The LAST Visa Run to Vientiane, Laos

I know that many of you have been waiting with bated breath for the conclusion of the Visa Drama.  Finally, here is the last chapter:

The last, and I might add successful, visa trip was to Vientiane, Laos.  David had researched the train system.  We decided to book the overnight sleeper train to Nong Khai, the end of the Thai train line.  You have to love public transportation!

Anousavari Monument

Our train departed Lak Si around 8:00 p.m.  We grabbed some cart food and snacks and headed to our seats to play a little cribbage (I think I won!).  Within the hour, dinner and drinks were offered and an attendant arrived to make up our bunks.  The sleeping arrangements consisted of two bunks which were curtained off to give privacy.  David slept on the top bunk and me on the bottom.  We hit the hay and 7 hours later, we were awakened by the attendant to make up the bunks and serve us some brekkies.

Once we arrived at the train station at Nong Khai, we took another train across the Friendship Bridge into Thanaleng, near Vientiane, our destination.  This train had a schedule – but not really.  It left whenever the passengers from the Thai train arrived and everyone cleared immigration. 

We had a great time in Vientiane.  Besides spending several hours at the Thai Embassy, we spent a few days exploring the city. It was interesting to hear a mixture of both Thai and French speaking people.  Much of the architecture reflected the French influence, as did many of the restaurants.  We were anxious to try this $2.00 French lunch mentioned in Lonely Planet (we are always looking for a good deal).  To our delight, we had a fabulous French meal for $2.00 each. 

Our Favorite French Restaurant

Sights included Anousavari Monument, a Thai version of the Arc de Triomphe.  It was beautiful.  We also walked the night market, tried some delicacies,had  the best smoothie either of us has ever had, roti and some of the ABSOLUTE best beer we’ve had in Southeast Asia – Beer Lao.  (okay, not exactly a micro-brew, but darn close)

We left Laos with an admiration of the country and a longing to return this summer, this time to Luang Prabang.  And most importantly, after several attempts, David left Laos with a valid visa!

David’s footnote:  The visa drama was actually not over.  I had to now spend ½ day with a driver going to the visa office in Nonthaburi district (1-1/2 hours away) where money was paid, smiles and wais given and then I had a multiple re-entry through October (same as Tammy).  And BTW:  I’m sure I won at cribbage! 

THE Best Cart Foods

Cart Snacks We Enjoy
Thailand is full of restaurants.  However, we enjoy a regular snacking from the many carts we find along the road anywhere and everywhere.  Most of the items on this list can be bought for 20 baht or less (approximately 60 cents). 

·      Corn:  corn kernels tossed in butter, sugar and salt.  You can also buy it boiled or roasted on the cob.

·      Waffles:  4 inch diameter waffles.  You choose whether the batter includes maple, almond, sea salt & sesame and more (no syrup)

·      Satay:  mostly gai (chicken) or moo (pork)

·      Fruit:  bags of saparod (pineapple), tang mo (watermelon), mamuang see kiew (green mango w/salt, sugar and spice dip), farang (guava)

·      Ice cream:  with a variety of toppings including coconut, nuts, a variety of gelatinous squiggly things, sweetened condensed milk, fruity stuff.

·      Roti: crepe like pancake with anything put inside.  Folded into a square.  We like gluay (banana) and nutella.  Topped with sweetened condensed milk.

·      Kow Niow Mamuang (mango and sticky rice – seasonal.  We are craving it ALWAYS! 

·      Mien kam:  little bundles of dried shrimp, lime, ginger, onion, peanuts, cilantro/ parsley, hot peppers, toasted coconut and secret sauce wrapped up into a betel leaf.  A delightful mouthful!

·      Coke in a bag:  forget the can or bottle of coke.  We enjoy coke in a plastic bag filled with ice and a straw.

·      Chicken – any part.  We buy it roasted whole.  You can get chicken knuckles, but lots of cartillage.

·      Khanoms: These are little treats.  There are many different kinds including savory with chives or corn.  We generally eat the sweet ones that look like tablespoons filled with coconut milk, browned.  These are ready when they are somewhat set (but still a little jiggly).

·      Donuts:  Little ones that are drizzled with sweetened condensed milk or a pistachio pudding like sauce.

Get on over here and try some of these out!