🚌 Mae Sot – Myawaddy (Friendship Bridge)

Terrestrial · Thailand

The Mae Sot–Myawaddy crossing on the Moei River is Thailand’s main land border with Myanmar, historically used by both long-stay expats running visa renewals and travellers heading into Myanmar proper. Mae Sot on the Thai side is a fascinating multicultural town with a large Burmese and Karen community, excellent Burmese food, and a chaotic gem market; buses run to Tak (2 hours) and Bangkok (6–7 hours). The Friendship Bridge across the Moei River leads to Myawaddy, from where it is possible — in calmer times — to continue to Hpa-An (4–5 hours) and Yangon (12+ hours). CRITICAL SAFETY NOTE: since Myanmar’s military coup in February 2021 and the subsequent civil war, the area around Myawaddy has seen active armed conflict between the military and the Karen National Union and People’s Defence Forces. The crossing has been closed and reopened multiple times, and fighting has at times occurred very close to the border. As of 2025, crossing into Myanmar here carries a significant security risk. Check the very latest situation through current news sources and your government’s travel advisory before considering this crossing.