Entering Lao Territory

From Chiang Khong to Huay Xia, Laos
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I entered Laos from the Northern Border crossing of Chiang Khong surprisingly with considerable ease. I'm glad I avoided all the people trying to sell me visa's in Thailand for 1700 Baat as Lao was a very easy Country to enter and get a month visa for $35 U.S..

First sight as I was (FOB) a man drinking Rum at 10:00am in the morning. It kind of set the tone for the relaxed and kickback state of mind Lao people seem to maintain.

I stayed one night in Huay Xai at Friend Guest House which had a nice hard bed and clean accomodations for $3.50 U.S.. In the morning I quickly boarded a 9:30am bus ride from the town bus station to a Northern town called Luang Nam Tha. I was not sure how a bus loaded to the hilt with produce, chickens, roofing, store supplies, motos on the roof, and a full capacity of people would make it to the town in the alloted 6 hours but sure enough it did. One thing is for sure hearing a flat tire 30 minutes into the bus ride climbing through rugged and steep mountains makes for an interesting ride.

Just a small load on top of the bus to Luang Nam Tha
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Minus the massive amount of slash and burn logging from the border, the ride was absolutely beautiful. The views of the Mountains, rice rields, and villages gave me the necessary positive energy for entering a new and foreign country.