thursdaysd

More info on the canoer:

http://www.savethechildren.net/new_z...m/paddler.html
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m.../ai_n43481111/

Apologies for the digression, Sandy.

Kathie

Thanks for doing the additional research, Thursdays. I'll just have to stick with my inner vision of you and this guy and his canoe in the tuk-tuk.

Vientianeboy

The train does NOT go from Bangkok to Vientiane, but rather to Thanaleng, which is still about 30 minutes from Vientiane proper. If you want to go by train, take it to Nongkhai and then take a bus across the Friendship bridge and and taxi or tuk tuk to Vientiane.
Others have mentioned the Udon Thani route and this is fine and cheaper than flying to Vientiane from Krungthep. It is still about 1 1/2 hours to drive to Vientiane by mini bus from the airport though.
From memory the second class sleeper is around 1200 Baht.

sandy_b

I went ahead and booked tickets on the train with Traveller2000.com, a site recommended by Seat61.com. The fee was only about $5 and we could specify lower berths (can't specify if book yourself on line). We have two lower berths, 2nd class, a/c for +/- $30 ea. The tickets will be delivered to our hotel in Bangkok.

Thanks for all your help!
Sandy (in Denton)

Vientianeboy

A couple of points. Sandy, you are aware that the 2nd class sleeper is dormitory style? Nothing wrong with that as long as you know. Crellston's comments regarding delays at the border are at least 2 years out of date. The visa process has been greatly streamlined. Bring a couple of passport sized photos and $35.00USD if you are American, $30.00 if you are Australian. You can pay in Baht but the exchange rate is poor. Don't go to Thanaleng as suggested by some posters. Get off the train at NongKhai, go across the Friendship Bridge and take a taxi or tuk tuk to town.

sandy_b

Vientianeboy . . . yes, we do know . . . and I hope we don't keep everyone awake snoring! Thanks for the tip to get off at NongKhai, you are a great source of good info.

If you see two old blonde ladies wondering around looking lost in Vientiane, be sure to say "Hi." We'll buy you a beer.

Sandy (in Denton)

Vientianeboy

Will do; I will be wandering about town, so you may well see me. Have a great trip. If you want to try Lao food, make sure you try Kua Lao restaurant in Vientiane. It is very good.

sandy_b

VB: Kua Lao is already on my list of places to eat. I'll look for you . . . I'll be saying, "Vientianeboy?" to every guy I see . . . you might have better luck spotting us!

Thanks again,
Sandy (in Denton)

james63

Definitely book in advance if you want anything other than third class.
1st Class sleeper is a private 2 bunk cabin. 2nd class are curtained off. See www.seat61.com for full details.
Arrive 20 mins before departure...and allow for the Bangkok traffic!
Anything else? Security is best in 1st class...some thefts have occurred in 2nd and 3rd.

sandy_b

I'm back from my trip and thought I would follow up on the train trip. We loved it! We had two lower bunks across from each other . . . they were long and pretty comfy. The conductor made them up with a bottom sheet and pillow and we also were given a light-weight cotton thermal-type blanket. We had a reading light and a curtain . . . a lot more comfortable and private than European night trains.

We had a restroom at each end of the car, one western and one not . . . both had toilet paper the entire trip and were fairly clean. There was a separate sink area w/mirror outside of the restrooms. The doors to our car were locked and we felt secure.

We thought this was a pretty easy way to travel and it only cost about $30 each.

Thanks to all who helped,
Sandy (in Denton)

thursdaysd

Thanks for reporting back, sandy_b! I agree that you get more privacy with the parallel bunks and curtains. Hope the rest of the trip went well, too.

Kathie

Thanks for reporting back, Sandy.