Today I am up early, [which is just as well, because I couldn't sleep in the hot night.] to make my way to Mukdahan on the border with Laos. One of the things I am excited about today is that my virtual self gets to cross the Mekong river. It’s a more reasonable 28c today, and as I go a little more north, it looks like it will be lower from now on. Crossing at this point is not difficult, but the best advice is to get there early.
The bridge, known as the second Friendship bridge, is 1600 meters (1.0 mi) long and 12 meters (39 ft) wide, with two lanes for traffic. I have been driving on the left all through Thailand, but they drive on the right in Laos. This presents a bit of an issue on a bridge, so the cross over is only on the Thai side. I therefore have to remember to traffic onto the right. As long as the locals understand this rule, of course.
A ‘Visa on arrival’ system is reliably available at most overland crossings between Thailand and Laos, including the Huay Xai, Vientiane, Savannakhet (Where I am), Tha Khaek and Chong Mek entry points. Many border crossings have some form of departure tax, but there doesn’t seem to be one here. Now, a 30-day tourist visa for Laos should cost about US$35 depending on your nationality and the office you use. For reasons I couldn’t figure out, the fee for Canadians is about US$45. (Danger money? Extended insurance? I thought Canadians are supposed to be nice.)
I intend on being in Laos for about, ooh, four hours! But, as far as I can find out, I need a 30 day visa to do it in. (I suppose I could mill around for twenty-nine and a half days and make a dash to the other side, just for the hell of it! OK, maybe not.) All of the border visas are single entry, which is important to remember.
 If you look carefully, you can see me! |
 Oh look! It's another Friendship bridge. |
The Mekong river is very wide and a touch murky, but the view across the join of these two countries is incredible. Its estimated length is 4,350 km (2,703 mi). That’s longer than it is from New York to San Francisco. The river starts on the Tibetan plateau, and is the 12th longest river in the world and the 7th longest in Asia.
Looking back across the bridge at Thailand.
Once across the bridge I turn and head towards Savannakhet. It is mid afternoon and I could really do with a beer and a snack of some sort. I’l take a look around and tell you what to expect if you came here.