I have to do a visa trip to Vientiane soon, so I have a few Q's.

1. Are they one the AIS network there, will I get GPRS coverage?

2. Can I take my car over? Will it be worth the hassle for a few days?

3. If not, where would be a good place to leave a car in Nong Khai, etc.

4. Where is the best place to get the Laos visa? I usually do it on the border

5. Where is a nice hotel in Vientiane? Somewhere no more than 1000 baht (but can go a little over if really nice)

6. Can Thais still travel there with no visa requirements?

Thanks for any help!

You'll only get ais right on the River ... this includes gprs ...

you can take your car but you have to jump through a bunch of hoops and get a "pasport and sticker for the car ... not really worth it imho)

Think about the Pantawee hotel in Nongkhai ... decent place .. pool etc

will leave it for others to rec'd hotels

Thai's don't need a visa

1. AIS works on the river front & "upstream" is better. Hang out on the 3rd floor of the Bor Pen Nyang Pub for happy hour & best Mekong views & AIS reception.

2. Yes you can take your car over, if it belongs to you / is registered in your name, otherwise you need permission from the owner to export. If it is already in your name, then get a ITP - International Transport Permit - from your local vehicle rego office, & it is a piece of cake to get your car in.

3. Pantawee Hotel in Nong Khai will be ok to leave your car.

4. Laos visa get on arrival. US$30 = 2 weeks.

5. Plenty of hotels down town Vte. Also some good guesthouses right on the river front.

6. Thai nationals get 2 nights 3 days on a border pass or 1 mth free visa on arrival with a passport.