what is the easiest way to get to chiang khong from bangkok, please. if by bus, from which bus station, which company and at what time and any other ideas/details would be appreciated bt a geriatric backpacker!

You can take a bus to Chiang Mai-from the northern bus terminal or Khao San Road. From Chiang Mai there are plenty of buses.
Other options would be to fly to Chaing Mai on Bangkok airways, our favourite airline, or take a train up.

The easiest is flying. It was about $30us last year for this flight. The bus station in Chiang Khong is a short tuk tuk ride from the border crossing to Laos.

HI

Will you go to Laos? I'd been Laos by crossing Chaing Klong border as well.

You can take bus from Bangkok to Chaing Klong directly. Let's go to NORTHERN bus terminal (also called "Mor Chit"),

There are many company but that time i went with Sombat Tour. it is ok.

below are schedule of 999 co., Ltd which operate by the government

- 32 seats bus, 739Baht, departure time is 19.00, arrival time is 8.00am
- 40 seats bus, 634Baht, departure time: 7.00 & 20.00 arrival time: 20.00 and 9.00am respectively.
- 44 seats bus, 493Baht, departure time: 16.30~19.40

If you want to take slow boat to Luang prabang, you should buy depart bkk around 19.00 eventhough 20.00 will be arrive on time but it is risky if your bus is delay or traffic jam.


however price may be changed regarding increasing gasoline expense.