I plan on staying in the Vientiane area for a couple of months this february and want to ask if it is possible for me to travel to Udon Thani for shopping etc without too much trouble, can I keep my visa on arrival in thailand open even thou I exit to Laos or do I have to go throu immigration each time, also I am building a home there, can I buy things in thailand (appliances,windows etc) and bring them into Laos or not , tarrifs to pay etc, any info would be appreciated, callao

According to my and my friends' experience it depends on what visa you have for Laos. The permanent expat residents in Laos have no trouble making countless trips back and forth. Appliances: also depends on visa and the type of your car number plate.