Hi, I got my tourist visa from Vientiane and I would like to share my experience that might help some people.
I exchanged money in Nong khai and rate was 1 Baht = 550 Lak. Also exchanged in Vientiane (std exchange ) 1 Baht = 650 Lak.
I got Laos e visa and it was 1900 baht. People who get visa on arrival pay only 1000 baht (that's what they told me) and all process same, there is no any advantage of having e visa. I will be happy if someone correct me or shed some light .
Rent a motorbike from Elephant Motorbike for 250 baht per day.
There is a bus from vientiena bus station to nong khai bus station and it is just 15.000 Lak.
Immigration process is smooth as long as you have all documents.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shares their experience acquiring a Laos tourist visa in Vientiane, including information on currency exchange rates (1 Baht = 550 Laotian Kip in Nong Khai and 1 Baht = 650 Kip in Vientiane) and the costs associated with obtaining an e-visa versus a visa on arrival. They mention that the e-visa cost them 1900 Baht while the visa on arrival can cost around 1000-2000 Baht, depending on nationality. The immigration process was smooth as they had all required documents. Other comments provide additional insights into appointment requirements for visas, advantages of e-visas, and varying visa fees based on nationality.