Thailand shares numerous land borders with its neighbors Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia. However, at the time of reading, most, if not all, of these borders are closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the associated travel restrictions. Whether you need to leave Thailand briefly to apply for a new visa-free entry, visit an embassy to obtain a new Non-O visa, or simply want to visit another country as part of your trip, you'll find all the information you need about the various border crossings, clearly organized by country. There are some very popular and frequently used crossings, but also many less well-known and quieter ones.

Some border crossings are known to be more problematic than others, particularly the Aranyaprathet/Poipet crossing into Cambodia. There, you'll encounter very strict and meticulous border officials, as well as numerous people looking for money. Quieter crossings like Savannakhet/Mukdahan are generally less complicated, but even then, crossing the border can take about half an hour, depending on the number of people. The behavior of border officials also varies from crossing to crossing: some are friendly and polite, others are extremely rude and obstructive. So, it's a matter of luck what you experience on any given day. Also, keep in mind that only two visa-free entries via land borders are permitted per calendar year, while there is no such restriction for entry by air.

Another important point is that the days of so-called "border bouncing"—simply crossing the border and entering immediately without a visa—are definitively over. What was once common practice is now considered by Thai immigration authorities to be an abuse of visa regulations and will most likely result in denied entry. Therefore, instead of relying on visa-free travel, you should spend a few days in Thailand before attempting to re-enter or apply for a new visa at a Thai embassy. The interpretation and application of the rules vary considerably between different border crossings. Two people with the same travel history can therefore have very different experiences depending on the officer they encounter.

In total, there are more than 20 land border crossings in Thailand. Here we look at the most useful and frequently used ones.

Malaysia

Pedang Besar

This border crossing is easily accessible from both sides by public transport, including by train (in which case you must get off to go through immigration control before you can re-board). The border crossing is generally considered quite straightforward. However, if you wish to enter Thailand visa-free, you may be required to show proof of hotel booking and return flight ticket (as well as sufficient cash) before immigration control. These requirements are not consistently enforced, which can be somewhat inconvenient if you don't yet have travel plans. You can, however, book using your smartphone and present the booking confirmation if requested. Therefore, ensure you have sufficient credit on your phone, as you will not be permitted to use Wi-Fi.

Wang Prajan

A small, quiet, and lesser-known border crossing. There isn't much to see or do on either side, but the scenery is lovely, as the Thale Ban National Park is located on the Thai side. Songthaews run from Satun on the Thai side to the border, and taxis are readily available on the Malaysian side; however, you may need to ask the immigration office to call one for you. On the Thai side, there is a large weekend market and the ASEAN Grand Bazaar, as well as a few restaurants serving southern Thai cuisine.

Sadao/Chanlung

This border crossing is open 24/7 and very popular. However, there isn't much to see on the Malaysian side, which can make accessing public transport somewhat difficult. Both sides offer numerous restaurants and bars: the Thai side has several bars and supermarkets, while the Malaysian side boasts excellent Nasi Kandar restaurants (Indian curry with rice). The crossing is frequently used by Western travelers.

Sungai Kolok/Rantau Panjang

This border crossing is very popular and offers ample public transport on both sides. After exit control, you cross a short bridge before entering your next country. Many taxi drivers wait on both sides of the border and are happy to take you. Sungai Kolok is a small town with many inexpensive guesthouses and restaurants and is a good place to stay overnight if you've been traveling all day and plan to cross the border early the next morning.

Langkawi/Satun

The ferry from Koh Lipe or Satun (on the mainland) in Thailand to Langkawi runs several times a day, weather permitting, and is another popular connection to Malaysia. The crossing is comfortable and easy. However, if you are entering Thailand from Langkawi and have been there frequently recently, you should expect to be asked about your whereabouts, at the very least. If your answers are unsatisfactory, you may be refused entry.

Cambodia

Aranyaprathet/Poipet

This border crossing is by far the most popular into Cambodia and is about a four-hour bus ride from Bangkok. The area between the two immigration offices is hot and dusty, and lined with casinos, which are generally best avoided. Officials at this crossing are known for their excessive strictness in checking IDs and can even refuse re-entry into Thailand if they believe you have stayed in Cambodia "too long." This checkpoint is also notorious for its many touts and con artists. Under no circumstances should you exchange money here unless you want to lose a third of it immediately. If you have already crossed into and out of Thailand several times, it is best to avoid this border crossing altogether and either use a different one or even fly to Thailand.

Had Lek/Koh Kong

This border crossing allows travel from the Thai island of Koh Chang to the Cambodian coastal city of Sihanoukville. However, to facilitate entry into Cambodia, it is recommended to apply for the Cambodian visa before arriving at the border crossing. Officials there can make the process lengthy and complicated, and there are reports of exorbitant fees for visa applications submitted directly at the border. The Cambodian visa can be obtained in Bangkok for only US$25.

Chong Jom/O Smach

If you're staying in Isaan, this border crossing is ideal for a trip to Siem Reap and a visit to the temples of Angkor Wat. Near Surin on the Thai side, you'll easily find taxis or minibuses to Siem Reap on the Cambodian side. The border crossing is usually not very busy, but you might see some Western travelers with their Thai wives. Expect to pay around 350 baht (approximately US$11.50) for public transport to Siem Reap. Buses usually depart from opposite the O Smach Casino Resort.

Chong Sa Ngam/Anlong Veng

A quieter border crossing is only really worthwhile if you absolutely want to travel to the small town of Anlong Veng, even though it now has a casino. There is hardly any public transport on either side of the border, so this route is generally not recommended.

Ban Pakard/Phsa Prum

This smaller, quieter border crossing isn't frequently used by tourists, but it could prove convenient if you're in the area. On the Thai side, it's close to Chanthaburi (about an hour's drive away) and Koh Chang (about a two-hour drive away). The unassuming town of Pailin is about a half-hour drive away on the Cambodian side. Realistically, other border crossings are probably more convenient, but these issue visas on arrival.

Ban Laem/Daun Lem

Another small and quiet border crossing not far from Ban Pakard is the better choice for most travelers, as Cambodian visas are issued there. In Ban Laem, on the Thai side, you'll find a bustling and lively market with all kinds of goods at incredibly low prices – ideal for buying cheap clothes, souvenirs, and perfume.

Myanmar

Mae Sai/Tachilek

A very busy border crossing with numerous sights and activities on both sides. It's popular not only with visa runners but also with locals crossing into Myanmar for work or to enjoy the casinos and nightlife. Located approximately 65 km north of Chiang Rai, with its famous White Temple, the crossing is conveniently situated for visa runners. Attempting to quickly leave and re-enter Thailand is not possible at this crossing, as this practice is strictly prohibited.

Mae Sot/Myawaddy

The charming town of Mae Sot in Tak Province is a convenient place to leave the country if your visa is about to expire. A bridge provides quick access on foot, and there is ample public transportation on both sides. However, to avoid any inconvenience, it is advisable to have your Burmese visa ready before you travel.

Phu Nam Ron/Htee Khee

This quiet border crossing is located approximately 70 km west of Kanchanaburi. Visas are not issued on-site, so you must apply for your visa in advance in Bangkok. Public transportation is limited on both sides, especially if you arrive late in the day and will likely have difficulty finding a taxi. The border crossing is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Thai time and from 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM on the Myanmar side. Weekends can be very busy due to the high volume of Thai and Burmese passengers, which can increase waiting times. Expect to pay around 950 baht (US$30) for your Burmese visa upon arrival and 100 baht (US$3.30) for the bus that will take you across the border.

Ranong/Kawthaung

This border crossing is located at the narrowest point of the isthmus of Thailand and is ideal for visiting Myanmar's beautiful Andaman Islands. The Burmese region of Kauthaung can also be visited visa-free for up to two weeks. The crossing takes about 30 minutes by longboat. A border stamp costs US$10. Important: Only an undamaged US$10 bill is accepted. A fee of 500 baht will be charged for crossing without a bill.

Laos

Mukdahan/Savannakhet

Mukdahan and Savannakhet are located in the northeastern region of Isaan and are separated by a bridge over the mighty Mekong River (the second "Friendship Bridge"). This crossing is very popular with expats and tourists, as Savannakhet is home to the Thai embassy, ​​long considered one of the most welcoming, where you can apply for a new visa and re-enter Thailand. While Savannakhet is a rather small, dusty provincial town in Laos, it offers a few markets, bars, and various restaurants, as well as a casino, and can keep you occupied for a day or two while you wait for your visa to be processed (which takes place overnight).

Nong Khai/Vientiane

The "Friendship Bridge" between the two countries makes crossing the border convenient by international buses, private taxis, or tuk-tuks. Be wary of taxi or tuk-tuk drivers who want to take you somewhere other than the border crossing itself. They are likely trying to sell you the services of a travel agency that essentially just fills out the forms for you.

Chong Mek/Vang Tao

The towns on both sides of this border are small and offer little to see or do beyond shopping at a few simple markets and eating. From the border crossing itself, it's only a few hundred meters on foot to the other. Chong Mek is about 100 km east of Ubon Ratchathani; the taxi ride takes about an hour and a half and costs around 1000 baht (US$33). On the Laotian side, Pakse is the first place of interest. It lies about 40 km east of the border crossing and can be reached in less than an hour.

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