How to cross the Border from Ranong / Thailand to Kawthaung / Myanmar?
How do you get to Mergui Archipelago? To cross the border in Ranong/Thailand to Kawthaung in Myanmar is quite easy and a great start into your Mergui Archipelago adventure. You must cross the border river which separating the two countries. For those who try to make this way by themselves we did a step by step guideline how to do and what you need.
You need to bring a few things along with you on the journey. Bring your passport, a copy of your passport, and the little white departure card you received when you entered Thailand (TM6). For the Myanmar side, you need the printout E-Visa form, the visa already stamped in your passport from a Myanmar Embassy, and some new, nice, and crisp US$ Notes. The officers do not accept any other currency or old US$ notes. The amount payable depends on the length of stay in Myanmar. The Myanmar authorities do not accept any currency other than US$.
The start point is the Saphan Pla Pier and Immigration Checkpoint in Ranong.
The Saphan Pla Pier in Ranong is a small pier hidden behind the PTT petrol station and the 7/11 convenience store.
Google map: 9.948098, 98.594781
As soon you arrive, many of you will offer a boat to cross over to Kawthaung, the gateway to the Mergui Archipelago. The prices are different and most of the time these guys are trying to fill up their long tail boat with more people, so maybe it can a little bit time to departure. But you can also negotiate for a private boat. The usual price is around 300-500 THB per longtail; if you join in, the cost per person is between 50 – 100 THB.
Visit Immigration Office
But before you jump into one of the longtails, do not forget to visit the officer at the Thai Immigration Checkpoint, as you must check out of Thailand. The Immigration office has two small windows on your right side when you enter. Please make sure you have your passport ready. The Officer will ask you where you are going and how long you will be away because they are looking for people who try to do multiple visa runs by crossing the border. By Thai Immigration Law, every foreigner can cross the Thai Border per land only two times per calendar year. If you need a visa to visit Thailand, please get a re-entry visa before leaving Thailand if you are planning to return to Thailand after your trip to Myanmar and your adventure within the Mergui Archipelago. Walk to the Longtail boat pier after you get your passport with an exit stamp. The small and somewhat adventurous-looking boats are the only available transport options to Kawthaung. A tip: Bring a copy of your passport as the little boats need a copy for the passing checkpoints. Otherwise you can make a copy at the little shop next to the Pier in the little kind of supermarket, the longtail guys are also happy to make a copy for you the prices are usually between 5-10 THB.
Crossing the river
The Longtail boats have a cover, protecting you from the sun. Please put one of the life Jackets before the boat departs. On the way to Kawthaung, you will stop at an Immigration point, where Thai passports are taken up to be stamped. There was a Customs checkpoint next to it. Sometimes they will ask you to show your passport, sometimes not. The process is always different, but you do not have to leave the boat as your captain and crew will take off this whole process; just hand over your passport, which you will get returned as soon as they get back. You will arrive 30 – 40 minutes later in Kawthaung, the entry point to the Mergui Archipelago.
On the Way
After this quick stop at the Thai Immigration Checkpoint, you will pass the Thai customs office before you get out to the Ranong area to cross the river between Thailand and Myanmar. Enjoy the cruise along stilt houses on your way. On the way, you will pass on a tiny island to the Thai Army station.
Before you reach the mainland of Myanmar, you will stop or slow down at another tiny island with the Myanmar Army present. Also, here, you must show your passport by just holding it up; you do not have to get off the boat. Sometimes, the driver just has to show the passport to the officers by collecting your passport, but you will get it back immediately as before.
Arriving in Kawthaung, Myanmar
In Kawthaung, you will be welcomed by many touts and men on motorbikes. Just ignore them and make your way to Immigration.
After disembarkation, turn left and walk along the road until you get to the. Walk along this road to get to the Immigration Office. It is located at the Myo Ma Jetty, also called the Myanmar Immigration Pier, on your left-hand side. Just look for the sight that says, “Warmly Welcome and Take Care of Tourist.”
Enter the pier area and turn behind the little building left to the small Immigration Building. Get in and give the officer your passport, a copy of your passport, and your visa. They will stamp your passport and take a picture of you, the same as they do in Thailand. If the camera is not working, what can happen sometimes? Have a passport picture ready. After the Check-in process, you will be ready to enjoy your time in Kawthaung. Outside the Mya Ma Jetty, English-speaking touts will await you to give directions and wait for you to exit the office to offer a taxi ride, hotel, guide, or suggestions on things to do in Kawthaung.
Welcome to Kawthaung and the Mergui Archipelago!
Kawthaung Border Crossing Wrap-Up
Paperwork to bring: Passport, 2 copies of your passport and proper. Myanmar and Thailand Visa, one Passport picture (just in case) Price of boat: 300-500 THB for a boat or 50-100 THB to join in Time on the boat: 30-40 minutes including all the Immigration stops around 60-75 minutes Time Zone: Myanmar is a half-hour behind Thailand time: 7:00 pm Myanmar is 07:30 in Thailand The Myanmar Immigration Office is open from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm local time
Explore the amazing Mergui Archipelago on one of our amazing Cruises or
unique Resort.
Combinations between them are also possible.
How to cross the border from Kawthaung / Myanmar to Ranong / Thailand
Kind of the other way around.
- Check out at the Myanmar Immigration office (Check your exit stamp)
- Make your way back to the Myanmar Longtail Pier and find a boat to bring you to Ranong
- Arriving at the Longtail Pier in Thailand, go to the immigration office and collect your TM 6 arrival form
- Fill out the form and see the officer again to check you into Thailand (Check your entry stamp and expiration date)
If you need any transfer to or from Ranong within Thailand, visit the below link, with many options of taxi, van, bus, and train. and great deals for accommodation can be booked here
How to get a Visa for Myanmar?
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