Hi - facing a distinct possibility of spending December-January with a branch of wife's family in Nong Khai (about 70km from Muang NK). My first thought was that air pollution would be insufferable (it's "The North" right, where they spend winter burning fields?).

A search has shown up very considerable variance - from 'quite clean' through únbreathable'

Anyone live around NK who could shed light? Is it not so bad after all?

Also, I guess this is a quiet part of the world, but is there anything to do/anywhere to go? Haven't been to NK itself in about 15 years (border crossing) but it looked horrible then - has it improved?

I was there in mid January last year and there was definitely a lot of smog at that time. December should still be better though. The City itself is interesting with a foreign community and foreign pubs, restaurants and bars as well. I was pleasently surprised. The skywalk glass bridge (Wat Pha Tak Suea Skywalk) is worth to visit with a great view of the Mekong River. Also a drive along the Mekong in direction to Loei is nice.

The river promenade is pleasant walking. Nice restaurants and a few bars. Fairly dull nightlife.

Driving along the Mekong towards Loei is the best thing to do.

The smoke is typically 80 to 120 AQI so not as bad as Chiang Mai.