For the second time this year we're heading for Laos but this time covering some southern provinces rather than those of the north. If all goes to plan the tour will be even longer than the last. It should also be the last tour this year and hopefully a grand finale.

Day 1, Wednesday 19 October - Ubon Ratchathani

Up country....... Starting at Morchit Mai (Bangkok Northern Bus Terminal) at 9.30am this will be a strange journey due to the floods. As Highways 1 and 2, the normal routes to the north and east were impassable the Nakhornchai Air bus heads east along the Chonburi Highway then east at Chachoengsao along Route 359 and Highway 33 to Sa Kaeo and Aranyaprathet and then on Route 348 towards Buriram. With news that Route 226 is also affected by flooding, Highway 24 is selected east to Ubon Ratchathani. There is evidence of flooding east of Bangkok and in Isan the Mun River had burst its banks in many places from Korat as far as Ubon.
NakornChai Air....... NakornChai Air offers a Gold Star service with 32 seats. This is more than adequate for day of travel with TV, games, and refreshments with hostess service. The 8-hour service turns out to be more than 9 as the tour bus arrives in Ubon at 7pm. The company offers a 24-seat first-class option. This would be a better service for overnight travel but more expensive. The Gold Star service is 552 baht.
Intrend Place....... Accommodation in Ubon came recommended. Intrend Place offers a/c rooms with fridge and TV for 350 baht. There is however no restaurant but is convenient for the bus terminal and BIG 'C' supermarket.