A friend of mine and her husband, (both UK passport holders), are visiting Phuket, and have asked me about them having a mini-break in Laos. Are visas issued on arrival in Laos, (and if so, the cost), are there any restrictions on travel within Laos itself, and is it possible to fly return from Phuket to Laos? Also will they have any problems getting back into Thailand from Laos - the will be on a tourist visa, will this be renewed once they leave Thailand and come back 2 or 3 days later?

Thanks for any replies.

Visas for UK passport holders are US$35 each and are available at the border. There are no travel restrictions in Laos and they will have no problems getting back into Thailand.

Airasia fly from Phuket to Udohn Thani direct. From Udohn airport you get a minibus to the Laos border (200BHT). It is very, very simple.

Make sure they have the correct clean dollar bills and passport photos as the Laotian immigration can be a bit grumpy at times.