Hello,,,,,have to do a border run from Ko Samui (I have a 60 day double entry tourist visa, i'm on first entry now) and was thinking about going to myanmar for the run. I have been there before, but from phuket. Malaysia is also an option but I've heard about some difficulties and i think it is more expensive. Does anyone know about how much th myanmar run will cost, how long it takes and the process, will probably go through a service - possibly do it on my own . As I understand it:

ferry to surat thani, bus of some kind to ranong, then the boat across to burma. someone waas talking about the immigration office on the thai side being 3 kilometers from the boat dock? I remember it being right there where you get on the boats. Thanks for all of your help. Oh yeah, will I need to stay overnight in ranong?

Edited January 19, 201214 yr by michael888

In Ranong you have 2 options, either leave from Saphan Pla about 1/2 a km from the immigration office.. There is a place to stamp out and in on the dock. Or the Andaman club. There is a pier north of Ranong, the crossing from there costs 850 Baht, and is a 25 minute trip. No 10 dollar bill needed there. You can then either come straight back or visit the casino/duty free. Boats are every 30 mins at busy times I think it drops to hourly at others. Can't tell you of the other option as I've never used it.

If you are on your first 60 days, you can extend it at Nathon immigration for 30 days for 1900 baht. Just be careful that you leave and re-enter for your second entry before the "must enter by" date on your visa. The second entry can also be extended for 30 days -1900 baht.

The cheap option (not Andaman Club) is the pier behind the Petrol Staion at Saphan Plaa in Ranong - it has had a 'one stop' immigration post for a few years now, so you don't need to go to the old Thai Immigration building at all.

Entry to Malaysia is free vs. $10 (crispy only) plus the cost of the long tail ride at Ranong - remember to factor that in when you are working out total costs (not to mention that the Burmese side is 'full of character' i.e. really grim).

I would of thought that a return mini bus ride to Sadao in Malyasia would have been cheaper and possibly quicker.

As posted you can extend your 60 day entry by 30 days at the local Thai Immigration in Samui fotr 1900 THB, but then you will need to leave/re-enter Thailand before the Visa 'Use Before' date to exercise your second 60 day entry.

Same cost and same time except the extra $10 to enter Burma.

There is a minibus that goes 3 or 4 times a week from Samui to the Malaysian border near Satun. Costs in the region of 2000 baht all in. Very quick and easy at Malaysian border. In my opinion much easier than the Myanmar options