Have you ever been to Vientiane? If not, you have something very special still instore for you.
Ever been jealous of the Old Thailand Hands when they talk about how good it was here twenty or thirty years ago? Well, a trip to Laos is like a trip through time. Quiet streets, low pressure, friendly people and a lot less stress and hassel. Visit temples, try a traditional Chinese medicinal massage and sauna (massage about 100 baht and sauna less than 40 baht). Feast at traditional French restaurants where filet mignon, fresh vegetables and potatoe can be had for under 200 baht. Sit along the sides of the mekong river and sip down a Beer Lao at sunset, about 35 baht for the big bottle. Relax. Great Lao food too. Generally larger servings than the similar dish in Thailand, for about the same price. Nightlife can be fun, it's not the glitzy go go bar scene you find in Pattaya, but there are some very fun local bars and clubs with great bands and attractions. Need a visa adjustment? Vientiane is one of the closest cities with a Thai Embassy, where you can be issued Non-Immigrant visas, retirement visas, or the regular 60 day (plus 30 days local extension) tourist visa. Staff at the Embassy there are helpful and effecient, with applications accepted through 12 noon and issued the following day after 1PM.
Getting there is a pleasure too. You can take the train from Pattaya, transfer to a sleeper train in Bangkok, spend a couple of hours partying in the bar car, and then climb back into your sleeper berth for a good nights sleep before arriving in Nong Khai first thing in the morning. Various levels of accommodations are available on the train, from semi-private air con rooms, to berths in an air con sleeping car, to berths in a fan sleeper car, to third class seats.
So, for a relaxing good time, a chance to experience a piece of the past, or a good trip for visa
processing, try Vientiane. For more information on Laos, visas or tours, call Thai Sabai Services Co, Ltd. at 038-420-108 or drop by and chat on Soi Rungland next to Margaritavilla Bar & Grill.
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