I am considering a 'passport shuffle' run to Savannakhet instead of Vientiane. I have visited Vientiane three times already over the years but fancy a change to something possibly slower. I was looking for a suitable forum to seek advice on nice lodgings and things to do on the Thai side as well as similar information for the couple of nights over the river. My wife and son will be coming along so no worries with their passports and a short-stay. Just looking for things to do, eat and see while on both sides of the border. There's an Aussie guy I used to work with offshore with who lives over Mukdahan way so if C Renshaw is a forum member (or someone knows him), please PM me.

Thanks,

NL

Mukdahan

There is a recent topic about where to stay in Mukdahan, The Waterfront. The river side market is tatty but you there is an observation tower to scale which give great views. There is a Louts and a few decent places to eat in town. We stayed at Ploy Palace which was adequate.

Laos

Crossing into Savannakhet, the Laos immigration did not accept my US dollars for the Laos visa, so had to pay Thai baht. Also i had to pay tea money to enter Laos.

You have the casino which is 15 minutes away from the town.

In town we found very little to do. There is some good info on Trip Adviser on where to stay and eat.

Have a look at www.mukdahan-manor.com for the best place to stay and for the best food in Mukdahan, International and Thai menu.The Restaurant is called The Waterfront - Song Fung Khong. Are you going to drive your own car over or take the Bus. A third option is to take a Mini Bus and Driver who knows where to take you, Hotels, Food and sightseeing. Probably the safest and best as it is very difficult to find where things are. If you want a price let me know.