We left the White Temple and carried on to the Nam Khong Guesthouse and Resort in Chiang Khong in preparation to cross the Mekong into Lao. We arrived at nightfall but had a good chance to view the northern Thailand countryside along the way: strawberry farms, rice fields, teak trees The scenic tropical guest house provided evening and breakfast meals during which time CEO Beam briefed us on what to expect at the Thai-Laos border crossing and what lay ahead during our two-day Mekong River adventure. 

Sue-On bought mosquito repellant, drinks and snacks at the nearby 7-11 and Bill bought an Indochina tourist book at the guesthous. Hotel packed lunch for us to take on the Mekong boat (burger and fries, noodles and veg). We packed essentials for our Pakbeng one-night half-way guesthouse stay on the Mekong slow boat trip. A shuttle bus took us to the river border customs Thai side. Paid US$42 for Lao Visas. Traded Thai bahts for Lao kips. Quick pass through security and boarded empty tourist bus, which was soon filled to standing room only by Asian tourists. We crossed over the Mekong river on the new bridge that has replaced the ferry linking Chiang Khong to Huay Xai.