Was checking on the easiest way to go to Ventiene. Saw this article in the Bkk post: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=125376

According to said article a bus goes twice daily. Traveller does need to have Visa ready when boarding bus. That is not a problem in Khon Kaen, as there is a Laos embassy that does a Visa in an hour (so I am told).

I will be doing this trip next week, will keep TV posted as to operating hours and costs of bus and Visa.

Here is the info on the Laos embassy:

19/1-3 Phothisarn Road, KhonkaenDistrict 4000, THAILAND.

Tel: (6643) 223 698 (Visa), 220 794, 221 961, 223 473.

Mobile: 670 6467, 975 6685.

Fax: (6643) 223 849.

Got the skinny:

One bus daily from KK at 8.15 arriving in Ventiene at 14.15.

Return daily same times.

Price 150 Thb

Beat that for a great deal.

Just the round trip taxi fair from Freindship bridge (NongKai) to the border and back costs 600 thb!

This is how it is;

Bus every day at 8.15; cost 180 baht (not 150 as I stated before)

Visa at Embassy; various costs depending on passport. Most expensive one is 1400 baht (most common Western passports) with a 200 baht surcharge for immediate processing (5 minutes).

Bon Voyage