How long does it take to travel from Nong Khai to Vientiane to reach the Thai consulate using public transport?

@Michael *******

No the bus station is closer to town. Only option if not walking is tuk tuk

@Michael *******

I’m 100% with you about the association with taxis and the class struggle ,,,I never even used to get in a tuk tuk when I first came to Asia and I haven’t been in a tuk tuk in over 20 years ,,,,Laos is a communist country so look on it as your helping the driver to feed his family if push comes to shove and you do need to get one ,,,I doubt you will though ,,,I never use a taxi in Chiang mai ,,I have a bicycle thst cost me 2000 baht to buy and I have been all over Chiang mai on it ,,,you can easily save Money ,,but the taxi driver of today is the working class worker in your country ,,help them sometimes ,,enjoy Laos and slow down

@Kev ********

I wonder how much respect you have for the citizens of the country in which you’ve chosen to live.

@Ruth ******

I have a lot of respect for those who deserve it which is why Im well accepted. My respect is somewhat shown by having learned their language, some history, acceptance of buddhist teachings, the geography, economics of the country. I don't look down on anyone and socialise with friends from labourers to lawyers doctors etc. There is a huge amount of racism here especially Thai to Cambodians. Us farangs also can experience racism. What made you ask the question Ruth?

@Kev ********

but you made very clear that you look down upon those who rely upon public transit. You say you don’t look down upon labourers, but then you’ve done exactly that. If you really don’t do so in your real life, perhaps you need to remember to bring the same respect to your online actions. I’ll admit that the difference is not uncommon. Maybe we can both help improve the online.

@Ruth ******

that is not what he said. Good grief stop being so judgmental and sanctimonious.

@Sheen ***********

I’m not in the least bit surprised that someone stood up for him. The number of people who live in Thailand because their money goes further, then look down at those who have less, is astounding.

@Ruth ******

you asked how much respect i have for the people of the country I live in Ruth not travellers in the country. With regards budget travellers that's up to their own decisions. I've been a budget traveller in the past but always had a reserve. It may well be that a taxi above local bus service is a good option. There is a newspaper here called ThaiTiger which documents accidents travellers have had without insurance. The injuries range from minor to critical and lead to appeals for "Go Fund Me" because visitors have opted not to have cover.

@Kev ********

where did he say that he didn’t have reserves? He said he is traveling on a shoestring budget and doesn’t have money FOR A TAXI. That doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have reserves that he doesn’t want to spend on a taxi. Who made you in charge of his budget and assessment of who he is based upon a few words?

I travel differently than he, but I know people who choose a path similar to his. I have great respect for them and they DO have budgets for emergencies. The reason they do is that they reserve it for…wait for it…emergencies.

At this time, please tell me what is the reason you have, beyond his budget, to show him such disrespect? Is it the fact that he has the advanced planning to have an appointment setup. Is it the fact that he’s asking how long public transit takes to get to that appointment? What exactly is wrong with what he has done that has earned him disrespect or any reason to believe he is not prepared for his travels other than the fact that he said he is trying to stay within a budget?

@Ruth ******

oh you're way over the top Ruth.You should read my comment better. If his budget is that tight it doesn't bode well. So many factors to consider. How far is it from op location to destination, if close there may not even be a bus. If not too far a taxi meter starts at 35 baht ok, that's equivalent to a budget meal. $1 approx. Local bus 10 baht so only 25 baht extra for a taxi. Around 70 cents? If it's far then yes, a bus is cheaper and credit to the traveller for finding the right bus for the destination.

@Michael *******

good luck, matey. And always safe travels!

@Kev ********

well I have met backpackers who live on shoestrings (copied from Charlie Chaplin) but that was in the 1980-ies