With the new international immigration checkpoint at Mae Sot now open, I'd like to travel overland t

The opening of the international checkpoint in Mae Sot has generated a great deal of excitement among travellers who prefer to explore countries without needing to fly. According to the Tak Chamber of Commerce, the checkpoint is mainly being used Thai visitors to travel the 17 kilometres to Myawaddy and return to Mae Sot the same day.

There were – and may still be – checkpoints in the Karen area on the road from Myawaddy to Hpa-an and it’s impossible to say for sure whether these restrictions have been lifted. While some Thai tour groups have gone through, it seems they were led by local authorities inside Myanmar.

Local people commute by old buses along a narrow and crowded road to Hpa-an. Some Burmese immigrants charter a bus from Myawaddy to Hpa-an. It’s 150 kilometres, and usually takes two hours. However, if one vehicle breaks down, and there is no-one fix it, travellers can be stranded for hours.

Early this month, Nok Air launched a direct flight from Mae-Sot to Mawlamyine and it’s possible to travel from there to and from Hpa-an through Zarthapyin Road. 

Hpa-an, the capital of Kayin State, sits on the east bank of Than Lwin (Salween) River. It is surrounded by rocky hills and caves and boasts the 1,000-metre Zwe Gabin Mountain as its landmark. At the foot of the mountain, you will find a large field displaying thousands of life-size Buddha statues. An interesting sight is Kyauk Kalap pagoda built on top of an unusual rock formation surrounded by a natural lake. A few years ago, ancient cave paintings were found in the mountains near the city. Caves to explore include Kawgoon cave 13 kilometres from Hpa-an, and Bayin-Nyi Naung cave 24 kilometres away. Have a great trip!

 

 

I am going to Bangkok at the end of November for six days with the family. We’ll be 10 in total – my parents, my aunts and youngsters aged 13 and 16). I think it would be better to get around Bangkok together in one vehicle. How much will it cost to rent a van or coach for 10 with a driver? I think it would be better than taking two or three taxis. Thanks in advance for your help! Rosy

 

It's easy to rent a passenger van with a driver in Bangkok. If you check car rental websites, you will find a variety of vehicles like Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai and more. Some, like the Toyota Commuter, can take up to 12 passengers for Bt2,800 a day inclusive of petrol, driver and insurance. If you go for a Toyota Alphard, the rate per day would go up to Bt6,500 (unlimited miles). 

Do examine rental conditions carefully, as some exclude petrol while others include it. Some offer a limited mileage deal, often 120 kilometres a day, which would allow you to visit Ayutthaya for the day or a floating market in Nakhon Pathom. If you make an overnight trip outside Bangkok, you will need to pay the overnight charge. Overtime is also charged at up to Bt300 per hour if you use the van more than 10 hours per day. In addition, you need to pay for parking and toll fees yourself along the route. It’s best to check and compare prices among these operators in advance. If you are not sure, then book an airport pickup first. If you are happy with the service, then you can extend the rent agreement.

Those companies that offer chauffeur service include National Car Rental (www.NationalCarThailand.com), Oriental Escape (www.OrientalEscape.com), SP Limousine & Service (www.SPLimousine.com), Quality (www.QualityRentACar.com) and Van VIP ( www.Van-Vip.com). 

Enjoy your trip.