Vientiane sits across the Mekong from Nong Khai, Thailand, and the two cities are linked by the 1st Thai-Lao Bridge. Vientiane has no major river port, and only a few luxury cruises call on the Lao capital city and its well-known sites. They use the Mekong Landmark Hotel as their landing. No downriver cruises on the Mekong are available, and there is no scheduled public boat service to villages up and downriver. You can negotiate a long boat cruise to nearby villages at the pier near the Friendship Bridge/

Chao Anouvang Park dominates the city’s riverfront’s activities, highlighted by its Night Market. Walking Street is just downriver. Cycling tours along the Mekong to villages in Vientiane’s outskirts are available. There are a few dinner/sunset cruises for tourists in Vientiane, but locals enjoy floating restaurants and “karaoke boats” in Tha Non Village.