Latin expert

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Thank You emmeff for such a "speedy" reply, regarding "b".
Unfortunately (in a way) we have an ANZ-Visa card (which includes travel insurance; with the usual exclusions) for many years.
As you have pointed out rightly, we are "hammered" when using these cards outside Australia, which, "over the top" fees for
ATM-withdrawals, at each end, about $ 5, per transaction, plus a "currency transaction fee" of 3%, whether at an ATM, or,
purchases, plus, the lowest exchange-rate they have for this day. While we have quite a HIGH ATM limit with ANZ, Banks in CAMBODIA....; had a limit of approx. $ 500. Going in to the Bank, they would pay out 4x as much, "but" divided it up to $ 500
lots, which cost us four transaction, EACH side.
We generally (since the good old American T/Ch became almost obsolete) always carry a "very fair" amount of Cash (well protected) with us.
Well, IF Australian Dollars (clean bills, as usual) are accepted easy in LAOS, we will go this way again.
Regards,
Willy

Regarding (b).

If you change AUD to USD or EUR and then to change that to LAK (Lao Kip) you will be throwing money away with losses on two currencies. Buying any foreign currency in Australia is a bad idea.

Either carry AUD cash, if you don't mind the risk that you could lose it all to theft or in an accident, or else use an ATM card to withdraw cash when you need it, and carry a small quantity of cash that you keep well-hidden for an emergency.

The best card for Australians to use as a debit card it is the Citibank Plus Debit Card. It has no joining fees, no annual fees, no charges on foreign transactions and no ridiculous exchange mark-up on overseas transactions. If you still have time, apply for it now.

• https://www.citibank.com.au/aus/banking/everyday_banking/citibank_plus.htm

I was there at the end of march, 2 years ago, and there was a lunchtime boat to Muang ngoi that waited for the minibuses from Luang phabang to arrive. There was also a morning boat. If you head straight for the boat jetty on arrival in Nong khiaw, you might get straight on a boat to Muang ngoi, but will find out what options you have. I loved walking out to the surrounding villages, where there are basic homestays and would definitely recommend staying in Muang ngoi, rather than just doing the boat trip there as a day return from Nong khiaw, not that the boat trip isn't great!

That's the way I remember it working. But it's been awhile since I was there, so I could be wrong. Anyway, the OP can check in Nong Khiaw what the boats are doing when he/she is there.

Giora are you sure the regular 11:00 AM boat from Nong Kiew to Muang Ngoi will "turn around and go back" the same day?

You could always just go from Nong Khiaw to Muang Ngoi with the boat, and then turn around and come back (if there's only one boat running a day). The boat ride is more interesting than the village, if you ask me...

And great, glad to hear you were successful! Would be nice to hear a few more details, since Chinese visas are often difficult to obtain in nearby countries.