Trips to Laos Vientiane by train to get a Tourist Visa

[RichardThailand]

Does anyone have any recent experiences with the trip. I am considering taking the (8pm) evening train from BKK that arrives in Non Kai (7:45am) and I understand at the end of that journey there are some different options:

- Taking another small train to ??

- ??

I left in ?? as I am not sure what my other options are once I arrive in Non Kai at 7:45am in the morning. I would appreciate any help and advice including the price it would cost me for options like the next train, vans, tuk-tuks.

Thanks in advance.

[KED]

I haven't take the train since they extended the operation from Nong Khai station to Vientianne station, but at Nong Khai the train station is only about 2.5 to 3 kms to the friendship bridge. Once the train arrives at Nong Khai - there is a mad rush to full tuk-tuks to the Friendship Bridge. I think at this time you can get for 30-50 baht. I have even walked from the train station to the border before -