Myanmar Border Crossing Guide

This is the most convenient crossing for people who are continuing to Myanmar from Southern Thailand. Ideal for beach lovers, you can catch onward boats to some of Myanmar’s dazzling beaches and islands. You can also catch flights from the Myanmar side of the border to other parts of the country. Whilst road access may be possible, the roads are not in good condition and it would take a relatively long time. The boat crossing between the two countries takes around 20 minutes, and there are regular boat services.

Mae Sai is within Thailand’s province of Chiang Rai. Whilst foreign tourists can easily cross the border into Myanmar, there are still limitations as to onward transportation. If you are only planning to travel as far as Kyaing Tong, you can travel by road. It is not possible to continue further unless you book a flight (there is an airport in Kyaing Tong).

Ban Nam Phu, located in Thailand’s province of Kanchanaburi, is a remote town with a border crossing into Myanmar. Crossing to Htee Khee, the nearest major town on the Myanmar side is Dawei, which is around a five-hour drive from the border. Arranging onward transportation may be difficult, particularly during the wet season.   There are a further two crossings between Myanmar and Thailand, although they are not open to foreigners. People who hold passports from ether Thailand or Myanmar, however, can utilize these crossings. They are between Prachuap Khiri Khan and Tanintharyi Division, and at the Three Pagodas Pass between Sangkhlaburi (in Thailand’s province of Kanchanaburi) and Payathonzu in Myanmar’s Kayin State.

To cross the land border at Ruili (known as Shweli in Burmese and located in China’s Yunnan Province) / Muse (Myanmar, Shan State), you will need to arrange a special tour package by filling out this form; the package will include a guide and mandatory private transportation. You will need to apply at least one month in advance of your travel date.
If you are travelling from China, an alternative is to go to a travel agent in Kunming. The Myanmar consulate in Kunming may tell you that the border is officially shut, but this, in fact, will probably not be the case.
Yangon, Mandalay and Kunming all have embassies or consulates where you can apply for the relevant visa (Myanmar or Chinese). For details, go to embassies and other useful information.
The Mong La border crossing is currently shut.

In the remote north west of Myanmar, a crossing exists between Moreh (India, Manipur state) and Tamu (Myanmar, Sagaing Division). If you want to enter or leave Myanmar here, you will need to book a special travel package by filling out this form (you must apply at least one month in advance of your travel date).
Although permits are required for border crossing, foreigners can now travel in these parts of Sagaing Division (Myanmar) and Manipur State (India) freely.
The India-Myanmar border in the far north of Kachin State at Pangsau Pass is currently shut to foreigners.
We offer a range of overland tours to Myanmar, but please note that we are not able to issue border crossing permits as a stand-alone item – if you book through us you must take a guided tour for at least part of your journey; this is mandated for tour companies by the Myanmar government and we must always ensure the safety of our clients.

Crossing into Myanmar with your own vehicle (motorhome, car or motorbike) requires special permission and you will have to be accompanied by a guide and sometimes a Ministry of Hotels and Tourism liaison officer. We have extensive experience in route planning, guiding, accommodation and logistics and we would be delighted to work with you on your overland Myanmar trip (permits typically take at least one month to process). Note that cycling groups also need permission for border crossings.