Car rental

[javasumatra]

Hi All,

I'd like to hire a car in Pattaya.

The plan is to drive from Pattaya to Phitsanulok for a few days and then on to Udon Thani and then across the border and up to Vientianne for a couple of days and then back to Pattaya via a night stop in Phitsanulok (maybe).

I'd like to hire a car that would comfortably seat 5 or 6 people and I have 3 questions please -

1. Am I allowed to take a hire car across the border into Laos?

2. Can anyone recommend a good car for this journey (Fortuner??).

3. Any recommendation of where to hire from that provide proper insurance.

Thanks,

(ps. I've been coming to Thailand for 20 years and am well aware of the driving style and danger on the roads).