So, here's the story..
With full of enthusiasm, this morning I left my hostel to find local eatery and transportation to Thailand-Myanmar border. Stuffed myself with Burmese food, I then found minivan that would take me to Mayawady for 50 Baht, so I thought why not.
The border was only 7 km away but I wasn't in the walking-mood and my back was a bit hurting from carrying that 40 L backpack. Unlike me, every other passanger in the van were all local, so none of them had to get off from the minivan to check out of Thailand.
So then I got off the minivan, walked all the way to the custom office under the bright sunshiny day.
Then the officer said, "Where's your visa? You need visa to go to Myanmar."
Serenely I replied, "As an Indonesian, I don't need any visa to go to Myanmar as we are under ASEAN agreement."
His reply shook me quite a bit. He then said, "Yes, but it applies only by air."
Dammit. Turns out Myanmar visa extemption only applies to ASEAN countries if entering and departing from Yangon, Mandalay, or Naypyidaw International Airports, which only valid up to 14 days. If you would like to stay in Myanmar over 14 days, or wish to enter or exit from any of the land border checkpoints, then apply for the appropriate eVisa (50 USD, valid up to 28 days for single entry).
LESSON LEARNED!
Long story short, I recklessly bought airline ticket from Mae Sot to Bangkok for 70 USD just because I need to get out of Thailand ASAP to avoid overstaying. Decided to buy another airline ticket to Yangon from BKK for 55 USD.
I was indeed contemplating whether to apply e-visa for longer stay. The thing was, I felt like it was a bit too much of a hussle and I was too tired to imagine the process. Since exiting from any of the land border requires e-visa as well, I then quickly searched for cheapest flight out of Myanmar.
It then showed: Yangon-Ho Chi Minh for 50 USD.
Booked it. Booking confirmed.
Ah Vietnam, it is such a comforting feeling to imagine going back to my favorite country.
I spent almost 200 USD (a hell of a lot of money) alone today for the simple reason that I wasn't being well-informed. Well, such is life of a traveller.
It has been 4 months, and trust me, it gets better.
Enjoy and thanks so much for watching! xo-Syifa
I N S T A G R A M
/ syifaadriana
F A C E B O O K
/ syifaxoxo
E M A I L
hello@syifaadriana.co
Негізгі бет Denied Entry to Myanmar by Land: Mae Sot - Bangkok - Yangon (Nok Air & Air Asia)
No video
Пікірлер: 93