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:Â 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.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.