I wanted to share my experience with Savanaket. I drove there from Pattaya myself over night. took 8 hrs to Mukdahan. I stayed in Mukdahan 1 day at the River front hotel which was ok at 800 baht. room and wifi were good. I went to the crossing early next day at 06.45 am and parked my car there for 250 baht. Crossing over is simple and easy using the bus at 50 baht. Into Laos and you get a visa on arrival for 1500 baht and then a tuktuk to the Thai consulate for 100 baht. It opened at 09.00am and there were about 12 people there. if you have the correct documents it takes less than 60 seconds to be passed. I went to get a Non O 12 month multi re entry visa being married to a Thai. It was easy and smooth. I was then at my hotel by 09.15am. I stayed at the Aura hotel. this is right next door to the Avalon hotel. The Aura was 900 baht per night. I have to it looks ok but the internet wifi is terrible. the food in the restaurant is also bad. I ordered some lunch and paid in Baht. i got ripped off and confronted them about it. They crapped it when they realized i had caught them out and i then get my correct change. Anyone silly enough to stay there be careful. Next door at the Avalon the wifi is excellent and the rooms just as good but cheaper also. There is a nightime area near the river front with a square with some bars and restaurants. Its not a busy place. but ok to hang out for the evening. Next day at 2pm collect my passport. hand in the white ticket they gave me the day before and iff to the crossing. I had already agreed with a tuktuk guy that me and a friend go there for 200 baht. When i arrived. the guy starts to demand more money. They turn nasty at this point as you are at the border. i am not scared of this guy and simply gave him the agreed price told him to call the police if he not happy. He shouts a bit and i just walk away. I dont stand for bullies and wont give into anyone like this. Anyone going to Savanakhet should take a picture of your tuktuk guy and write down your agreed price. Overall i would drive it again and if i had time would maybe have an extra day in Mukdahan first as it looks a nice place with friendly people. I did notice an immigration office along with a re entry permit office on the river front. Not sure if its open or if its for something different to the immigration at the bridge. Maybe some one call let us know if they know.