Cross the border from Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani to Laos' Pakse

Q: I’m interested in visiting Wat Phu in Pakse, Laos. I know Pakse is not far from Ubon Ratchathani so I intend flying from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani and would like to know how I should travel from there into Laos. Specifically how far is it and how long is the trip from Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse by bus? I am planning to go in February. Thanks. JJ
A: If you fly from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, just take a bus or a taxi from the airport to the main bus station in town. Thai Airways, Nok Air and Air Asia all operate a service and if you take an early flight, it’s possible to get to Pakse the same afternoon, as there are departures from Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse on the Thai-Lao International Bus at 9.30am and 3.30pm. The total distance is about 135 kilometres and a ticket costs Bt200 per person for a one-way trip. A passport or border pass is required when purchasing tickets. You can call Ubon Ratchathani Bus Station at (045) 314 299.
It takes about two hours to get the border crossing at Chong Mek where you have to get off the bus and get a visa. Passengers have to walk across to the Lao side then get back to the bus again after the visa is granted. If you take a bus only to Chong Mek, there are taxis and vans available at Ban Vang Tao to take you to Pakse, which is just 45 kilometres from the border checkpoint.
In fact, Wat Phu is located about 45 kilometres south of Pakse in Champasak province, of which Pakse is the capital. Most likely, you will need to spend a night in Pakse and the next day travel by minibus or the temple.
The temples are not quite impressive as some of those in the Angkor complex in Cambodia. However, the peace and serenity of Wat Phu makes this place very special. The lack of tourists also makes it more enjoyable, particularly when you climb to the top to view the whole temple complex from there.
Enjoy your trip.

Q: I’m taking to take the whole family on a trip to Chiang Mai and would like them to enjoy a khantoke dining experience. Can you recommend a good khantoke restaurant where my grandparents don’t have to sit on the floor for two hours while dining and watching the performance? I haven’t been to any but assume most of them are floor sitting, which will be a problem for my grandparents. Thanks, Tod
A: How sensible you are! Of course, there are places to take your family to enjoy the special Lanna dining tradition. Many people from Bangkok and from other parts of Thailand always visit a Khantoke dinner restaurant when in Chian Mai.
In fact, many restaurants offer Khantoke with floor and chair seating options. Usually diners have to take their shoes off and then sit on the floor around a low table sharing the meal in the middle in groups of four. Some Khantoke places have cut through the floor allowing chair seating at a Khantoke-style table. Others provide standard table and chairs on request. Among the popular ones are Khun Khantoke, Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre and Sib Song Panna. Khun Khantoke is the best known and has beautiful cultural shows. However, those who take floor seating tend to get a better view of the shows, as tables are located further away. The entire experience takes about two hours and is certainly something you should do while visiting Chiang Mai.