May 06

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!

As we were both in Bangkok this time last year we decided to get straight on the road towards Loas and see something new. We booked a domestic flight from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani which is pretty much as close to the Thai / Loas boarder you can get by air.

We treated ourselves to a new nice hotel in Ubon for our first night, figured there would be plenty of time for slumming it when the money runs out! (it is only 7 quid - we're not talking the Hilton here)

We soon discovered Ubon Ratchathani was a pretty quite place well off the travellers route went we headed out for a few beers and some food, we were the only non-thai people. In fact it took them a good 10 mins and 4 people to find menu we could understand. It all came good in the end.

Had a pretty early night as we were knackered from all the flying, ready to tackle a boarder crossing in the morning.