Hi all,

I'm planning my route through Laos and Cambodia and I have a couple of questions for those of you who've done it.

First, I believe that it's currently possible to cross into Laos from Thailand on a bike at the Friendship Bridge. Has anyone done that recently and can you confirm that it's possible?

Second, I'd like to head south to Cambodia through Laos. I've heard the road (highway 13) is paved some of the way but gets bad in southern Laos. Has anyone ridden the length of 13 through Laos into Cambodia? Can you tell me what conditions to expect in the rainy season?

And what kind of visas are available/required? Lonely Planet says that Laos tourist visas are available at the Friendship Bridge, but there are no visas available at the border crossing between Laos/Cambodia so I need to get my Cambodia visa in Bangkok. Is this true? If so, how long does it take to get a Cambodia tourist visa in Bangkok?

And lastly, Lonely Planet says that the stretch of highway between the border crossing at Laos/Cambodia and Phnom Penh is very dangerous (bandits). Is this true? If so, since I'll be travelling alone, it might be best to cross back into Thailand at Pakse, head south, and enter Cambodia at Sisophan.

Any advice about this route would be appreciated. Thanks.

Story

[This message has been edited by Story Leavesley (edited 20 August 2003).]