'''Tachileik''' is in Shan State, Myanmar, on the border with Thailand.

Get in

From Thailand

It is possible to enter Myanmar at the Mae Sai border post. Two types of visas are available at the border: a one day visa for Tachilek (US$5) and a 14 day visa (US$10) for the Tachilek-Kengtung area that is not valid for travel to other parts of Myanmar. Holders of a normal one-month Myanmar visa cannot use it to enter at Mae Sai. Be sure that you have the appropriate travel documents to re-enter Thailand at Mae Sai.

By air

Air Bagan and Yangon Airways fly to Heho via Kengtung daily. Air Mandalay offers a non-stop flight to Mandalay. All have connecting or continuing service to Yangon and other parts of Myanmar.

By road

Shared taxis (US$12) and buses (US$8) run to Kengtung (4-5 hrs) in the mornings. A permit is necessary but bus and taxi drivers can make the arrangements (don't show up at the last minute). Onward travel from Kengtung to Mong La on the Chinese border is possible with permission from Myanmar immigration, easily organized in Kengtung.

Get around

Tachilek is small and there are plenty of trishaws for hire. Motorcycle taxis and car taxis are also available. The bus station and airport are outside town on the road to Kengtung. Take a pickup or hire a taxi to get there.

See

  • '''Shwedagon Paya'''. The main pagoda in town, it is large and gilded. Not to be confused with its namesake in Yangon!
  • '''Market'''. The local market, populated by vendors from villages near and far, is worth a visit. The market closes in mid-morning, so go early. A second market caters to day tourists from Thailand.
  • Do

    Buy

    Tachileik is a popular duty-free shopping destination for Thai tourists. The tourist market has local handicrafts ranging from kitsch to genuine Shan clothing. Pirated CDs and DVDs are also available but note that possession of these may be illegal in your country.

    Eat

    Drink

    Sleep

    Most tourists to Tachilek pop across the border from Thailand for a night and there are many hotels in town. Prices are usually quoted in Baht but dollars are welcome.

    Budget

  • Dream Flower Hotel. 95 84 51318, + 66 814737904. hura.dreamflower@gmail.com. S$8/250baht+. Recently renovated, the hotel is nice, neat, quiet and tidy, albeit in a concrete building.

    Mid-range

    Splurge

  • Allure resort and casino. aydar Street, Tachilek. ttp://www.allureresort.com. 000-30000 baht. Luxury hotel and casino aimed at a Thai clientele.

    Get out

  • Mae Sai in Thailand. Note that, since 2006, a permit is necessary to exit Myanmar at the Mae Sai border. The permit must be obtained in advance from the MTT offices in Yangon.