How long is the VOA valid for when you cross into Laos from Thailand. Also I would appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction. My Thai wife and I(European) are thinking of going to Laos to teach for three months(we are both qualified English teachers). I need lots of info, can we extend our visas, can we work there legally, what is the cost of living, how hard/easy is it to get work etc.. etc.. I have now idea on this subject whatsoever.

The visa on arrival in Laos entitles you to stay for 30 days and costs 35 US dollars for UK/US citizens and upto 42 US dollars for other countries, Thai citizens with passport can enter for upto 30 days without a visa. Inside Laos it is possible to extend the visa but I think the cost is prohibitive for long stay and it would be easier and cheaper to do a visa run to Thailand and return for another 30 days with VOA. Cost of living in Laos seems to be lower than northeast Thailand and it is possible to rent property very reasonably. The Lao government seems to be more welcoming to "the foreigner" than Thailand and it is even possible to own property in Laos. Do not know about getting teaching work but I suspect that you would be able to find it as English is widely spoken, at least around Vientiane.