Just moving this topic over from another thread.
Originally Posted by
dsquared37
I believe you are correct.
Champasak Province has a land border with Ubon (Thailand). The Mekong swings into Laos and does not form the border in the far south of Laos.
While I haven't crossed this border in a few years it was a regular for me from 2007-2009 and there was nothing around except shacks selling Beer Lao and other sundries. The chances of finding a car on the Laos side are slim and there's a pretty good possibility you wouldn't find your Thai rental car on the return.
There are (or at least were) buses running between Ubon and Pakse which took about 3 hours including the stop at immigration. Very convenient.
Not sure about the prospect of car rentals in Laos however. Last we looked, about 18 months ago, up north and the choices were abysmal and expensive.
I've talked to a couple of rental agencies in Ubon. They say "Don't go to Laos" but I'm not sure there is any practical way for them to know or stop you.
Bus seems like a good idea but limited mobility once you get to Pakse.
I'm thinking it might also make sense to find a contact in Paske who will drive over and pick me up in Ubon.