Check before you go (last checked 16 September 2026). We could not confirm that foreign passport holders can currently use the Mae Sai–Tachileik crossing for a visa run. Recent local reports conflict. Chiang Rai Times reports from 28 August 2026 and 5 September 2026 describe the crossing as closed or restricted to foreign tourists and used mainly by Thai and Myanmar nationals, while a 11 September 2026 report describes it as open for tourism. Myanmar has also suspended immigration processing at Tachileik before, in February 2025, because of power shortages (Nation Thailand, 7 February 2025). Call Chiang Rai immigration or ask at the Mae Sai checkpoint before you travel, and have a backup plan: the Chiang Khong–Huay Xai crossing to Laos or a flight out of Chiang Rai.
When it is open to foreign passport holders, a Myanmar visa run via the Mae Sai–Tachileik border crossing in northern Thailand is one of the fastest and cheapest visa run options in the country. Located in Chiang Rai Province at Thailand's northernmost point, this crossing lets you walk across a bridge into Myanmar's Tachileik township and return the same day with a fresh entry stamp. This guide covers how the route works and what to check first. For background on visa runs in general, see our what is a visa run overview.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Thai border town | Mae Sai, Chiang Rai Province |
| Myanmar border town | Tachileik, Shan State |
| Border opening hours | 06:30–18:30 daily (Thai time) |
| Time needed | 1–3 hours for the border process |
| Myanmar entry fee | 500 THB or $10 USD (varies by period) |
| Thai re-entry stamp | 30 days on the visa exemption (nationalities on the 30-day list, since 15 September 2026) |
| Exempt land entries | Two per calendar year (TAT Newsroom); Malaysian, Bruneian, Indonesian and Singaporean nationals excepted |
| Distance from Chiang Rai city | 63 km (approximately 1.5 hours by road) |
| Distance from Chiang Mai | 270 km (approximately 5 hours by road) |
| Border status (September 2026) | Unconfirmed for foreign passport holders; reports conflict (see the warning above) |
How the Mae Sai–Tachileik Border Crossing Works
The process is straightforward and can be completed within a couple of hours on a quiet day. Here is the step-by-step procedure.
Step 1: Arrive at Mae Sai Border Checkpoint
The Thai immigration office is located at the end of Mae Sai's main road (Phahonyothin Road), near the Friendship Bridge that spans the Sai River. You will see clear signage directing you to the checkpoint building.
Step 2: Exit Thailand
Enter the Thai immigration building and proceed to the departure counters. Present your passport. The officer will stamp you out of Thailand. Your current permission to stay ends at this point.
Step 3: Cross the Friendship Bridge
Walk across the bridge over the Sai River. The walk takes about five minutes. Follow the pedestrian path and proceed to Myanmar immigration on the other side.
Step 4: Enter Myanmar at Tachileik
At Myanmar immigration, you have two options depending on current policy:
Day-trip entry (most common for visa runs):
- Present your passport
- Pay the entry fee (typically 500 THB or $10 USD)
- Your passport may be held at the checkpoint while you explore Tachileik, and you receive a temporary day pass
- Alternatively, in some periods, you receive a stamp directly in your passport
Longer stays:
- If you hold a Myanmar visa or e-visa, you can enter for a longer period
- This is not necessary for a standard visa run
Step 5: Spend Time in Myanmar
For a day-trip visa run, you do not need to spend long in Myanmar. Many people walk around the Tachileik market area for 30 minutes to an hour. There are shops, restaurants, and a duty-free zone near the border. You can also simply process through immigration and turn around.
Step 6: Exit Myanmar and Re-enter Thailand
Before you re-enter, complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online at tdac.immigration.go.th. It is free, must be filed within 3 days before arrival, and has replaced the paper TM.6 card for all arrivals by air, land and sea since 1 May 2025 (Tourism Authority of Thailand).
Return across the bridge to Thai immigration. Present your passport at the arrival counter. The officer will stamp you into Thailand with a new permission-to-stay period.
What to Bring
Pack the following items for a smooth border crossing:
- Passport with at least 6 months validity and blank pages
- Cash — bring Thai baht (500 THB minimum for Myanmar entry fee, plus transport and food money)
- Passport photos — two 4x6cm photos (occasionally requested by Myanmar immigration; not always needed for day trips but good to carry)
- Copies of your passport information page (as a backup)
- Proof of accommodation in Thailand (hotel booking or address) — occasionally requested on re-entry
- Proof of funds — a bank statement or credit cards showing you have means to support yourself in Thailand
- Return ticket or onward travel documentation (rarely requested at this crossing but worth carrying)
- Pen — for filling out any forms at the border
Transport from Chiang Rai to Mae Sai
Public Bus (Green Bus)
The most popular budget option. Green buses run regularly from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 (old bus station in the city center) to Mae Sai.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Departure point | Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 |
| Frequency | Every 15–30 minutes from approximately 06:00–18:00 |
| Travel time | 1.5–2 hours |
| Cost | 39–50 THB one way |
| Drop-off | Mae Sai bus station (about 1 km walk to the border) |
Minivan
Minivans operate from both Chiang Rai bus stations and are slightly faster than the bus.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1–1.5 hours |
| Cost | 50–80 THB one way |
| Advantage | Faster, more direct route |
Private Car or Taxi
You can hire a private car from Chiang Rai. This is the most convenient option if you are in a group.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1–1.5 hours |
| Cost | 800–1,500 THB one way (negotiable) |
| Advantage | Door-to-door, flexible timing |
Motorbike
If you have a rented motorbike in Chiang Rai, the ride to Mae Sai is scenic and straightforward along Route 1 (Phahonyothin Road). The road is in good condition with petrol stations along the way.
From Chiang Mai
If you are starting from Chiang Mai, take a bus or minivan to Chiang Rai first (approximately 3–3.5 hours, 150–300 THB), then transfer to a Mae Sai bus. Alternatively, the Green Bus operates a direct Chiang Mai–Mae Sai service.
Costs Breakdown
| Item | Cost (THB) |
|---|---|
| Chiang Rai to Mae Sai (bus, one way) | 39–50 |
| Chiang Rai to Mae Sai (minivan, one way) | 50–80 |
| Myanmar entry fee | 500 (or $10 USD) |
| Thai re-entry extension (if applicable at immigration) | 0 (the new stamp is free) |
| Food and drinks | 100–300 |
| Total estimated cost (from Chiang Rai, round trip) | 750–1,500 |
| Total estimated cost (from Chiang Mai, round trip) | 1,500–3,000 |
Timing Your Visa Run
Best Time to Arrive
Arrive at the border as early as possible, ideally by 07:00–08:00. The immigration offices are less crowded in the early morning, and you will have the entire day as a buffer in case of delays.
Busy Periods
Expect longer waits during:
- Thai public holidays (especially Songkran in April, New Year)
- Myanmar public holidays
- Weekends
- Any period following border reopenings after temporary closures
How Long Does It Take?
On a normal weekday with no complications:
- Thai exit: 10–20 minutes
- Walking across the bridge: 5 minutes
- Myanmar entry: 10–30 minutes
- Time spent in Tachileik: 15–60 minutes (your choice)
- Myanmar exit: 5–10 minutes
- Walking back: 5 minutes
- Thai re-entry: 10–30 minutes
- Total: 1–2.5 hours
On a busy day, the process can take 3–4 hours.
What to Do in Tachileik
While you do not need to spend long in Myanmar for a visa run, Tachileik has a few points of interest if you want to explore:
- Tachileik Market — A large market near the border selling clothes, electronics, gems, handicrafts, and local goods at bargain prices. Negotiate hard.
- Shwedagon Pagoda replica — A smaller version of Yangon's famous golden pagoda, located on a hilltop with views of both countries.
- Duty-free shops — Alcohol and cigarettes at duty-free prices.
- Local restaurants — Try Burmese and Shan cuisine. Tea leaf salad and mohinga are regional specialties.
Border Status and Recent Changes
The Mae Sai–Tachileik border has experienced periods of closure and restricted access over the years. Key points to be aware of:
COVID-Era Closures
The border was closed for an extended period during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022) and reopened gradually with varying restrictions.
Myanmar Political Situation
Since the military coup in February 2021, the security situation in parts of Myanmar has been unstable. Tachileik, located in Shan State, has generally remained accessible for day-trip border crossings, but conditions can change. Conflict in other parts of Shan State occasionally affects border operations.
2025–2026 Status
In February 2025, Myanmar suspended immigration processing at Tachileik for a time because of an electricity shortage after Thailand cut power to several Myanmar border towns (Nation Thailand, 7 February 2025). As of September 2026, reports on whether foreign passport holders can cross conflict (see the warning at the top of this page). Always verify the current border status before traveling. Useful checks:
- Thai immigration Facebook pages and announcements
- Chiang Rai immigration office (tel: 053-731008)
- Expat forums and community groups (ThaiVisa, Facebook groups for Chiang Rai/Chiang Mai expats)
- Your accommodation host in Chiang Rai or Mae Sai
Other Thai–Myanmar Crossings
- Mae Sot–Myawaddy (Tak): Myanmar shut this crossing on 18 August 2025 during a military offensive (The Irrawaddy, 8 September 2025). In December 2025, as fighting in Myawaddy escalated, Thailand closed border crossings with Myanmar for seven days, except the First Thai–Myanmar Friendship Bridge (Nation Thailand, 1 December 2025). The Second Friendship Bridge checkpoint reopened on 28 May 2026 as a trial for cargo trade (Khaosod English, 28 May 2026). We found no confirmation that foreign tourists can currently cross here for a visa run.
- Ranong–Kawthaung (by boat): trade has continued through this crossing under tight Myanmar controls (The Irrawaddy, 8 September 2025). We found no current, reliable report on whether foreign tourists can use it for a visa run.
For every Myanmar crossing, confirm with Thai immigration on the day before you travel.
Important Considerations
The Two-Per-Year Land Entry Limit
Since 15 September 2026, entries on the visa exemption through land borders are limited to two per calendar year. Nationals of Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore are not subject to this limit. A Mae Sai run uses one of those two entries.
Each exempt entry gives 30 days, which you can extend once by 30 days at an immigration office for 1,900 THB. That means one land run adds about 60 days at most, and after two land runs in a calendar year you need to fly in or hold a proper visa.
Officer Discretion on Re-entry
As with all Thai border crossings, the immigration officer has full discretion to grant or deny entry. If your passport shows a pattern of frequent back-to-back entries, the officer may:
- Ask questions about your purpose in Thailand
- Request proof of funds (20,000 THB equivalent for individuals)
- Ask for proof of accommodation and onward travel
- Grant a shorter stay than the standard period
- Deny entry entirely
Passport Validity
Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry. Thai immigration will deny entry if your passport expires within 6 months.
File Your TDAC Before Re-entry
Thailand no longer uses the paper TM.6 arrival/departure card. Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online at tdac.immigration.go.th within 3 days before you re-enter Thailand. It is free; ignore sites that charge for it.
Photography Restrictions
Do not photograph the immigration buildings, military installations, or uniformed personnel on either side of the border. This can cause serious problems, particularly on the Myanmar side.
Dress Appropriately
Dress neatly and conservatively for the border crossing. Avoid wearing overly casual clothing (singlets, beachwear). Officers respond better to travelers who appear respectable.
Comparison with Other Northern Thailand Visa Run Options
| Route | Distance from Chiang Mai | Time Needed | Cost | Stamp Received |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mae Sai–Tachileik (Myanmar) | 270 km | 1 day | 750–1,500 THB | 30 days (counts toward land cap) |
| Chiang Khong–Huay Xai (Laos) | 280 km | 1 day | 1,000–2,000 THB | 30 days (counts toward land cap) |
| Nong Khai–Vientiane (Laos) | 600 km | 2–3 days | 3,000–8,000 THB | 30 days (counts toward land cap) + visa option |
| Fly to KL or Singapore | N/A (air) | 2–3 days | 3,000–10,000 THB | 30 days (not covered by land cap) |
When it is open to foreigners, the Mae Sai route wins on speed and cost for anyone based in Northern Thailand. However, if you need to obtain a new Thai visa (not just a visa-exempt stamp), the Vientiane route is superior because of the Thai Embassy located there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mae Sai–Tachileik border open to foreigners?
We could not confirm it as of 16 September 2026. Recent local reports conflict, and several say the crossing is closed or restricted to foreign tourists. Check with Chiang Rai immigration before you travel.
Do I need a Myanmar visa for a day trip?
When foreigners have been allowed to cross, no: day-trip visitors paid an entry fee (500 THB or $10 USD) and received a day pass. A full Myanmar visa was not required for a same-day return. Check the current arrangement before you go.
Can I do this visa run in one day from Chiang Rai?
Yes, if the crossing is open to foreigners on the day. Leave Chiang Rai by 07:00, complete the border process by 10:00–11:00, and return to Chiang Rai by early afternoon. It is one of the fastest visa runs available in Thailand.
Can I do this from Chiang Mai in one day?
It is possible but tight. You would need to leave Chiang Mai very early (04:00–05:00) and would return late in the evening. Most people prefer to spend a night in Chiang Rai or Mae Sai to avoid the rush.
What currency should I bring?
Thai baht is widely accepted at the Tachileik border area and market. US dollars are also accepted for the Myanmar entry fee. There is no need to exchange money into Myanmar kyat for a day trip.
What happens if the border is closed when I arrive?
If the border is unexpectedly closed, you will need to find an alternative. Options include driving to the Chiang Khong–Huay Xai (Laos) crossing, taking a bus to Nong Khai for the Vientiane route, or flying out of Chiang Rai airport to an international destination.
Is it safe to cross into Tachileik?
The immediate border area and market zone in Tachileik are generally safe for day-trip visitors. Stay within the designated tourist area near the border. Do not venture deep into Myanmar without proper authorization and awareness of the current security situation.
Summary
The Mae Sai–Tachileik border crossing has long been the go-to visa run option for anyone based in Northern Thailand. When it is open to foreigners, it is fast, cheap, and can be completed in a single day from Chiang Rai. The key considerations are confirming that foreign passport holders can cross before you travel (reports in September 2026 conflict), arriving early to avoid crowds, bringing the right documents, and being prepared for officer discretion on re-entry to Thailand. For anyone planning to stay in Thailand long-term, this visa run buys time while you arrange a proper visa such as the DTV (applied for from your home country or country of residence since 31 August 2026) or a tourist visa extension, but it should not become a permanent strategy. With exempt land entries capped at two per calendar year, it cannot be one for most nationalities anyway.
