For many, Nong Khai is mainly viewed as a gateway to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, but it’s well worth a few days (or more) in its own right. At the very least, it’s a great place to while away the last few days of your Thai visa before crossing the bridge for some Lao adventures — or simply to buy more time in Thailand. The Thai embassy over in Vientiane is one of the world’s busiest, and many expats linger in Nong Khai for months (or lifetimes) to enjoy the laid-back air and easy border runs.