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!