I only have to drive 15 km to the Thai border so I can take it easy in the morning and that's a good thing because I notice from my solid sleep that the long driving days don't get me in my cold clothes.
Around 10 am I knock at the border of Laos. Stamping my passport at immigration and the Carnet of the motorcycle at customs goes fairly smoothly. Even though I have to come to the aid of the customs officer again and point out where the right stamps should be placed. But a little later I drive over the 1200 meter long Friendship Bridge over the Mekong river that connects Laos and Thailand.
On the side of Thailand I thought it would go faster, but the same story there too. I can somewhat understand that the customs officers do not immediately know what to do with my Carnet. They won't come across many in a work week. But what I don't understand is the total disarray of the routes to follow and order of counters.
The procedures are the same in all countries: stamping person and possibly. means of transport upon entry and stamp upon departure from a country. Simple right?
But at no border office of the 26 border crossings so far these things are clearly marked and you are sent from one counter to another building. Sometimes even hundreds of meters apart! Every time an annoying search in hot conditions. In this respect, border offices could take an example from airports, where everything is usually clearly indicated.
Anyway, I'm back in Thailand! Lovely smooth asphalt, delicious ice-coffee at Amazon and a 7-Eleven on every street corner. Soooo luxurious!
