Leaving Chang Saen proved slightly more difficult than expected since the Ute driver wanted to charge over the odds and passengers including ourselves tried to revolt. 3 Laos gentlemen asked us where we were heading and once we told them Luang Namtha they laughed as they explained that was their hometown and they were on the return, brilliant! To make use of our time spent refusing to enter the vehicle Prue and I ordered coffee, the lady did not stay round long enough for me to ask for some coffee with my cappuccino of foam. Finally the driver turned angry and lowered the prices as we began to arrange a charter vehicle which was tough since the tuk tuks refused to even consider taking us, possibly another form of mafia control within Thailand.

It didnt half cause a bit of shouting between the fellows while we girls sat chatting to an old lady whose left over teeth were stained red, by chatting I mean nodding and laughing. The driver, quite angry gave us a manic drive, a couple of bruises to the head were obviously included in 1 ½ hour overpriced trip. Following this it became an absolute breeze to exit out of Thailand. Only troublesome when trying to keep balance clambering to the back of the canoe shaped motor vessel for the 40 baht journey. A mere 15 seconds later we ram into the country that is Laos, obviously not enough time to find your sea legs as everyone graciously staggers their way to land. The immigration department at Huay Xia require a passport, a photo and dollar, different amounts for each country, Prues cheaper than me by 5 big ones. I'll forgive them for not giving us a welcome for making it so easy!