The border crossing between Laos and Thailand at Chong Mek is straightforward on either side (although couldn't see any banks or currency exchanges anywhere). Coming from Pakse, take a 8kKIP songthaew (1 hour) to the border. Continue along the road to Laos immigration on your left (you can spend your remaining KIP at the market opposite). Once stamped out, cross into Thailand and follow sign through covered market to Thai immigration - whole process took 15 minutes from getting off the songthaew from Pakse.

There was a jumbo songthaew leaving for Pahang Mangsahan? (25THB - 1 hour) which stopped in the town so that the driver/conductor could usher passengers onto a passing songthaew to Ubon Ratachinai (20THB - 1 hour). Made the mistake of not alighting at the train station and opted for bus from north bus station (5THB by songthaew). Bus left at 3 and took 8 hours to get to Khorat (190THB) - very crowded and uncomfortable - no stops for meals or toilet breaks. Feel sorry for those heading onto Bangkok another 3 hours away.

Stayed at noisy Tokyo Hotel (180THB) - not a great deal to see at Khorat but a friendly place and good for silk/cloth and fruit. The TAT office can be reached by #1 songthaew (5THB) and is open from 8.30 to 5 - very helpful on things to see and do in the area. Surprised by amount of rain here compared to Laos - every day there have been 1-2 hour downpours, and in the evenings as well.

Buses to Phimai leave #2 bus terminal every 30 minutes from 7a.m. (24THB -fan, 35THB a/con) and take 1.5 hours. Stayed at Old Phimai GH (130THB) - very friendly and great location for nearby Khmer ruins (40THB entry if they'll take your money). Fortunate to be there when performing mini Sound & Light show, good fun - 500THB with buffet, 300THB for show only. Great way to meet locals. The National Museum is open from 8.30a.m. to 4p.m. and cost 30THB - worth an hour to view the interesting exhibits (with explanations in English).

Bus to Buriram from Khorat cost 48THB and took a little over 2 hours. Buriram another interesting town with pleasant moats in the old city and a great night market. Stayed at Grand Hotel (210THB a night).

What about travel from BKK to Laos... ?  Prefer through Chaing Mai by Train.  Got any ideas or experience?