Drive to Ventiane! Is my husband crazy? - Page 2 - Ajarn Forum

aging one · 24th July 2008, 09:09

I get the air cars just to cut down on the track noise. I would rather dress for the cold than have to listen to the very loud clickety clack all night long.

Killing Me Softly 101 · 24th July 2008, 09:12

Ahh. The sound of clickity clack. So refreshing. (But you could buy earplugs I guess.) lol

samsara · 24th July 2008, 11:52

use a visa service for around 5-6k or take the train. the drive there might be cool but you honestly want to drive back to bkk??? didnt think so.

latm · 24th July 2008, 12:14

When I got my non-imm B, in 2001, we drove. The intention was to drive into Laos, but after talking to the friendly border official, my wife decided we wouldn't drive into Laos. There were, and probably still are, serious problems with driving into Laos. I am sure you would need special insurance at the least, and the car rental place may well prohibit taking the car out of Thailand. If I had to go again, my wife and I would drive to the border, but then we would drive our own car which uses LPG. We would park the car in Thailand and take a bus into Laos.

It would be better not to rent a car, unless a major objective of the trip is to see a lot of Thailand and not just to get a visa.

daneel · 24th July 2008, 14:15

HI,

don't do it I would say esp. if you don't have a lot of experience driving here.

The cost is too high IMO.

rent car (you'll need to rent four days) at say 1200 = 4800
Gas at least 1200 per run = 2400
Parking in Nong Khai (you're not crossing the car) = 200
Total at least 7400THB

BKK-Nong Khai, the first part to Saraburi is frustrating and boring, a lot of traffic. be aware to stay on middle lane or right lane (left lane is crap).

The second part Saraburi - Gorat. You'll get traffic congestion near Chock Chai farm - Muak lek due to mountains. Trucks slow down heavily. Do not Under any circumstance be pushed into the left lane, stay in the middle or right.
Once you're on the Plateau its a bit easier, you do need to maintain speed, otherwise people will try to overrun you (I am serious about that). However the scenery is beautiful.

Part three: Gorat - konkhaen, just before you enter Gorat you need to get an exit (its easy to miss). Then you'll be on the road to Konkhaen, this road is dangerous especially at night. Trucks driving without lights, congestion due to road works etc. When it rains please stop. The road itself has improved though. Driving here at night is a nightmare.
The scenery is fairly boring, fields, fields, fields and hey some more fields.

Part four: KK - Udon. Once you near KK you have two choices, bypass or through the center. If you're not comfortable with loads of traffic take the bypass. It could well be there are still road works going on in the city. Once you pass KK and are on the road to Udon things do get easier. Road is fairly wide as well.

Udon - Nong Khai: I always get lost in Udon, don't know why but I do. Once you're past Udon the traffic conditions are actually OK due to a lack of it.

When coming back you'll find a lot of roadworks going on near Gorat. Be aware as half of them don't have any indications nor signs.

Another thing be aware of all those trucks with double A on them and the busses, nutcases I tell ya.

Hope this helps

I do think the train is easier.

tammy · 24th July 2008, 20:20

Thanks to everyone! The info was helpful and as far as I am concerned the train or the visa company is the way to go. I'll have a chat with hubby and try to talk him out of this madness!!

aging one · 24th July 2008, 20:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by daneel

Once you're on the Plateau its a bit easier, you do need to maintain speed, otherwise people will try to overrun you (I am serious about that). However the scenery is beautiful. Part three: Gorat - konkhaen, just before you enter Gorat you need to get an exit (its easy to miss). Then you'll be on the road to Konkhaen, this road is dangerous especially at night. Trucks driving without lights, congestion due to road works etc. When it rains please stop. The road itself has improved though. Driving here at night is a nightmare. The scenery is fairly boring, fields, fields, fields and hey some more fields. Part four: KK - Udon. Once you near KK you have two choices, bypass or through the center. If you're not comfortable with loads of traffic take the bypass. It could well be there are still road works going on in the city. Once you pass KK and are on the road to Udon things do get easier. Road is fairly wide as well. Udon - Nong Khai: I always get lost in Udon, don't know why but I do. Once you're past Udon the traffic conditions are actually OK due to a lack of it. When coming back you'll find a lot of roadworks going on near Gorat. Be aware as half of them don't have any indications nor signs. Another thing be aware of all those trucks with double A on them and the busses, nutcases I tell ya. Hope this helps I do think the train is easier.

Done to Pakchong many a time. But after that great description I will never venture beyond the place 8ball raves about another 1/2 up the road. The romantic joint.

daneel · 24th July 2008, 20:33

The plateau is ok and beautiful esp. at sunset, breathtaking. It's Gorat - Knokhaen that is killing esp. at night.

Killing Me Softly 101 · 24th July 2008, 20:38

My last trip to Nong Khai, I took my pickup. It is a very long drive even stopping overnight in Khon Khen and Udon.

The train is much more relaxing. You leave the station. Order dinner. About 830 pm the guy comes around and changes the dining seating to beds. You crawl into your bunk. And rest. Early in the morning some comes around to sell coffee or juice. You are relaxed.

The VIP bus takes a distant second in my book. I did however use the 2ed class buses a lot when I lived in Lao PDR and traveled around Issan. Just no other alternative. Plus what better way to meet locals than having a few fall asleep on you.

Have a good trip.

columbia · 24th July 2008, 20:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killing Me Softly 101

My last trip to Nong Khai, I took my pickup. It is a very long drive even stopping overnight in Khon Khen and Udon.

You stopped overnight in KK AND Udon mate? They're only about an hour apart you lazy bugger!

daneel · 24th July 2008, 20:43

Killing Me Softly 101 · 24th July 2008, 20:49

The ex's family is in between. Spent a night there too. Ex had to get two Driver's Licenses. And brother got one. Also did the moms meet thingy. Cheers.

But I am a lazy bugger. True. Guilty as charged.

daneel · 24th July 2008, 20:52

lovely area though.

columbia · 24th July 2008, 20:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killing Me Softly 101

The ex's family is in between. Spent a night there too.

So in the space of about 70 miles you stopped 3 times and spent the night? My hats off to you KMS. That is chilling out to the max! I'm surprised you didn't have a nap in between at some Jet Jiffy because of the stress of traveling those intergalactic distances!

Killing Me Softly 101 · 3rd August 2008, 03:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by columbia

So in the space of about 70 miles you stopped 3 times and spent the night? My hats off to you KMS. That is chilling out to the max! I'm surprised you didn't have a nap in between at some Jet Jiffy because of the stress of traveling those intergalactic distances!

Yeah but the drive from Pattaya to KK was a bitch.

Stopped at the top of the mountain pass from Kabinburi to Korat for lunch. (I have nicknamed the place Snow Summit even if it never gets snow. It is a nice break. It is at the divide on the east side of the road. Has some nice cabins and some houses. Next time I plan on spending a few days there. There is a meadow and then the forest in the back. I haven't been there at nighttime but I imagine a lot of barking deer come to graze.