If there's other people going to Lao (Vientianne) direction at the very end of May for visa trip we could try to make very best of it and rent spacey and comfortable Toyota minivan and make the best out of the trip. From Samui to there and back should not be more than 3000 - 4000 B/person (just covering van, driver and gas) for the whole trip if we are 6.

Please reply me (with phone number) if the schedule (leaving Samui 31st and going to Vientianne consulate morning of June the 2nd on Monday - Back after visas are given, on Samui 5th?) fits your schedule and lets do a road trip with one night in Bangkok going both directions(near Cowsan road)! I assume this could be the most fun (safe without hurry) way to do the trip... If there's enough people (min.5) I will call around and organize a transport and make a transport schedule for the budget.

I know squat about details so just read that underneath thread. Been to Vientianne thought and done van trips too with multiple independent van operators and safety is my prime concern. Fun and comfortable trip part is good second though...

You can read more details about Lao Visa from thread that covers Lao Visa run topic over here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=158561

aw too bad, i have to go end of april