internet and phone
There are now numerous "high-speed" Internet cafés in town. The going rate is 5000 kip for 20 minutes.
If you have a Thai SIM card and have activated some of their Internet packages you can use this service. The signals of all Thai GSM networks reach across the Mekong and the locals often use a Thai number phone number in preference to a Lao one.There are many offerings of the Lao telecoms for data SIMs as well. Lao Telecom M phone has one offer for 1GB costing 50'000 Kip that has to be used within a month.
huay xai rip off to pak beng
At the Huay Xai border crossing a tourist agent offers to help fill out visa forms and make arrangements for the slow boat and hotel in Pak Beng. However, he overcharges asking 1,100 baht for the boat only and does not really make the reservations he promises.In fact, although paying premium prices at this Huay Xai "Customs" office for a room in Pak Beng, rooms may have no windows and/or no water. There are many many guest houses in Pak Beng. Carry your own gear from the wharf and check out the rooms and the water before you commit.