go, I think its on the glass wall of there kiosk - for next time).

Goes like this: Ticket VIP) around 660B (Normal) around 450B - That's return.

Song Taew at the far end 15B each way

Border crossing - Thai out/in free - Burma out (500B/$10) in free.

The police may board the bus a few times in each direction, but they are mainly interested in Burmese overstayers on the way out and Burmese Drug Carriers on the way back - they just check anyone the think look Burmese's passpaort - rarely they may check the farangs too - but only happened to me twice so far both on the way back (which is weired I thought).

Sometimes just outside the duty free shop on the bridge there is a stall selling very cheap booze - its all fake of course (though tastes prtetty good from my experience) - but then how much can you rust any stuff here not to be fake? They even sell fakes in the supermarket (computer games moreso than booze I gather).

DVD's - go down the stairs in Myanmar (avoiding the rabble of songtaew tour guides, beggars on the stairs and kids trying to hawk fake viagra, sex videos that can get you arrested on the way back and knock-off cigs) and turn immediately right - its about 4 shops down on the right.

PS: Don't buy any sunglasses if you like your eyesight because for 20B (or 40B + if you look touristy enough) you get darkened pastic that causes more damage to your eyes than not wearing them at all!

[davehowden]

Yes, finger trouble, 500 Bht or 11 dollars, I know the $ is down but not that much!

[HangDongRider]

Hi, does anybody knows, if Mae Sot is open again? I like to do my next VR there.

[rikki]

D howden, how long did you get for shopping in burma?

Anyone take the vip bus from arcade know how long you get for shopping please?