Korat to Vientiane in Bus

There is a daily bus from the main bus station in Korat (bus station #2 near Makro). It currently (2012) leaves at 9 am. Cost is 320 baht only. The bus stops 10 minutes at Ban Sida for toilet. Here’s the bus we took: Later, you stop after Khon Kaen about 30 minutes for eating. You must pay your lunch, the fried rice with shrimp is excellent for 30 baht! You also stop around Udon Thani 10 minutes for toilet. Bus was almost empty, as you can see…before they packed it 10 minutes before the border. (see below) Very near the border, the bus will stop to FULL IT COMPLETELY of Thai stuff to pass the border. Do not ask me what it is….mushrooms from China, toilet paper, it was fully packed. Then, you start again and arrive at the border. Foreigners need a visa. If you do not have passport pictures, they will make 3 quickly for 50 baht. Going out of Thailand: And you leave Thailand. Do not forget your passport and the departure card. The bus waits for you on the other side. You go back inside. It takes 10 minutes. After the bridge, you make your visa for Laos. Bring a pen or buy one for 10 baht. The visas depends of your country, Canada pays the most, 42$ US or 1,800 baht. I think Americans pay 35$. That takes maybe 20 minutes, and the bus wait for you after. The bus goes directly to bus station in Vientiane. You arrive at about 4pm. Very comfortable. Air con. Thai music all the time (bring an Ipod or phone with headphone if you can support Look tung music!). I really enjoyed that trip. Easy, nice, comfortable and 320 baht + visa in Laos. Vientiane is not the best city but food is good. We went later to Vang Vieng (4 hours in bus) and Luang Prabang (7 hours from Vientiane in Bus). EDIT 2013:’The schedule and price of the bus has changed. The bus is now leaving Korat at 11:30 each day. It is a VIP bus. You arrive in Vientiane around 8am to what I was told. Price is 540 baht. Someone I know will try in the next days.  

Visitor Tips

Located in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), this is one of the many dining options available to visitors and expats in the Isaan region of Thailand. When visiting restaurants in Korat, it is customary to order several dishes to share. Most restaurants in this area serve both Thai and international cuisine, and staff often speak some English.

Getting There

Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) is located approximately 250 km northeast of Bangkok. You can reach Korat by bus from Bangkok’s Mo Chit terminal (about 3.5 hours), by train from Hua Lamphong station, or by minivan from Chatuchak. Tuk-tuks and songthaews (shared trucks) are the most common local transport within the city.

About Isaan Cuisine

The Isaan region of northeastern Thailand has its own distinct culinary tradition, influenced by Lao and Khmer cultures. Signature dishes include som tam (spicy papaya salad), larb (spiced minced meat salad), sticky rice (khao niao), and grilled chicken (gai yang). Food in Isaan tends to be spicier and more sour than central Thai food, using ingredients like padaek (fermented fish sauce) and fresh herbs.

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Useful Legal Resources for Expats in Thailand

• Usufruct Agreement in Thailand
• Divorce in Thailand: Complete Guide
• Social Security in Thailand for Expats
• Same-Sex Marriage in Thailand

The Route Today

The road from Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) to Vientiane, Laos runs north on Highway 2 – the Mittrapab (Friendship) Road – through Khon Kaen and Udon Thani to Nong Khai, then across the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River into Vientiane. The total distance is approximately 620 km and takes 8–10 hours by bus depending on stops and border processing time. It is one of the most used land routes between Thailand and Laos.

Border Crossing at Nong Khai

The border crossing at Nong Khai/Tha Naleng is the busiest land crossing into Laos. Thai citizens and most nationalities can obtain a Laos visa on arrival at the border for around USD 30–42 depending on nationality (fee varies). The process involves Thai immigration exit, crossing the bridge by shuttle bus, then Lao immigration entry. Allow 1–2 hours for the crossing during busy periods. The Friendship Bridge handles both road and rail traffic – the Laos-China Railway now connects Vientiane north toward Luang Prabang and Boten.

Vientiane

Vientiane (ວຽງຈັນ) is one of Southeast Asia’s most relaxed capitals – small enough to walk or cycle across much of, with a pleasant riverside promenade along the Mekong, the gilded That Luang stupa (Laos’ national symbol), the Patuxai Victory Monument, and numerous French-colonial buildings. It rewards a few days of quiet exploration. The pace is unhurried, the food is excellent (baguettes and coffee from the French era blend seamlessly with Lao dishes), and the evenings along the river are among the most pleasant in the region.

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