CTO Posted July 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 A few things I left off The pain of paying the visa in US 4's and being screwed on the exchange rate (45Baht = $1) is a major hassle when crossing the bridge Not being USAian and not having USA $'s I used to exchange Baht to US$'s at the mobile booth just before the Thai Passport control - both gone HOWEVER arriving at Laos passport control there is a exchange booth - I got 36 to $1 - better than the booth offers. The wait is as long as ever for visa on arrival - no sign on the prices for various nationals anymore. Howerver the plus side is once you get the visa you no longer pass through passport control - it's been done for you! The border is as porous as ever - wife and kids both kept walking back and forth with food and beer laos for me while I waited. Remember to bring a pen and a passport photo of anyone - I used a friends photo - no questions asked. Pens the local pen mafia will rent you however being a nerd I had a pocket of pens The forms are hidden - the "Form Mafia" again try and charge you - go to window 2 - get for free I do love Vientianne! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waerth Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 huh .... this much hassle! I did the Mukdahan-Savannakhet thing twice in the past and no hassles at all. Could pay in Thai baht at the US$-Baht exchange rate of the day. No sweat at all. W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTO Posted July 22, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 Well I don't cross the border for a stamp - I do go to Vientiane coz I like it a lot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waerth Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 And I go to Savannakhet to visit my gfs family on the other side .... She crosses over from Don Tan in an illegal boat and we meet up in Savannakhet. When I go for just a stamp I go to Poipet ... W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 Well I don't cross the border for a stamp - I do go to Vientiane coz I like it a lot Wiengchan is a cool city ... for a few days anyway. I might go stir crazy living there year round though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTO Posted July 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 W - Then I have no idea why it's too much hassle???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiLeakHunt Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 I am back - how about Saturday - rumour has it another board member will be joining us I stay at the Day in - great old colonial building - walking distance to many places. Weather was hot and sunny - given we left a flood area Food and beer has gone up in price though - but still cheap Found a new hotel on the river front I may try when not with the kids. I stayed at the Day Inn it's lovely, they have a picture of a huge luxurious swimming pool in the brochure at the front, which you later discover doesn't exist. cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTO Posted July 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 I have never read the brouchure - but a pool would be nice - the nicest place to drink beer is the corner shop beside it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTO Posted July 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 I have never read the brouchure - but a pool would be nice - the nicest place to drink beer is the corner shop beside it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lazyphil Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 hassle is good. real or imagined. makes a beer worthwhile! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.