I'm sure this has been covered before, but thought I would give a quick update on getting a 60 tourist visa in Vientiane. Handed in on Monday, which I think is the busiest day. Arrived at 8:30 and handed in the documents at 9:30 (Application form with 2 passport photos and copies of my inside passport page, Lao visa and entry stamp). I received around number 270. My number was called up the next day at around 2:30pm to give an estimate of how quickly they get through them.

If you are flying back from Udon Thani, I found that one cheap way to do it is take the bus from the central station next to the market (22'000 kip). It drops you off at the bus station next to central department. They also have metred taxis outside Central which cost me around 70 baht to the airport. I'm not sure if that is any cheaper than tuk tuks.

Just thought I'd add my experience for those who might benefit. I have just done a visa run to the Thai consulate in Vientiane. Apparently, Monday is not the good day to show up. I can't complain about the service but it was exceptionally busy. guessing over 500 people. apparently Monday is the day all the tours do their visa's. I say this as when you pick your visa up on the Tuesday afternoon, the same 500 people will be there and also at the bridge (on both sides). If you are trying to make the last flight from UTH to CNX (at 18:20) you might be pushed for time unless you were very early in the queue on the Monday morning ( IE before 06:00) I was told that arriving Wednesday for a Thursday Pick up is the way to go.

Quick thank you post.

A few small tips for this visa run made it 110% better!