I just did a border bounce today at Chiang Khong. Well I asked if I could take my bike into Laos. Easy peasy. No police Tea money. Only visa $40 and 140 baht to customs. And they filled out all my paperwork for me. What a great day. Will stay in Laos for a few days riding the bike. Great to be back in Laos on the bike. Forgot how much I love this country.