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Is it possible to do a border bounce from Chiang Rai to Laos instead of Myanmar, given that Myanmar's border is closed?

Thai Visa RulesBorder RunsChiang RaiMyanmar BorderLaos BorderVisa ExtensionsEU Passport EntryGolden Triangle Crossing
Jan 12, 2023
2 years ago
Tomáš ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
EDIT: solved , since Maynmar border is closed

I'm in Chiang Rai and I want to do a border bounce. Should I go to Myanmar (Tachileik) or Laos (Chiang Khong)? EU passport . thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user in Chiang Rai sought advice on border bouncing options due to the closure of the Myanmar border. Community responses unanimously highlighted that the Myanmar border remains closed to foreigners and recommended Laos (specifically Chiang Khong) as the only viable option for a border run. Additionally, suggestions included the Golden Triangle crossing, which is nearby and often overlooked. Comments also provided insights on potential hassles at the Laos border and tips for a smooth re-entry into Thailand.
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Paul *******
You can try the Golden Triangle crossing at Chiang Saen, but not sure whether a same day return is acceptable. Since the golden triangle is a mere 33km from Mae Sai, you might as well try that first. On the other hand, Chiang Khong opens longer and there are cross border buses.
2 years ago
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Jean-francois *******
You said it yourself Myanmar is closed,why ask ?
2 years ago
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Paul *******
Golden Triangle crossing works as an alternative for now.
2 years ago
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Bob *******
@Jean-francois ******
 Mae Sot opens today, hopefully Mae Sai will soon follow.
2 years ago
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Bob *******
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Steve ********
No such thing as an EU passport. Depends on country, not political union. Are you entitled to visa exempt entry?
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Glen-do *********
 Someone has to get it right. I guess I'm the chosen one!
2 years ago
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Glen-do **********
@Steve *******
 every comment see Steve correcting folks 😂😂😂😂😂
2 years ago
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Glen-do **********
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Gregg *************
2 years ago
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Gregg *************
Oh shit of course it’s closed lovely
2 years ago
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Paul *******
So? Firstly, it will reopen soon, seeing that Mae Sot just opened today. Secondly, just 33km or a 25-30 min drive from the Mae Sai crossing you have the Golden Triangle border crossing with Laos.
2 years ago
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Gregg *************
@Paul ******
 thanks paul I didn’t realize it was that close I’m pretty surprised but it’s good to know sir
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Gregg ************
 Yes, it's one border crossing many people overlook or don't realize is there. There are actually two checkpoints rolled into one - the first one is for local Thais and Burmese only, for the small, older casino on the opposite bank.

The big one, open to everyone is the Golden Triangle Economic Zone one, which is designed to allow gamblers across from Chiang Rai. The opening hours aren't as long as Chiang Khong, but it may be an alternative for those who don't want to go to the latter for whatever reason. Even though you have to catch a boat, it may be quicker than waiting for the bus at the Chiang Khong crossing and again on the way back.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
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Gregg *************
Myra mar is a lot closer and less hassles
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Gregg ************
 err..for anyone based in either Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, going to Laos is about the same distance as Myanmar. There is no additional "hassle". In fact, it may even be easier, seeing there are cross border buses that connect Chiang Rai with Bokeo, Laos and Chiang Mai with Luang Prabang (the latter service might not have resumed yet). In any case, there never have been any Thailand-Myanmar cross border bus services and might never be any.
2 years ago
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Gregg *************
@Paul ******
 thanks for the update sir be safe out there and remember to hydrate
2 years ago
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Gregg *************
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Paul *******
@Steve *******
 the closest alternative is the Golden Triangle crossing. Not sure why no one talks about that one. Is it a case of not being aware it's open to foreigners or people don't want to recommend it because its the one that serves the shady Kings Roman casino? Either way, it's a legitimate border crossing for all foreigners with Laos.
2 years ago
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Frank **********
@Gregg ************
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Gregg ************
 So if you're a tourist, you have to tolerate the rules for tourists, surely? And if Myanmar keeps its border closed, you have to look for an alternative
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Gregg ************
 But not really Thailand's fault is it? And you've been in Thailand since 1999 and you're STILL doing border runs? I haven't done one in about 20 years!
2 years ago
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Gregg *************
@Steve *******
 I don’t live in thailand only been a tourist since 1999
2 years ago
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Gregg *************
I have no desire to live in thailand
2 years ago
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Gregg *************
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Steve ********
@Gregg ************
 I've been coming to Thailand since 1984. The Myanmar border has never affected me, but, er....yeah
2 years ago
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Steve **********
@Steve *******
 closed
2 years ago
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Gregg *************
@Steve *******
 but it hugely affects those of us who base out of chiangmai and use chiang rai for border runs and don’t want to deal with all the hassles of going all the way to Laos for a stamp
2 years ago
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Jeremy ********
@Gregg ************
 why not just get a legitimate visa?
2 years ago
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Jeremy ********
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Steve ********
@Gregg ************
 Not quite sure what that has to do with the Myanmar border being closed, but er, yeah
2 years ago
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Gregg *************
@Steve *******
 it has everything to do with it esp for someone like myself who has been visiting thailand since 1999
2 years ago
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Gregg *************
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Steve ********
@Gregg ************
 Actually a lot of hassles, seeing as the border is closed! 😂
2 years ago
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Mike ********
@Steve *******
 open today , Thai immigration officer informed me when getting my 30 day extension ,.
2 years ago
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Gregg *************
@Steve *******
 I see that now

Thailands heyday as a destination is over
2 years ago
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Gregg *************
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Tomáš ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
thank you all
2 years ago
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David ********
good luck with the Myanmar border
2 years ago
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Gorgon *****
try a Sunday from CR..very quiet and efficient (though depends on what you intend to ask for in terms of readmission , of course) .
2 years ago
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Gorgon *****
if doing a true "bounce" as opposed to a regular visa where you would have to stay a few nights to process application:

currency used on Laos side is Thai Baht...(not American dollars suggested for visa application)

on THAILAND re entry..fill out the TM6 slip before approaching Immigration counter..leave exit portion (left hand portion) blank as this will be stamped and stapled in your passport. (TM6's were used in the past for all entry to Thailand..now just land crossings)..
2 years ago
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Gorgon *****
if you know of another..or others..who are doing the same thing, consider getting a Grab driver for the day..simplifies things and wonderful drive back if you go in a loop ..following the Nok River on the way back..then, no need of bike taxis after bus ride...just the very short bus ride between Immigration checkpoints.
2 years ago
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Gorgon *****
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Marcel ***********
Chiang Khong is the easiest. Don't worry.. you can go and come back same day
2 years ago
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Goudoune ************
None some people get bounced back if they don't stay long enough in laos .. forcing them to come back by air.... happened to few people i know from Chiang khong.... depends on your visa history i guess
2 years ago
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Nick *******
Laos is your only option. Myanmar border is still closed for foreigners
2 years ago
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Paul *******
It's all over the news (Thai and Burmese news). No specific details about foreigners being allowed across yet. No word on whether it's day return only or if Burmese visas are allowed to be used there. No word on Covid requirements (likely to be waived for day trippers in my opinion, though until a report comes through its all speculation).
2 years ago
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Paul *******
Not quite. Mae Sai is closed to everyone. Mae Sot reopened today at least to Thais and foreigners. No idea whether it's day return only or if Burmese visas are now recognized there again.
2 years ago
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Nick *******
@Paul ******
 hmm, could be that I am a bit behind with the latest update. Where have you found that Mea Sot reopened today?
2 years ago
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Nick *******
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Stuart *********
Myanmar borders closed to foreigners. Have been for a couple of years now.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Terary *********
 did they test you for Covid? I remember that effective a couple of weeks before the border was closed, Myawaddy immigration was testing foreigners on arrival. A report on TripAdvisor I think it was, dated March 8, 2020 mentioned this happening.

BTW my colleague in Myanmar claims the border is in fact open to foreigners now. I have tried calling Tak immigration to confirm but no one ever picks up.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
Yes Mae Sot opened today but no idea whether foreigners will be allowed across. I can confirm Thai and Burmese citizens can cross.
2 years ago
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Terary **********
@Paul ******
 When I did my visa run there last (the same day they closed the border because of covid), there was a guy there that takes the passports, disappears, comes back an hour later, bada-bing, passport stamped in/out of Myanmar.
2 years ago
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Terary **********
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Bob *******
@Stuart ********
 mae sot opens today.
2 years ago
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Stuart *********
@Bob ******
 Ok not heard that.
2 years ago
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Stuart *********
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