daneel

Just came back from Vientiane. The roadworks at Gorat are done now so it's a bit easier to get past. The road works in KK are still there and the traffic is the same as always.

The traffic in and around Udorn Thani has changed a bit though. On average they are driving slower. Especially in the city it's a nightmare because they actually drive 20Kph an hour now It took me 30 minutes to get through. (At night it's 10 minutes tops)

At Nong Khai of course you need to park the car at 100THB a day, can be done near the border. (I won't drive in Laos, Gas prices are through the roof there)

Had a good time in Vientiane mainly because of the food (The French restaurant at Lao Plaza reminds me of my mother's cooking).

Zabc

All I can say is I have tried driving (well, I was in the back seat) from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai ... yes the scenery is beautiful, but I'd rather fly Bangkok - Vientiane.

Arent there minivans (max 12 people?) from Bangkok - Udon Thani?

rogerman

Mate, theres minivans that take you all the way from BKK to the Thai/Laos border

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Smokin

You need to get a "vehicle passport" for your vehicle and have to show your reg. book in order to get that at the dept. of trans. across from JJ market. Then about 45 min at the Nong Khai / Laos border walking back and fourth between 4 desks at the border filling out paperwork. More details are on the thai visa website, just use the search until you find the info.

As was already mentioned, the train to Nong Khai, tuk tuk to the border, short bus ride across the bridge and then a taxi to the consulate beats driving in cost and mental stress. If you see anyone going the same way in Nong Khai, join them and share the tuk tuk and taxi fares.

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Kill 'em all, let God sort 'em out.