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stroller

It takes almost 2 days from Nan for the journey.
I spent the first night in Khon Kaen and moved on to Nong Kai in the morning.

30 bt per person for a shared Tuk-tuk to the border from the bus-station.
15 bt for the shuttle service over the bridge between the checkpoints, 20 bt during 'overtime' - evenings and weekends.

Laos visa:
$40 for 'merkins
$35 for poms and a few other nationalities
$30 for most other countries, including Krauts (because we are such nice people)

Additional $1 if you haven't got a passport pic for the visa application, and another $1 for overtime. 10/20 bt Entry fee further down the string of little booths to call on, and we're in the People's Republic.

stroller

There is no need whatsoever to engage the services of the many 'agents' who are eager to help with the visa application for a fee.

Anyway, first stop is the so-called Duty-free to stock up on essentials:

Lao Kao - 20 bt, carton of cigs - 80 bt

stroller

Aircon taxi 200bt, tuk-tuk 150bt for the 20 km journey into town. In an adventurous mood, I opted for the local public transport for 4.000 kip = 16 bt.
Inside the bus:

The road is being resurfaced, so it's a bit of a rough and dusty ride:

Arriving at the bus terminal next to the Morning Market:

stroller

From the town center, it's still another ride to the main tourist area, by the river around Nam Phu fountain plaza.



Even there, major road works:

breezer1

Great Photos .

Maybe stupid question how many visa runs do you do a year ?

If your happy and settled in Thailand why dont you marry the gf and get a marriage visa

stroller

Yeah, I know, my gf and my mates have been saying the same thing. I have never been married, I cannot make promises for the rest of my life - though as the expected remaining time is getting shorter, I am having second thoughts about it.

Fabian

It's not necessarily for the rest of your life, you know?

Halfaboy

Can somebody explain me what are 'merkins', 'poms' and 'Krauts' ?

Thanks ....

stroller

First I need a little refreshment:

The duck fried noodles is tempting, but I go for a baguette, a speciality in former Indochina.

stroller

One of the few food shops with supplies for farangs, imported wines and spirits, local live yoghurt, cheeses, breads and so on. Lao coffee has a reputation and makes a great souvenir for anyone's Thai as well as farang friends:

bkkpirate

Where is this food shop located? Thanks in advance.

Already booked my run to Laos next week. About how much extra THB to take along for food and beverage (don't think there will be any nefarious activities within 24 hours). From what I understand ATMs are nowhere to be seen in Laos.

But would like to bring back some Laotian coffee.

Great pics.

stroller

The Samsenthai has aircon rooms with TV and mini-fridge for $10:



Is the showerhead a bit close to the strip-light? Nah, it's almost 2 inches away:

The place is a dump, but then, one of the few where you may entertain 'guests' in your room. Something useful, if you meet ladies like young Pai who'd want to see all your tattoes in private:

Gaudente

I have just checked in at Samsenthai Hotel and their rate now is 120,000kip = 500 baht = 15$ , a shameful 50% increase in little more than 1 year...and yes, the place is a dump, and the road is pestered by katoeys

Fast Eddie

It's probably worth mentioning that if you already have your visa sorted to enter Laos, you can take a bus from Nong Khai bus station all the way to Talat Sao bus station in Vientiane for 55bt (as i recall). This bus is also useful for the return trip. There is also one from Udon Thani, but i can't recall how much it costs, but safe to assume it's a little more.

stroller

The Laos Cultural Center, they do free evening concerts now and then, otherwise it's just a bit of pompous architecture to show off:

The best Hotel in town, the Lao Plaza:

Another one of the myriads of juice bars:

There is a French presence in the former colonial capital still:

AntRobertson

Is it just me or is that building kinda wonky in a Leaning Tower of Piza way?

stroller

A bit of old-town charme:



Much of the colonial heritage is sadly neglected:

stroller

Old tree with spirit thingies:

L'automobile capitaliste:

stroller

Mekong water levels are low, it hasn't been raining much.
On the left a new flash hotel something Palace, a busy nightspot when everything else is closed:

The riverside is a nice spot early evening:

Some basic, rustic local BBQ (at farang prices) and more on offer:

Fast Eddie

The Donchan Palace. The nightclub is outside on the third floor. Go in the main entrance and take the lift up. It's very busy at the weekends, and busy enough during the week to have a laugh in the right company. Last time i was there i think it was 30,000 Kip entry fee, which entitles you to a large bottle of Beer Lao.