Day 3, Friday 21 October - Pakxe
Thailand exit....... Today it's time to pack and head for Laos. We take a quick snack and coffee at 7Eleven then it's off to the bus terminal. From here minivans run regularly to the crossing point at Chongmek at a cost 50 baht for the 1 hour 15-minute journey. Alternatively, there are a few daily buses running directly to Pakxe (Laos). I hear they will stop for visa on arrival at Vangtao crossing point. Otherwise, it is a short walk from the bus station or use the songtheaw for 20 baht.
Border formalities....... It should be noted there is a varied price structure for a visa for Laos depending on nationality. For European countries it is $30 - $35. A recent photograph is also required. At this crossing it is noticeably quiet. Just outside the Laotian Immigration area there is parking space for minivans running into Pakxe, about a 5-minute walk away. The rate is 40 baht. One thing that seems quite the norm in Laos is that provision of seating is no indication of how many persons will travel, even in minibuses! With a little help from the driver, we arrive at Meli 2 Hotel. Air-conditioned rooms start at 300 baht. The main inconvenience here is lack of wifi which will have to be sacrificed for the day.
Dinner on the Mekong....... Pakxe, at first, seems uninspiring just a provincial town. However, it does boast a location that is hard to duplicate. Sited on the east bank of the Mekong it offers splendid views of the river at sunset. You are welcome to sit at the riverside and be refreshed with Beer Lao and food from street vendors. The fare is cheap relative to other places and good trade results. It is noted that local transport seems to melt away after dark which is strange considering that this is precisely the time people come out for their evening meal.
Thailand exit....... Today it's time to pack and head for Laos. We take a quick snack and coffee at 7Eleven then it's off to the bus terminal. From here minivans run regularly to the crossing point at Chongmek at a cost 50 baht for the 1 hour 15-minute journey. Alternatively, there are a few daily buses running directly to Pakxe (Laos). I hear they will stop for visa on arrival at Vangtao crossing point. Otherwise, it is a short walk from the bus station or use the songtheaw for 20 baht.
Border formalities....... It should be noted there is a varied price structure for a visa for Laos depending on nationality. For European countries it is $30 - $35. A recent photograph is also required. At this crossing it is noticeably quiet. Just outside the Laotian Immigration area there is parking space for minivans running into Pakxe, about a 5-minute walk away. The rate is 40 baht. One thing that seems quite the norm in Laos is that provision of seating is no indication of how many persons will travel, even in minibuses! With a little help from the driver, we arrive at Meli 2 Hotel. Air-conditioned rooms start at 300 baht. The main inconvenience here is lack of wifi which will have to be sacrificed for the day.
Dinner on the Mekong....... Pakxe, at first, seems uninspiring just a provincial town. However, it does boast a location that is hard to duplicate. Sited on the east bank of the Mekong it offers splendid views of the river at sunset. You are welcome to sit at the riverside and be refreshed with Beer Lao and food from street vendors. The fare is cheap relative to other places and good trade results. It is noted that local transport seems to melt away after dark which is strange considering that this is precisely the time people come out for their evening meal.
Thailand
Ubon Ratchathani Bus Terminal,
Mueang Ubon Ratchathani
Chong Mek Border Place, Sirindhorn District,
Thailand
Laos
Vang Tao, Phonthong, Laos
Pakxe
Mekong River Sunset, Pakxe