Run To The Future

I took a motorbike, 2 buses, and an expensive gaudy tuk tuk to get to Chang Mai from Chiang Khong. Total cost, $16AUD. A tuk tuk/taxi, then a minivan from the Chinese/Laos border to Houayxai, cost $140AUD. Fuck Laos is expensive. The first bus from Chiang Khong to Chaing Rai was a local bus. Lots of fans attached to the ceilings and doors (front and back) and windows open. Pretty relaxing actually, and I was tired enough to fall asleep sitting up. The bus from Chang Rai to Chang Mai was a luxurious coach with air con and a crazy Thai martial arts movie! Ok, so getting a minivan in Laos is expensive. That evil woman claimed it should cost 3000baht and so $80US was actually a good deal, but am I going to believe a single word she says? Normal buses in Laos are cheaper. 110 000 kip (um, still $14US) from Houayxai to Luang Phabang, but they are in shit condition, have to go over really bad roads and lots of mountains, and are full of English tourists.