Job Discussion Forums

Legolarse · Joined: 02 Jul 2005 Posts: 36 Location: UK

I think I've got most of it sussed but could do with some confirmation. Let me know if any of the following is not possible/correct.

- Bus from Arcade in Chiang Mai to Udon Thani (no buses direct to Non Khai according to woman on phone at Arcade), 813 baht, 11 and a half hours, depart 8pm Monday.

- Bus from UT to Non Khai, 1hr, under 100 baht, regular.

- Tuk tuk to border - how much? Can I walk? Is there a bus/songtaew all the way there?

- Pay 15 baht for bus across bridge to Lao, 1500 for visa, 20 baht for minibus to Vientiane.

Do you know how I can get a direct bus to NK from CM? I hear it's possible. How much and where from?

If I flew it'd be 1500 each way to/from UT. The plane arrives in UT at 3.20; is there enough time to get to the border on the same day? (Visa expires tues.)

Anything else I need to know?

I lent my guidebook to someone and never got it back so can't check this stuff myself.

Cheers.

Mary Ann Davis · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 30 Location: Asia

Have they closed the mae Sae border? (Myanmar.) That's so much simpler. I dont remember the exact Vientienne stuff; sorry. Good luck, and do go to BMyanmar if you can. VIP bus from Arcade, 5-6 hrs. to Myanmar-Thai border, 7 bhat red truck across, stamp, home to CM.

Mary Ann in China

Legolarse · Joined: 02 Jul 2005 Posts: 36 Location: UK

Thanks for your prompt reply, but you can't get a visa in Burma. Also, it's NOT a good idea to go to Burma unless you are doing important work. Every time you go you have to pay 500 baht for a one-day pass, which goes straight to the junta.

As it happens i went to Vientiane for my visa (2 months ago) and got a triple-entry tourist one, no questions asked. A couple of my friends went recently and got the same. Seems to be the only place in the region that gives doubles or triples these days.

Bangkok Hound · Joined: 28 Oct 2006 Posts: 66 Location: Bangkok

You don't mind giving money to the Lao government? They're not exactly nice guys you know?

Legolarse · Joined: 02 Jul 2005 Posts: 36 Location: UK

True, and the same can be said of Cambodia, Malaysia, india and perhaps some western countries. But it's a matter of degree - I think you'd be hard pressed to argue their govts were as bad as Burma's. And if you're just crossing the border, ALL you're doing is giving money to the regime - there's no benefits like giving money to impoverished restaurant owners, etc., like if you actually travel round it...although even then, the govt controls much tourist infrastructure (some of which was built using slave labour) and takes such high taxes/bribes that tourism invariably gives loads of dosh to the regime with questionable benefit to the people.

There is a case against a tourism boycott but I don't think the country can be compared in evilness to many others, and a border crossing is not going to help the country.