"Tachilek, Burma & The Golden Triangle" Burma by BorderHopper

Burma Travel Guide: 4,557 reviews and 9,674 photos

Boys playing just across the river from Burma

My travels in Shan State

This past November & December of 2002 I traveled in the northwestern corner of Myanmar. Getting there was pretty easy. From Bangkok I took an over night bus to the northern Thai city of Chian Rai. From Chiang Rai I caught a local mini bus at the bus station for the one hour drive north to Mae Sai. Mae Sai is Thailand's most northern point and is in the heart of the Golden Triangle (famous for Opium cultivation & where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos all link up). Mae Sai is a good base from which to explore Burma's north-eastern border region. You can cross into Burma at the check point and spend no more than 5 days travelling around the region. You will need a permit and possibly a visa from the Myanmar authorities. It should also be possible to travel as far north as the Chinese border which is about 150 km north of Tachilek.

Crossing Into the Union of Myanmar

Naga hill tribe children

To get into Burma at this crossing you must have a passport, get an exit stamp from the Thai authorities, and pay $5 usd to the Burmese authorities upon entrance to their country. Now the catch is they will keep your passport until you return...so you better not think of straying to far from Tachilek unless you arrange for travel well ahead of time.

No Fec's Required

Just hanging in the hood.

The best part of visiting this region is you don't have to exchange $200 usd into Myanmar's Foreign Exchange Currency (FEC'S), you don't need a visa, and you get to say you've been to Burma and you've got a nice fresh Union of Myanmar stamp in your passport to prove it.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Do it my way and you'll get that Myanmar stamp for your passport....
Cons:...but can you really say you've experienced Burma?!
In a nutshell:For a tease of what Burma has to offer its worth the trip

Last visit to Burma: Dec 2002
Intro Updated Apr 2, 2004
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Reviews (13)

Me and my mini backpack at the Myanmar gate - Burma

Bring your own toilet paper What to Pack (1)

Your standard mountaineering backpack will do just fine. Depends on the season and if you are in the north or the... more travel advice

Get off the main drag Off The Beaten Path (1)

Wandering the little side streets around Tachilek can be very interesting. You never know what you may encounter. Young... more travel advice

Powdered face, nice smile..another friendly person - Burma

Forget the Pagoda's...get to know the... Things to Do (1)

Temples and Pagodas are about as common as Mc Donald's & 7-Eleven....but its worth checking out some of the grander... more travel advice

Here I am on a hill top overlooking a Burmese town - Burma

Burma's Golden Triangle Favorites (1)

My brief time in Burma was spent in the north eastern Shan State. When I was not in Burma I actually stayed on the Thai... more travel advice

Comments (19)

Taykat- Jul 26, 2007 at 5:48 AM Report Abuse

That yellow powder is a cosmetic used all over burma. EVERYONE uses it, boys, girls, men, women. Its pretty much like.. sunscreen.Its called thanaka. Its made from bark of the thanaka tree. You apply it to your face and arms; Well Im Burmese, so ask away!
richiecdisc Jun 21, 2007 at 5:35 PM Report Abuse

Too much beer? Indeed. ;)
deecat Jun 29, 2005 at 5:58 PM Report Abuse

James, I must say that this was one of the most unique hotel tips I've read!LOL What an exotic adventure...I think that adventure is certainly your middle name. Captivating, informative, interesting, and helpful to those who travel to Burma.
matcrazy1 Jan 14, 2005 at 6:09 AM Report Abuse

Beautiful page and very interesting tips on less known country!
Hewer Sep 23, 2004 at 3:09 AM Report Abuse

I found your Burma tips very helpful. Going there myself in January. Thanks!
wonga0 May 31, 2004 at 5:12 AM Report Abuse

Here is my big and wide smile for the touts...(^________^)
le_Nil Mar 8, 2004 at 1:25 PM Report Abuse

Fantastic page!!
awayhome Mar 4, 2004 at 3:03 PM Report Abuse

:-)))
herzog63 Sep 24, 2003 at 12:36 AM Report Abuse

This part of Burma sure seems cool! The tip on the touts is great! Sometimes they can be a bit much!! hahaha
aliante1981 Aug 15, 2003 at 1:53 AM Report Abuse

Very nice pictures! Personally, I'd love to experience Burna!