Loas
Made it across the boarder
26.05.2006
35 °C
Set off this morning to complete our quest to get into Loas.
Spent most of the day travelling on various Tuk-Tuk's and buses to Chong Mekin in order to cross the boarder. The nice girls on reception at our hotel sent us in the wrong direction originally so we actually spent about 2 hours doubling back on ourselves (but how we laughed..!) and one of the bus drivers kindly stuck on some Thai Kareoke which made the time just fly by...
Finally got there, exited Thailand then wandered down the road a few minutes and got our Visa's and entry to Loas. All went without a hitch although I did somehow end up paying a twice but I didn't fancy a debate when he was holding my passport to ransom!
Got the Sawngthaew (like a big Tuk-Tuk) down to Pakse, they allow about twice as many people on these things as there are seats so I hung off the outside with the locals (like to think I made a few friends - the banter was limited but good) apart from there was this old guy with a net full of little birds (the feathered variety) which freaked me out abit.
Found ourselves some decent accommodation in Pakse, recon we will stay for about two nights as we only have a 15 day visa and quite abit to see.
Next stop Si Phan Don in deeper southern Loas which is meant to be stunning.
For now a few beers, Loas brews its own beer "Beer Loa" it's going down a treat!
Posted by greggers 20:33 Archived in Laos
Yes, when somebody is holding your passport and especially the don't speak English, it's best to just pay for your Visa. You don't wanna end up like that fella in Midnight Express.
Was the girl really that stunning that you totally forgot never to ask for directions from a bird!! I hope you guys are taking lots of photos and having a great time. How did the beer taste?
Thai kareoke is wonderful stuff. I am surprised you two didn't like it ;-)
27.05.2006 by arup