Mae Sot Boundary Post — Local services in Tak Province

Been through this border crossing in both directions many times. Prior to August 28, 2013, you could only visit Myawaddy on a day trip upon payment of a 500 Baht or US$10 fee or if you had special permission to cross, could enter with a visa and permit. Since then, this has become the busiest Thai-Myanmar land border crossing and now Myanmar also has a very convenient e-visa system. Process is fast and efficient on the Thai side, as long as there aren't too many people queuing. Thankfully, there is a separate lane for Thais and third country foreigners. However, Myanmar nationals using ordinary passports also use the same line - but 95% of the border crossings are by Myanmar nationals using either border passes or on temporary passports and labor visas for whom a separate channel is available. Same process on the arrivals side, which usually takes somewhat longer and can be quite busy, especially during holiday times. Thai immigration and customs staff are quite friendly. Back in 2013-15 there were some grumpy officers around but more recently it has actually become friendlier, which is a good sign. If taking a vehicle across, note that you need to apply through a travel agency and apply for all permits in advance and it's quite pricey, around US$200 per day. Foreign vehicles entering Thailand must apply in advance through a travel agent for permits and guide/lead vehicle must accompany such vehicles throughout their time in Thailand (exceptions are Lao, Malaysian and Singaporean registrations as well as local vehicles under the local customs jurisdiction). If going just to Myawaddy, a Thai car can go without permission but only on a day return basis. It takes quite a while for the documents to be processed and few Thais choose to drive their cars across, however, plenty of Burmese drive across to Mae Sot for shopping. Their cars are restricted from leaving Mae Sot (can only drive within a 15-20km radius of the border) and must return to the Myanmar side before the border closes...

Leaving Thailand, Thai immigration was fast enough with a little line. Don’t forget your departure card. You have to cross a 250 meter bridge over the river to get to the Myanmar immigration. First you fill in a form and than go inside a small office to get your entry stamp after showing your e-visum paper and the form. A foto is taken and you are in Myanmar. Change money at CT-Bank to the right after 500 meter. A bit further was a lady in a small kiosk who can sell you a bus or taxi seat....

Easy crossing,plenty of guides,Kai in particular helped me loads,in fact any other guides who know him-he lives/lived(it flooded) on the Mywaddy side near the river with wife & kids-he lost a child 3years ago in the floods,tell him-get in touch mate howwwwyyyy@gmail.com,he stands out because of a...