Mai Sai/Tachileik on Phahon Yothin Rd, Myanmar.
Posted by: 
Ianatlarge
N 20° 26.676 E 099° 52.824
47Q E 591835 N 2260928
This is the northern most border crossing between Myanmar and Thailand.
Waymark Code: WMDWPC
Location: Myanmar
Date Posted: 03/03/2012
Views: 8
This border crossing is a busy spot. The boundary between the two nations lies along the small Mae Sai River, and on both sides of the River is a sizeable town, with a sizeable number of locals make their way back and forward at all hours (at least when the border is open) of the day.
If entering from Thailand, you will first see a large arch over the road leading to the bridge. Wait in line—while vendors offer you a range of goods for sale at remarkably low and unbeatable prices. Then, with the speed and efficiency you would expect, move rapidly to the counter where your passport will be taken, your Thai exit card removed, a stamp or two (fortunately small stamps, no great space taken up) stamped, you then move past guys in uniforms, and out onto the bridge.
It is maybe 30m to the Burmese side, and Burmese immigration. Just follow the people in front of you and you will be there. Inside: paperwork, photo, and questions. Lots of people in a small, crowded office. Myanmar immigration will retain your passport until you return. You will be given a receipt, which I suggest you do not lose. It is a time consuming and expensive process to recover YOUR passport.
You will be charged 500 baht (Thai currency) for this service. Something I have never been able to figure out. The official charge is usd$10, which is the equivalent of 300 baht, give or take. So where does the extra 200 baht go? No idea.
Once finished here you are free to walk out, and you are in the Myanmar town of Tachileik. A bit dusty, a little worn. Here, where a number of westerners arrive for adventure, visa runs, and so forth, are beggars, begging for money. To my eye these guys looked somewhat professional. I suggest that if you feel like making a donation (not an unreasonable idea), buy pens and pencils for one of the local schools and hand deliver. Having said all of this, Tach is entirely safe. You might be pestered, but never threatened.
Speaking of this, as a westerner, you will be offered an incredible range of goods and services, as soon as you exit immigration. My advice, apart from a tuk tuk ride and/or fruit, don't accept any offers. Most likely a scam of some sort, and most likely any contraband (which could be anything) will be confiscated by Thai immigration on the way back (with a fine). The Tachileik market is used by Thais for cheap goods, but you need to know the lie of the land to to negotiate the sometimes tricky lie of the land.
To return to the Land of Smiles, simply reverse the above procedure. Follow the signs, exchange receipt for passport, over the bridge, through Thai immigration, and you are back in Mai Sai. Expect an hour or so.
No official facilities, apart from the good people at immigration control.
Type Of Crossing: Country
Where is the border located?: Highway
Welcome Center/Facilities: No
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