Day 60

31/08/2009

Leaving Vientaine we were at the Thai border within 30 minutes, and clear of Laos in another 30 minutes. Before crossing Friendship bridge across the Mekongl we crossed over to the left side of the road for the first left hand traffic country since England.

Thai roads are of a reasonable standard but our initial progress was slowed by there being no where to buy car insurance at the border, and having to drive into town. We were also looking for a bank to change Laos kips to Thai baht but non would change them. They told us we'd need to exchange them on the unofficial market.

Tesco have several stores in Thailand and we stopped at the Nong Khai branch to buy something for dinner. Wouldn't accept my Clubcard though.

We drove south during the afternoon covering about 300km then stopped to camp. Mosquitoes were on good form and the deet was applied liberally, but we all ended up with a bite or two.

Today is the half way point of the trip, in time available at least. We are certainly more than half way in distance so hopefully we get time to drive a little more of Australia than our original itinery allowed for.

Lat 15 24.41 N
Long 102 27.79 1
Distance 18595 km
Nearest Town Phon