Vientiane

Wife and I may go up to Udorn in late July and while there cross over to Vientiane for a few days.    A couple questions.     The last time we did this about 10 years ago there was a secure parking near the border crossing where we left our car for about B80 per day.    Is this or a similar facility still available?      I always thought Vientiane was a bit boring so we will be looking for a few days trip outside the city but to where?   Any suggestions?    Any hotel suggestions in Vientiane in the $20 to $30 range?      And any other helpful hints?    Also I assume I can still get a visa at the border, USA passport and Thai wife will not need a visa?  Thanks in advance.