The far north - The Rough Guide to Laos - page 297

CROSSING INTO THAILAND
With the opening in 2013 of the grand Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (daily
6am-10pm), 11km south of the old ferry landing, foreigners are no longer permitted to
use the river crossing to Chiang Khong. The easiest way to cross the border is to take a
sawngthaew to the new bus station and pick up one of the direct VIP services direct to Chi-
ang Rai (57,000K), via Chiang Khong, which leave at 8am, 9am, 4pm and 5pm. Altern-
atively, take a sawngthaew to the bridge (20,000K), from where (after Lao immigration)
buses shuttle across to Thai immigration (7000K) - visas are available on arrival - then a
tuk-tuk to Chiang Khong (150-200 baht); from here you can catch direct buses to Chiang
Rai and Chiang Mai. There are banks and an information point at the bridge.
INFORMATION
Tourist information The tourist office (Mon-Fri 8.30am-noon & 1.30-4pm; 084
211162), just south of the old ferry landing, has some useful information boards but is mainly
interested in pointing customers towards its tours.
Internet The Gateway Villa Hotel at the top of the old ferry landing has internet terminals
(10,000K/hr).
ACCOMMODATION
There's a lot of accommodation on offer in Houayxai - if possible, arrive before noon, as a
lot of the better places fill up early. For now most remain clustered around the old ferry land-
ing, though there a few good options around the slow boat landing, 1km north.
Arimid Just south of the slow boat landing 084 211040. A collection of a dozen basic but
attractive two-room bungalows, quite pleasant if a bit squeezed together, with en-suite bath-
rooms, plus a very cheap restaurant. If you're looking for somethin g with Lao flavour, or are
planning on staying in Houayxai a few days, this is a good choice. 80,000K
Friendship 100m south of the old ferry landing 084 211219. One of the cheapest options.
Rooms are dark with rather hard beds but have pretty bed spreads - though you wouldn't ask
whoever chose the colour scheme to decorate your house. 60,000K
Gateway Villa At the top of the old ferry landing 084 212180, gateway-
[e-mail] . The smartest hotel in the centre attracts mainly Chinese custom,
but is still friendlier to Western visitors than many places up north. The small doubles are a
good dea l for single travellers. Sometimes fills up with groups. Breakfast and a/c included.
100,000K
Khaupjai 200m south of the old ferry landing 020 5568 3164. Sparklingly clean new gues-
thouse with comfy beds and showers that point straight into the lavatory bowl, so you can