I've read that one can apply for the Lao E visa prior to flying into VTE.

 

And now, apparently as of this month, the TM6 replaced by TDAC... which is done online, within 72 hours prior to re-entry?

 

Let me know if chat GPT is lying to me. Or if it's true, is the experience relatively painless? Just exit and exemption stamps?

 

That would be nice. Paperwork at the border has always been stressful to me. Never knowing if it was filled out correctly or not.

 

The one concern I might have is having bad Internet in Vientiane, and fighting with the Thai TDAC website to get it filled completely.

Yes a  Lao e-visa can be done in advance and it can be used at VTE, it's best to print it but not essential.  You'll also need to complete Lao arrival/departure card (paper). 

 

The TDAC is easy to do on your return, internet access shouldn't be any issue at all, I use a cheap esim from gigago when I'm there and never had any coverage issues.

6 hours ago, Hal65 said:

Lao E visa

Use the official site......

 

https://www.laoevisa.gov.la/index