Thailand to Laos, A Land Crossing

Just before our exit out of Thailand we stopped briefly at Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple). Far from conventional, this artistic buddhist temple is more of a tourism venture than a religious structure. Both a riveting and blinding sight, the magnificent building is still heavily under construction with local artists painting and sculpting, seemingly oblivious to the masses of tourists that pass by them each day. Inside the ceilings are ornately painted akin to the Sistine Chapel.

Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple)

When we reached the Mekong River it was a surreal experience looking across at Laos whilst still standing on Thailand ground. 

View of Laos from Chiang Khong, Thailand 

After little more than a two minute ride across the water and a very informal border control experience at Houay Xai, we were relaxing with a Beerlao enjoying our first of many sunsets over the Mekong River. 

Sunset over the Mekong (View of Thailand from Houay Xai, Laos)

Laos (Lao, the 's' is not spoken), now a communist country, was twice under French rule and the European influence is ongoing. Baguettes and croissants became part of our staple diet. Buildings and guesthouses had distinct French Colonial style. We also noticed quickly that vehicles drive on the right hand side of the road, valuable information for safe road crossing. Lao people are friendly and proud and always impeccably dressed. We later learned that this is fostered in youth with strict rules for neat appearance at school. Kids played freely on the streets, often keeping themselves entertained with handheld fireworks and badminton.

Laos is completely landlocked and shares a very close relationship with Thailand. Borders crossings are easy going, friendships bridges for those who opt for road travel. Dual currencies are accepted (although you need sharp conversion skills to make sure you're not over paying). We found the language (in our case, extending only to very basic greetings) very similar - same same but different.