Diy Ranong Visa Run

[ShawnStorm]

I posted this to the tripadvisor forum, but figured I would post it here as well.

I did the Ranong visa run today without paying a tour agency and figured I would share the step by step process to help other people out. Note that I was doing the run to get a new 15 day entry stamp, so I am not sure if the steps below are the same for other types of visas.

First, there are two different options at two different piers. There is the "Andaman Club" pier on the NW side of town where you take a A/C boat to the Andaman Club resort and casino where you can do the visa run as well as gamble. Then there is the pier on the SW side of town where the visa run is done by longtail boat and is a little more adventurous. I did the longtail option, so that is what this post will be about.

Step by step:

1) I went to KTB Bank and exchanged 300 baht for a crisp new $10 USD Bill. (Make sure it is perfect and keep it flat, or you may have issues in Burma).

2) I took a songthaew from downtown Ranong to the main pier in Saphan Pla (it cost 15 baht and I took a #4 songthaew but I think #3 goes there too). The pier is kind of hidden behind a large gas station/7-11. The gas station is about 50 meters past the pier for Koh Phayam/Koh Chang on the right side of the road. DO NOT go to the Thailand Immigration facility that is about 800 meters before the pier. That is not the place to stamp out your passport! (I found this out the hard way).

3) I went to the Thai immigration checkpoint that is in the pier and got my exit stamp. (No cost)

4) I started looking for a boat and was approached by and older Thai guy who was dressed nicely and had white hair. He asked if I needed a boat and offered a 200 baht fare round trip. This was a great price (I hear it is normally 300+ baht) so I went for it. He had rounded up a few other foreigners and after about 10 minutes we got escorted to a longtail boat.

5) The boat ride to Burma tool about 30 minutes. We stopped at two checkpoints along the way. Once we arrived, we were escorted to Burmese immigration office.

6) At the Burmese office I forked over my $10 bill and they processe my passport (but I don't think they stamped it there). I was then asked if I needed time to shop for cigarettes, booze, etc before going back to Thailand. I said no.

7) After about 20 minutes in Burma, I got back on the boat and headed back to Thailand. On the way we stopped at three checkpoints (one Burmese where I think they stamped out my passport and two Thai where they inspected the boat for smuggle goods). After 30 minutes on the water we got back to the pier where I started.

8) I went to the same Thai immigration checkpoint where I got stamped out and got my new 15 day entry stamp (free).

9) I walked out to the main road and caught a songthaew back to downtown Ranong (15 baht).

Total cost: 230 baht + $10 bill for Burma = 530 baht for everything.

I am pretty sure this is about as cheap as the Ranong visa run could possiby cost. I talked to other foreigners on the boat and they paid anywhere from 700 to 1200 baht for their organised visa runs.

Notes:

I recommend starting early to beat the crowds and the heat.

The people on the boat take your passport a number of times.. Don't worry about it, this is normal.

Thats all I can think of for now. I hope this is helpful to someone!

-Shawn

PS - I wrote this on my iPhone so I applogize for any mispellings, etc

[PattayaPhom]

I think the people you refer to that pay 1,200 baht are organised trips from Phuket or Hua Hin, where did you originate from and what was the cost getting to Ranong from there? 15 Day stamps are always free as are exit stamps

[lopburi3]

Actually they are visa exempt entry stamps for Thailand.

[ShawnStorm]

I think the people you refer to that pay 1,200 baht are organised trips from Phuket or Hua Hin, where did you originate from and what was the cost getting to Ranong from there? 15 Day stamps are always free as are exit stamps

I believe you are correct, however one person I spoke to had paid 1000 baht from their hotel in Ranong. I believe that included everything including private car shuttle, boat, and the $10 bill for Burma. Also they had someone leading them through the process.

I originated in Ranong since I am traveling around Thailand and Ranong was one of my destinations. I spent a couple days in Ranong exploring the area (there are some great hot springs).

-Shawn-

[Phronesis]

The Andaman route is 850THB inclusive and their lounge is airconditioned as well as their powercat.

You can also park your car undercover in their carpark.

They also have clean toilets and you don't have to deal or haggle with boat drivers.

Personally, I prefer to pay the extra 320THB and avoid the masses of myanmar nationals, stench of the fish market, boat drivers, heat, flies, beggers and risks associated with riding in a long tail.

Any fool can be uncomfortable...

[IMA_FARANG]

"Any fool can be uncomfortable"

-----------------

What you personally may call 'unconfortable" is all in your mind.

For some people it's called "adventure".

But that's just a personal choice .... whatever pleases you is what you "enjoy".

Myself, I'm bored sick by Watercress and Mayonaise Sandwiches on White Bread.

[cornishcarlos]

I do the Andaman Club option too.

Friend of mine does the long tail option and only ever pays 50 baht each way

[Mosha]

I live in Ranong, and always go to the Andaman Club, my wife likes to go to the casino, I take a book, I wish they would put Burmese food on.

[Paul888]

Trip reports are always interesting to read especially DIY ones that detail the steps and costs individually.

This one sounds like very hard work to me personally, but I understand that some do it like this for the "adventure" and fact is that everybody has their own point at which cost considerations outweigh comfort and convenience.

[ShawnStorm]

In response to comfort level, difficulty, adventure, and being a fool:

I agree with much of what has been said. Everyone is different, and one person's adventure is another person's nightmare. There was a couple on the boat with me who were LOVING every moment of the trip. They said they really like seedy border towns and visit them whenever possible. At first I thought they were joking, but I realized later that they were serious!

I am a traveler, not an expat, so every day is an adventure. I prefer the local fan buses to the 1st class A/C buses (at least for rides less than 3 hours long). I prefer noisy longtails to air conditioned boats (once again, for shorter trips). However, I also totally relate to wanting ease and comfort. I personally try to mix it up.

If I was making this visa run on a regular basis, I would probably do the Andaman Club option. However, this was a one time thing for me, and I enjoyed the experience (even the difficult parts). I realize Thaivisa is more geared towards expats and such, but some travelers view this site as well, so ultimately my post was aimed towards them.

Personally, I am glad the grumpy expats prefer the Andaman Club option because then us adventurous travelers are free to enjoy the ride without having to listen to someone complaining about the experience.

Cheers,

Shawn

[Mosha]

One thing when doing those trips. Bear in mind it rains here, it rains a lot. Easily the dampest province in Thailand. Also the crossing can be a bit choppy.

[Phronesis]

Shawn

For the record...

27 Years ago I tried, unsuccessfully, to get a visa for then Burma...

Upon refusal I hired a motorcross bike in Chang Rai and then rode over the border east of Mae Hong Song...

I have some great shots including one on a hill top surrounded in every direction by heroin poppies.

I have done the long tail ride over to Myanmar many times...as well as the Andaman route.

The Andaman route wins hands down...especially if you have a lady with you...

Good luck with your travels...

[thuisinthailand]

Does anyone know if the Andaman Club Immigration Office is also open during the weekends? Because according to the website of the Andaman Club it is, but as Immigration is usually closed on weekends, I was wondering whether this one might actually be open. Any advice on this much appreciated.

[lopburi3]

Border crossing immigration facilities are normally open on weekends everywhere - it is just facilities not involved with border entry-exit/airports that close on weekends.

[thuisinthailand]

Thanks, much appreciated! Here on Samui Immigration Office is closed on weekends, but I forgot there is no border here, unfortunately...