Straddling the Mekong River between Vientiane, Laos and Nong Khai, Thailand, the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge is 1.2km long. Locals and savvy backpackers alike frequently cross the bridge. It is a straightforward and budget-friendly operation (around US$25) with a bevy of options, but the most comfortable is a night train. This helps to avoid the queue at the bridge and is cheaper than taking a tuk tuk across the bridge.