What are the pros and cons of applying for an SETV in Vientiane by myself versus going through an agency?

Agencies are good especially if you have complicated situation or want assistance with travel plans. If you're getting a normal SETV, its a simple process and really doesn't require the help of an agency. I have not pulled a SETV from Vientiane in a while so I couldn't comment about their procedures. However, many neighboring embassies are user friendly - and it's a simple process.

Good luck.

Try Thai visa service, vans leave On Nut every evening. Cost around 3200B for van and hotel in Loas.

I just went to Vientiane (through land border) last week applying ED Visa, I went with agency as they arrange and prepare things like hotel, food, cars/vans to pick me up, application forms, photocopies...etc for me, so I can focus on preparing and applying Visa. I think it depends on if you prefer these get sorted out for you or do it by yourself:)

Most importantly to apply Visa in Vientiane, like Jeremy Miller said - book appointment on the website to get your queue number, they dont accept applicant without the queue number.

Staffs at the gate would call the queue number and they check if your queue number/name/passport number/booking dates are all matched, then they let you in. The next day, you would use the same queue number to get your passport&visa back.

First off make an appointment for the visa...as last I heard they do not do walk up service anymore...agency are helpful but only if you have an appt but they might be able to backdoor the system by making appointments for individuals then saying they never arrived...