In the outdoors store at the northern end of Bei Men Jie they have certain types of Merrells in size US14 and also i think a size US12. Not sure what other sizes they have but i know i've seen those. Might be worth a look.

The Visa processors accept US and Kip (also Baht in Luang Prabang i think), but you can change money easily at any place. You're hassled to change money at the China border, and the airport has money exchange.

Oh right sorry, I haven't received one from the consulate here. I've got them on-the-spot from Luang Prabang airport and at the Mohan and Huay Xai border crossings.

You need ~US$30 (depending on where you are from) and a passport photo. Takes the standard processing time on arrival (i.e. 5-10 mins). No fuss really.

I've signed up to aussiesport.tv for the month which is US$10, although the games don't stream live. I guess due to the australian network rights? Also contacted Lazy Bones who said they would get back to me on whether they will get Aus network.