Are you seriously complaining about losing 5.5 kuai? If you can afford to use lazy bones, and order 85 rmb of food, i don't think you have reason to be overly concerned.

In reference to Australian shipping.

Just sent 9.5 kg via SAL for 597 kuai in a 530 x 290 x 370mm box.

I was able to get some through a hospital after no success through the pharmacies too.

There is only the flight to Chiang Mai via Bangkok available, either with Thai Air or through GuangZhou with China Southern (i think). I'm pretty sure Laos Airlines only fly to Vientiane from Kunming, and then the only flight to Chiang Mai is out of Luang Prabang.

You can overnight to JingHong, then get a bus to Huay Xai and cross the border into Thailand, from there you can grab a minibus after jumping off the boat with one of the hostels. It could be achieved within 24 hours.

If Mike can't help you, talk to Kevin at turtlemountaingear.com in zhongdian. They have Jeeps available, and they have everything you really need in the shop, equipment and knowledge of local guides and trails. You can find them in the old town pretty easily.