Entering Burma from Northern Thailand
 

We will be in Northern Thailand in February ....is it reasonable to cross the border to Burma for several days? If so, where to cross (Mae Hon Son?) and where to visit? We will visit Burma next year for a more extended time, but since we are so close we would like to visit...but have heard that as usual, the border towns are not a good bet...
Much thanks!

Sorry, I meant Mai Sai, not MHS!

Yes, visiting a border town is not visiting Burma. While you can enter Burma for a day or even a couple of days, you must stay close to the border. You passport will be held at the border. You cannot go farther into the country without an expensive permit and guide.

Really, the only way to get into Burma to visit is to fly.

Thanks Kathie...is it possible to fly from CM for instance, or not really worth it for just a few days.....any other suggestions for 3 days or so in the north?
Thanks again...

There has been an Air Bagan flight from Chiang Mai to Yangon off and on for the last few years. I don't know whether it still exists. Is it worth it for a few days? I guess that's up to you.

Remember that there are still many hassles with traveling to Burma. You must have a visa in advance, which you can get in Bangkok or you can get from home before you go. You must have perfect or near perfect US dollars to exchange for kyat and to pay for hotels, admission fees and any flights.

If I had a short time, I'd plan to get to either Inle or Bagan. You can book a flight to take you to either place soon after you land in Yangon. I would go to one of those places rather than staying in Yangon.

If you decide you want to do this, decide which destination you would like then contact a travel agent in Yangon. The agent can book your flights and hotels and can meet you at the airport to hand over your tickets and vouchers for which you will give him a stack of perfect US dollars. Change some money right there at the international terminal, then head to the domestic terminal for you flight. I would plan to spend (at least) three nights in the place you choose. Less than than is not worth it IMO.

Thanks...it sounds like a better idea to wait until Burma can be our whole focus....in that case, would you go from CM directly to LP, or spend some time in the Goldren Triangle area? Is Chiang Rai worth a few days?

We visited CR and I wrote a bit about taking the bus from CM to CR and our activities there. You may find it useful:

http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...rip-report.cfm

Gail

The Golden TRiangle area of Thailand is lovely, but my favorite hotel there has become very pricey, indeed. (The Anantara at the Golden Triangle) So I would probably just move on to LP from CM.