The border crossing between Myanmar and Thailand is a unique experience that many travellers are eager to partake in. This particular region has been home to centuries of cultural exchange and continues to be a bridge connecting the two countries, both geographically and culturally.
The gates through which visitors from Thailand can enter Myanmar are listed below.:
Mae Sai / Tachileik
Mae Sot / Myawaddy
Phunaron / Htee Khee (also known as Phu Nam Ron / Htee Kee)
Ranong / Kawthaung
Mae Sai / Tachileik
The border crossing between Mae Sai (Thailand) and Tachileik (Myanmar) is the farthest northern officially recognized international crossing point between the two nations. Mae Sai is a town within the Chiang Rai province of Thailand, while Tachileik is situated across the border in Myanmar’s Shan state. You can reach the crossing by road and there are frequent bus services from different parts of Thailand to Mae Sai. You can reach Tachileik from Yangon or Mandalay by flight or from other parts of Shan State by road if you are coming from Myanmar.
Mae Sot / Myawaddy
The town of Mae Sot is located in Thailand’s Tak province, and the town of Myawaddy is situated in Myanmar’s Kayin state. These two towns are connected by the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge which crosses over the Moei river. You will find regular buses and minivans that travel to Mae Sot from different parts of Thailand. Mae Sot and Myawaddy are significant trading towns, where a diverse range of goods are transported across the border. This characteristic of the local culture and economy is fascinating.
Phunaron / Htee Khee
The Thai town closest to the crossing is Phu Nam Ron in Kanchanaburi province. On the Myanmar side, the border town is Htee Khee. The crossing is a good option for people planning to visit southern Myanmar, including Dawei town or the Myeik Archipelago. It’s also used for overland travel to Mawlamyine or Hpa-An cities.
Ranong / Kawthaung
The Ranong-Kawthaung border crossing is the southernmost official border crossing between Thailand and Myanmar, and it is also unique in that it’s a maritime border. The usual way to cross is by boat and it usually takes around 20-30 minutes. You can hire longtail boats or speedboats for the journey as there are plenty available.
Visa Requirement
Visa-on-arrival could be obtained at the border for most nationalities for short visits, although this was primarily intended for those planning to stay within the local area where you have entered. If you are planning to travel deeper into Myanmar, you should have obtained an e-visa before arriving. Applying for an e-visa, it is mandatory to provide a Health Insurance Form. This form must be obtained from either Myanmar Insurance officials, your government, or an authorized association. For more information- https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/
Be sure to verify the most current information from trustworthy sources before finalizing your travel arrangements.