I-flybynight
Feb 21, 04, 11:20 am
We had the displeasure of taking an overnight bus to the Laos boarder. It was a terrible uncomfortable ride but the price was right. $12.00.
If you're planning on going into Laos here are some tips and things to avoid.
Both the bus and the train stop near the boarder and then you must take a taxi or Tuk tuk to the boarder. You have to bargan and you shouldn't pay more than 50-60 BHT.
The scam is that the driver ask you if you have a visa and since most don't they tell you that they'll look after you and get it all arranged.
They take you to this offical looking building and a visa application is given for you to fill out. My traveling partner asked how much. 2000 bht or over $55 US dollars. The real cost at the boarder is $30. We then said no thanks, now the driver took us to the boarder and asked why we didn't buy the visa and we told him it was too expensive, yes he said sometimes they over charge but I know another place on the way and it's only 1800. Never ever allow yourself to be taken at the boarder in Laos.
Go to the boarder and apply in person for only $30.
Hope this helps you save some money. and Dam the rip off thai specialist.
If you're planning on going into Laos here are some tips and things to avoid.
Both the bus and the train stop near the boarder and then you must take a taxi or Tuk tuk to the boarder. You have to bargan and you shouldn't pay more than 50-60 BHT.
The scam is that the driver ask you if you have a visa and since most don't they tell you that they'll look after you and get it all arranged.
They take you to this offical looking building and a visa application is given for you to fill out. My traveling partner asked how much. 2000 bht or over $55 US dollars. The real cost at the boarder is $30. We then said no thanks, now the driver took us to the boarder and asked why we didn't buy the visa and we told him it was too expensive, yes he said sometimes they over charge but I know another place on the way and it's only 1800. Never ever allow yourself to be taken at the boarder in Laos.
Go to the boarder and apply in person for only $30.
Hope this helps you save some money. and Dam the rip off thai specialist.