Ubon Ratchathani to Pakxe

Thailand exit……..It was time to pack and head for Laos. A quick snack and coffee at 7Eleven then off to the bus terminal. From here minivans run regularly to the crossing point at Chongmek, 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. I recent photograph is also required. At this crossing it was very quiet. Just outside the Lao Immigration area there is parking space for minivans running into Pakxe, about a 5 minute walk. 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 actually travel, even in minibuses! With a little help from the driver I arrived at Meli 2 Hotel. Air conditioned rooms start at 300 baht. The main inconvenience here was lack of wifi which was sacrificed for the day.
Diner on the Mekong……..Pakxe, at first, seemed uninspiring just a provincial town. However it does boast a location that is hard to repeat. 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 was noted that local transport seemed to melt away after dark which is strange considering that this is precisely the time people come out for their evening meal.

Ubon Ratchathani to Pakxe

Thailand exit……..It was time to pack and head for Laos. A quick snack and coffee at 7Eleven then off to the bus terminal. From here minivans run regularly to the crossing point at Chongmek, 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. I recent photograph is also required. At this crossing it was very quiet. Just outside the Lao Immigration area there is parking space for minivans running into Pakxe, about a 5 minute walk. 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 actually travel, even in minibuses! With a little help from the driver I arrived at Meli 2 Hotel. Air conditioned rooms start at 300 baht. The main inconvenience here was lack of wifi which was sacrificed for the day.
Diner on the Mekong……..Pakxe, at first, seemed uninspiring just a provincial town. However it does boast a location that is hard to repeat. 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 was noted that local transport seemed to melt away after dark which is strange considering that this is precisely the time people come out for their evening meal.