Anybody give a recent update on the visa sitaution for crossing into Laos via Chiang Khong - huay Xai?

Are there visas on arrival or is it neccessary to get one from a Lao Embassy/consulate. Or do agencies sell them locally?

Thanks for any recent experiences at using this crossing.

HERE and AGAIN are two links to relevant info.

Bear in mind you'll only get a 15 day visa at the border as opposed to a 30 day variety at the embassy.

Thanks Derek for those links. Looks like there's not too many done that crossing, at least lately, judging by the number of replies. Maybe all the real travelers use LP these days and thaivisa mostly gets the fly everywhere type?

Do you know what the visa charge at the border is, as opposed to getting one at Chiang Mai/Khon Kaen consulates?

Sure it's $30. If convenient for you, you can get a 30 day visa, valid within a 60 day window in Bangkok for about the same price.