Accommodation in Vientiane is much more expensive than Thailand, so I wanted to time my arrival on a Sunday to find an agent and go to the Chinese embassy Monday. As a result, I had 3 extra days of which I spent the first in Phitsanulok. Most hotels are the same price - whenever possible, I choose the small privately run places with bungalows over the bigger traditional hotels as they are cosier and less busy, provide more privacy and have friendlier staff...