Entering at Huay Xai

I've waited over an hour at Huay Xai for VOA, but that was during prime time 8-9am with the masses. If you're not in a hurry it's way more relaxed after the boats have gone, post slowdown lunch break 1-4 afternoon it's very easy. Bring crisp unmarked $35USD for the visa.

Thank you all.

Deciding to get my visas in advance rather than wait online or for anyone tor return from lunch, I took the paperwork into Lao consulate on S Street in DC on Tuesday noon. He said I could get them that afternoon for additional $20 but I had no time and already had UPS ground envelope.
Visa clerk was pleasant and polite.

I received passports and visas this morning Thursday so elapsed time was less than 48 hours from drop-off to return at my door.

Earlier this year we opted for VOA and the process took about 25 minutes. We arrived at the same time as several bus loads from a group tour so this crossing probably took a little longer than the norm. It appeared a little disorganized however seem to flow smoothly although slowly. Once through immigration there are a number of buses and taxi's waiting to take travellers to the boats.