Travel from India to Myanmar by Road- Detailed Guide on Border Crossing

INDIA-MYANMAR
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PS- I agree that this is not the time to generate the wanderlust ideas in our minds. But, this article contains some important information about my border crossing experience to Myanmar. I have listed down the good bad both the situations that I  have faced while crossing the border. So that, once we are free from the chains of quarantine, this information will come in handy for those wanting to have the International border crossing experience.

How to Travel from India to Myanmar or Vice Versa by Road?

 

 

Honestly, Myanmar was not really in my wish list of places to be visited in 2019. As whenever I used to check flights that too from Kolkata (which is suppose to show economical airfares), I always used to end up getting an exorbitant flight rates and as a result had to keep the plans away.

It was last year November , that I stumbled upon a super cheap Ex Kolkata airfare deal because Indigo airlines had just launched a direct service from Kolkata-Yangon-Kolkata and it was as low as 8K INR return fare. The kind of traveler I am, I always get lured by such deals. And, eventually it got me thinking about my Myanmar trip. But, also having heard about the Indo-Myanmar Border crossing agreement which was signed between the two nations on May 11, 2018. It really had me to consider the idea of border crossing by road.

 

 

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So what does this Indo-Myanmar Border Agreement facilitates ?

 

Since, Myanmar shares almost 1600 kms with India, which is spread across the four states –Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland. As per the agreement between Indian and Myanmar government , now two of the international entry-exits check points which is Moreh  – Tamu  in Manipur and the other one is Rihkhawdar – Zowkhawtar in Mizoram are open to normal tourists/ visitors with valid passports and visa. Moreover, the agreement also provides a pass for people living in border areas to travel within 16 km of the border without special permit.

 

 

Why the Moreh-Tamu Border is more popular than the other ?

I did analysed both the choices, by checking the feasibility of flights nearest to the international border from both Manipur and Mizoram side. But, I found that the distance between Imphal airport (Manipur) and Moreh Border was much lesser for about 3.5 hours and convenient as well. Whereas, the other entry-exit check point which is in Mizoram has the nearest airport Lengpui at a distance of 242 kms (roughly about 10 hours from there). It is clearly evident that crossing from Manipur is much wiser and faster. Because, further to add another 17-18 hours of treacherous journey should also be kept in mind after border crossing .

You may also like to read about my Imphal Experience 

 

Myanmar
The other side is India

Can we drive our own vehicle from India and Myanmar ?

 

Yes, one can , totally!! And, given the money and convenience of time , I would totally love to drive through the much talked about India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway next time which facilitates a smooth connection between India and South East Asia in order to boost the trading and commerce partnerships.

But, in order to drive one’s own vehicle into foreign nation , we need Carnet De Pass and International Driving License (IDP) . The latter can be applied through Regional Transport Authority Office at a nominal cost. However, for the carnet, one has to shell out as heavy as twice the value of the vehicle as a security deposit fees along with additional cost. Also, there are charges for the processing of the same as per ATA . The detailed guide on the same can be found in this road trip guide.

 

India-Myanmar
Tamu-Myanmar

 

How to get Myanmar Visa ?

 

I had to get my Myanmar visa beforehand. So, unlike Thailand and some other South East Asian countries, Myanmar is not providing the Visa on arrival facilities for Indian Passport Holders. But, acquiring the same is pretty easy, as all you have to do is to apply for an E-visa in Myanmar Tourism Site .E-Visa is generally issued at the cost of USD 50 for a general tourist single entry visa which allows stay upto a period of 28 days. Also, it is important to mention the post of entry and exit while applying for Visa. For me I was entering via land through Tamu border but was flying out of Yangon to save some travelling time. That being said, this Visa definitely gives the flexibility to opt for different mode of entry/exit travel.

 

Myanmar
Indian Immigration Office-Moreh

 

How to Get to Moreh Border ?

 

So, after I landed in Imphal, the capital of Manipur, I decided to spend a day in the quaint city of Imphal and to leave for Myanmar only next day.

Infact, it would be my suggestion to keep a day aside and park yourself in Imphal for at least a day if not more, in order to explore the place and also to get much-needed rest before the long road journey. However, this is only if the time permits.

So, Moreh border is about 108 km away from Imphal which takes about 3-4 hours to reach. I started off early in the morning as my host in Imphal decided to drop me off at the shared cab point which was few kms away. So, there we found out that these cabs depart at an interval of every half an hour. Mine started off at around 8.30 am and I reached Moreh main town at around 12.15 pm. From the main market, I got an auto who agreed to take us first at the Indian Immigration Office or the Moreh ICP, which was few meters away from the Indo-Myanmar Friendship Bridge . Infact, he was kind enough to wait for me to complete the immigration process which took around 20-30 mins tops. After I got the stamping done on my passport, it was time for me to finally cross the INTERNATIONAL border . My auto driver dropped me off at the edge of the Indo-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, which was built during WWII. So this was it!! I got off from the auto and finally walked through the bridge to officially step into Myanmar at around 1.30 pm approx.

 

Stepping Into Myanmar

 

About Myanmar Immigration Process and Getting to Tamu

 

Myanmar immigration office is just a few steps away from the opposite side of the friendship bridge . Completing the formalities for documentation check, visa stamping and immigration didn’t take more than 15-20 mins.

Note: Please keep at least two copies of your E-Visa, 2 copies of photographs and ensure to keep the immigration form safely till the time of your return.

 

 

After I was done with the immigration office, it was time for me to figure out as to how to reach the main Tamu market which was about 1.5 kms away, the place where I would be able to get a transport till Mandalay. It wasn’t surprising to know that there are actually no  fixed public transport in this stretch. So, I started walking in the hope of hitching a ride. After few minutes of walking, I saw an auto which was empty and requested him to drop me off at Tamu Market. He agreed and charged around 100 INR . Thankfully he was kind enough to accept Indian Rupees.

 

Further travel info about how to reach Mandalay

 

After reaching Tamu main town area, I got down infront of one of the first mini van/bus shop which was selling mini van tickets for Mandalay. It was already around 2pm and the chances of getting big buses were already out. Hence, without any delay I enquired about the seats available in a mini van which was scheduled to depart at 4pm. He agreed on 1100 INR per seat upto Mandalay.

Note:that Mandalay is about 476 kms from Tamu (through Mongwa-Kalaywa Highway) , however, there are about 69-70 rickety bridges in the initial stretches between Tamu- Kaleywa . And, as per the google info it takes 13-14 hours but it took 18 hours for me to reach .

 

It is generally advised to check with other minivan operators as well, in order to compare rates. But, as I was already tired, famished and was happy with the fact that he agreed to accept Indian Rupees and at these odd hours I wasn’t very hopeful with others. Hence, I finalised with them. Since, I had some time in hand. I went further towards the town to get the money exchanged and have lunch.

So, it is possible to get your Indian money exchanged to Kyats (Myanmar Currency 1 INR ~ 20 Kyats) at Tamu . I just walked in to a random utility shop and ask for an exchange , and the lady happily agreed at a good rate. Next, I bought a local SIM with data, which is an absolute must in order to navigate in Myanmar. I also had my first Myanmar meal which comprised of vegetables, rice, some soup (with dried fish) and Chicken stuff bun.

Myanmar
First Meal in Myanmar

There is always an unexpected experience waiting to make your journey eventful enough 

 

So, when I came back to the minivan operator shop, to my surprise they told me that it was already full. I was in utter shock and furious at them. Later they came up with a proposal to get on to a private car of someone who was travelling to Mandalay as well. So, now I was a bit overjoyed that, what was expected to be a cramped travel of 14 hours in a packed minivan, would now be done in a luxury sedan at the same cost. Wow!

What looks fancy, not necessarily be so!! Joyride Car

 

 

As the journey started around 4.30 pm , initially I felt quite comfortable because we were taking it slow and haulting every 1 hour for food or refreshments. But later when it got pitch dark and we were slowly getting clueless into which routes we were taking. That is when it got me a little worried as the driver and owner continue to stop at every joint to actually drink alcohol. This really was getting on my nerves by now as I was already sleep deprived and feeling obnoxious. Even after requesting, the owner was taking it very lightly and continued to delay. Somehow, I felt a bit frustrating and disappointed  at myself for having to choose them to transport me. Thankfully, In the morning around 8.30, I finally reached my pre booked hotel in Mandalay, which he was courteous enough to drop me. So, it took almost 19 hours to reach because of unnecessary delay.

Myanmar
Rural Countryside of Myanmar

 

This experience, did put me off a bit initially but later on as things went smoothly, it was ok. And so on I went ahead on my trip to the Big four of Myanmar for the next ten days.

My return was done through Yangon as I flew home straight . One can choose to travel back same way by road but that would add up another day or so into the travel itinerary.

You can also read :

Guide to Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Murshidabad, Erstwhile Capital of Bengal

 

If you have any further questions relating to Road Travel and would like to get tips, please feel free to connect with me on Instagram , Facebook and Twitter . Also, you can Like, Subscribe and Share my blogs as well.

Comments

  1. Sumit

    Hi there
    Very informative post indeed , clear and to the point .

    Rgds

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  2. Anjan Chakraborty

    A perfect travel guide to Myanmar. Very comprehensive infos shared

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  3. Tracy

    That 19 hours long journey must be dreadful. The longest road journey I ever took was only about 13 hours and that’s enough. Hahaha..I am glad that everything went smooth and you enjoyed it after that. ?

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      Debjani Lahiri

      Yes it was painful more so because I was sleep deprived ..but it was all too adventurous definitely .

  4. Mayuri Patel

    ohh my God, 19 hours from Tamu to Mandalay! Glad you survived and safely made to Mandalay. Loved reading your experience about India Myanmar road border crossing. This is comprehensive post and so helpful to plan it. Travel is all about such good and bad experiences. I could feel your frustration and pain during night travel!

  5. Polly

    Oh, 19 hours sounds so bad! Super informative and detailed guide, though. Great post, pinning for later ?

  6. Anda

    Myanmar is very high up on my list of places to see in the world and so is India. I didn’t realize the two countries are so close together that you can do a road trip from one to the other. Looks like a long drive however and I’m not sure I’d resist for so long in the car, lol. I’m sure it must have been a very beautiful road trip.

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  7. Indrani

    Chains of quarantine… yes! I am really looking forward to a trip to Myanmar. 8K INR return fare was indeed a good deal. Helpful tip on why to choose Imphal airport. Good to know E Visa facilities are good. The last bit of the ride had me on edge but glad all ended well. Was this a solo trip?

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      Debjani Lahiri

      Well naw I had another frd with me who was travellinh. but yeah Ex Kolkata airfare are a steal.. No idea what will happen now though

  8. Subhashish Roy

    Such an informative post which now makes me too wish to travel to Myanmar which I have never contemplated before. I would prefer the road journey from Imphal which would give me some nostalgia too as I used to visit there on work almost every month till a few years back. Being from Calcutta too I have got every bit of information that I would perhaps require including visa formalities. So thanks for that too.

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  9. Francesca

    This is such a helpful post! Myanmar and India are both high on my list so it’s good to know the practical side of the border crossing.

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  10. Jennifer Prince

    So glad you answered all of these questions. And what a relief that you can take your own vehicle. I can’t believe it took you so long. Wowza!

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  11. Iulia

    Thanks for sharing these practical tips with us! It is always nice to know ahead, when you are planning such a big trip. I felt sorry for your experience of a 19 hour travel. I imagine it must have been such a horrible thing. Good that, in the end, you managed to enjoy yourself and do what you initially planned.

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  12. Jennifer Rankin

    What an adventures! I’m not sure I could do this in my own but it seems like it would worth it. Great info!

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  13. Clarice

    I have never thought about traveling from India to Myanmar by Road but I believe this is nice adventure to try. Thank you for sharing this very detailed post. This information is surely handy for future travel plans.

  14. Vasu Devan

    Quite an informative post. Yes, I agree it does not make sense taking ones car. So one more thing on my list of travels , when it opens up. ?

  15. Chris

    Amazing adventure! Super cool, crossing new land borders and hitching rides. Glad you arrived save in Mandalay. ?

    This post answers at least half of the question of my other comment as you said is just exists since 2018. ?
    Do you know if the border crossing is open for all nationalities or just for Indian and Burmese people?

    Chris

  16. Roy Dsouza

    Thanks for the detailed information which i was looking for, now that i have got the best info on how to get to Myanmar.

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  17. Kishor kokje

    Guten Morgan. I am Crazy for Wandering through woods . Myanmar, Vietnam,Laos, Cambodia,Bhutan,Nepal these Countries are Nice Nature. Your Travel Guide give us Information and Knowledge . Thanks, for all . All the Best.

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      Author
  18. Jay Soni

    Debjani.. I liked your blog. and very good information, infact after this corona pandemic i have become desperate to move somewhere. its my 1st time and thought to visit Myanmar… and Laos and combodia by road. I found your blog and very good information ought to needed. Thanks. for all. I agree be a solo traveling but if some good company is there, journey turns into happy moments.

    If some one like to Travel by Road… together from India….. Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia 20-25 days planing during this September-October – 2020. if any one like to accompany, plz mail to – jraj2123@gmail.com..

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  19. Prosenjit Gupto

    I found this entire info helpful and mindblowing.
    Planning to travel to Myanmar very much the same way.
    Thnx
    God Bless You
    Prosenjit Gupto
    Pune

  20. Parbodh Chander Bali

    Do not you feel a bit scared ad a single beautiful alone girl to travel with drunkard drivers in pitch dark night. I understand you are very courageous, but being an Indian born girl, where modesty of a woman is always at risk. No offending. Just your comments to encourage my daughter to be a vagabong.

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      Debjani Lahiri

      I appreciate your concern. Well when I travel solo which is mostly by choice, I am ought to anticipate all unforeseen circumstances which may arise. I do take enough safety precautions with me. As a woman, no matter if I am Indian, we should be self-sufficient to take care of ourselves in terms of everything. Hence, give my warmest regards to your daughter and hope she likes my blog.

      Thanks

  21. THAMIMUL ANSARI

    I really enjoyed to read your Myanmar blog hopefully I will do this travel to Myanmar

    Thanks

  22. Travel Vlogger

    Hello, I want to know if anything changed in cross-country rules after the Myanmar government issues.
    I went on the same trip in December 2018, there were no issues at that time.

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