visa run 2nd may

[fabman]

hi , i need to do a visa run soon and was thinking the 2nd of may to Ranong

what is the best way to get there ? ( i don't own a car ) how long is the journey ?

if anyone else is going around that time we could share travel expenses

i noticed they advertise a visa run for 2500 opposite the train station ( is this a good deal )

i dont mind staying at the andaman club overnight or can come back the same day ( do you have to pre book )

cheers for any advice

[Frank Hovis]

i noticed they advertise a visa run for 2500 opposite the train station ( is this a good deal )

If that is a private (i.e. you only + driver) run that's a good price simply in the cost of petrol. If you have to share a mini-van with 11 people ... well you decide.

Get your own 10 USD from the bank, the banks have noticed that the dollar has slumped, the touts still think it's 50 baht to the dollar.

The journey is 400Kms or so each direction, the last 80Kms are tight, twisty, hilly roads with lots of opportunities for anyone to kill themselves and/or you. The boat trip takes about 20 minutes each way and immigration in Myanmar is quick, you get stamped in an out at the same time, not so on the Thai side where you may have to queue for a while.

You might need a photocopy of your passport for Myanmar, do it on the Myanmar side, less queuing.

[fabman]

ok , thanks for the advice , maybe i will hire a car , if it is a mini van ....

[Frank Hovis]

If you do drive yourself, this is where you want to be going (google maps - 9.947885,98.595471).
It's a PTT gas station, pay 20 baht or so to park there, there's plenty people who will show you where to go and get you a boat. Depending on your haggling skills you should get the boat for 400B (return fare) on your own, or less if you share with other people.

It's not the easiest place to find so here's another google map link with the route from Phetkasem to the docks.
http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Unkno ... sz=16&z=14

[migrant]

If you do drive yourself, this is where you want to be going (google maps - 9.947885,98.595471).
It's a PTT gas station, pay 20 baht or so to park there, there's plenty people who will show you where to go and get you a boat. Depending on your haggling skills you should get the boat for 400B (return fare) on your own, or less if you share with other people.

It's not the easiest place to find so here's another google map link with the route from Phetkasem to the docks.
http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Unkno ... sz=16&z=14

Off topic

I see all the little islands around, anyone ever done any diving/exploring around there?