Is it possible to cross the Mai Sai border with a car ?

[balo]

I am planning a trip to Burma and I have been told it's possible to bring a car from Thailand over the border.   Wonder if it's true or not. Thanks. 

 

 

 

[sceadugenga]

There are couple of road bridges so access is no problem.

You need to sort it with Myanmar immigration first though, I suspect it could get quite complex.

[Belzybob]

AFAIK there is still a requirement for prior permission and also that you must engage a local guide if bringing in your own vehicle.

[balo]

AFAIK there is still a requirement for prior permission and also that you must engage a local guide if bringing in your own vehicle.

Ok then I will forget the idea. I had hoped Myanmar was more open to foreigners now, I don't need a "guide" to watch every step I make.

[Belzybob]

26 minutes ago, balo said:

 

Ok then I will forget the idea. I had hoped Myanmar was more open to foreigners now, I don't need a "guide" to watch every step I make.

I'd still be checking directly with Mynamar representatives in Thailand, as my comment is based on 2015 or earlier. Things change..

[off road pat]

3 hours ago, balo said:

 

Ok then I will forget the idea. I had hoped Myanmar was more open to foreigners now, I don't need a "guide" to watch every step I make.

Its even worse than that, you can only stay and drive in the vicinity of Thachilek. If you want to go further to Kentung (Chentung) and Mong La (Chinese Border) you have to have a guide and pay for all he's expenses, hotel, food etc...I used to go there many times with my 4x4. 10/20/ years ago and it was really great in Myanmar. About 10 years ago they changed the requirements and made it a lot worse for foreigners to travel by there own and I have stopped going. Now I just do my visa runs to Mae Sai/Tachilek. and buy some stuff at the border. Every time I ask the Burmese border guards if there regulations have changed....but it hasn't in the last 10 years...

Best regards.

Edited November 2, 2016 by off road pat

[blowin]

On 2/11/2016 at 11:01 AM, off road pat said:

Its even worse than that, you can only stay and drive in the vicinity of Thachilek. If you want to go further to Kentung (Chentung) and Mong La (Chinese Border) you have to have a guide and pay for all he's expenses, hotel, food etc...I used to go there many times with my 4x4. 10/20/ years ago and it was really great in Myanmar. About 10 years ago they changed the requirements and made it a lot worse for foreigners to travel by there own and I have stopped going. Now I just do my visa runs to Mae Sai/Tachilek. and buy some stuff at the border. Every time I ask the Burmese border guards if there regulations have changed....but it hasn't in the last 10 years...

Best regards.

Love this picture buddy. When I ever get finished here in Europe I would love to travel as you do nice pictures !!