Can you go into Laos from the Chiang Rai area? If so, can you get visas there? What's good to see if you only have a couple of days?

You can do a visa-less entry into Laos for a few hours (not worth it in my opinion) just by crossing the river. There is a legal entry crossing somewhere in that area. In the past, it didn't issue visas, but may be able to do so now. Check the latest Lonely Planet guide or post on ThornTree for the latest info on visa availability.

Kathie is right as usual. You can visit Dao Sao which is a little village on the Laos side of the river. You don't need a visa for this visit but as Kathie says it's not really worth it. All that is there is 20 or so tourist shops with Laotian whiskey and tons of other souveniers. You can also send a postcard from Laos as they have a post box there and sell stamps. We sent postcards to our freinds and it really works as everyone we sent from there was received about 6 weeks later.

Aloha!

Crough, I believe the most common Thai/Lao border crossing occurs about 2 hours from Chiang Rai. You can get a bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong and then take a ferry across to Houey Xai. From here, most folks take a boat to Luang Prabang (although I believe it can also be an access point for Udomaxi, etc. ) Lonely Planet folks have lots of info on this area. Sara

Sara - how long does this take, and is the transporation safe and relatively reliable?
I am considering travelling from CR to LP, but don't want to have to fly back to BKK and lose a day...
This may be an alternative..
thanks

The slow boat is two full days, and packed and uncomforrtable (you spend a night in a village with very basic accommodations, it's not pre-arranged, you have to find your own); the speedboat is one full day, but is dangerous and uncomfortable, and you'll lose hearing for a while from the engine roar. If you are interested in either of these options, go over to the Thorntree and read about them. There are many scams associated with the boats, guys who arrive and demand money for "insurance" or the boat doesn't go, etc.

There is a new "cruise" boat you can take, more upscale, better accommodations (you spend the night in a village). Someone posted a question about it recently. The advance purchase prices were very steep. It doesn't operate every day, and I think the jury is still out on how reliable/comfortable. etc it is.

Thanks, Kathie. It looks like I may travel from CR to CM, then hop the plan. I had hoped to avoid CM, not one of my favorite cities in Thailand. Thanks again.

I've found a few ways to get from Houey Xai to Luang Prabang - slow boat (2 days, overnight in Pakbeng, approx. $25), LuangSay Cruise (2 days, stay in their lodge in Pakbeng, more upscale, a whopping $380 per person) or the Naga of Mekong (which I've booked) $70 per person, not a speed boat but a slow boat outfitted with a bigger motor - makes the trip downstream in 9 hours so you don't have to stay overnight in Pakbeng.

zoo, If you do the Naga, please report back to us. I'd heard rumors of it, but haven't seen any first hand reports. Overcrowding has been a big issue on a lot of the boats, so I'm wondering whether Naga will limit the number of people on the boat.

fyi

found this recently

http://www.bangkokian.com/index/inde...iew&id=552

Kathie, I certainly will report back. I've heard of overcrowding too, but mainly on the slow-boats, so I'm hoping the premium price-tag will prevent that I did hear from two other folks who did the Naga trip and both confirmed that it was limited seating, food was served, and it generally went on as advertised. Hope to have the same experience!!!