Best town or city

[baconandeggs]

If I was going to spend 1 week just eating, drinking and getting massages would Nong Khai or Khon Kaen be best?

[rickschoppers]

I think Khon Kaen would have a larger selection of food. It has the large shopping mall where there is one floor dedicated to restaurants with many other food establishments throughout the town. It has a fairly large expat community. Drink and massages can be found just about anywhere in Thailand, so that is not a problem.

If you are looking to do some sight seeing, I would think Nong Khai is better since you are right on the Mekong River. It is not all that far and you could always take a taxi up to Nong Khai for the day from Khon Kaen as well. Udon Thani is nother possibility for a day trip from either location.

[Norton]

would Nong Khai or Khon Kaen be best?

Would suggest Udon first choice and Khon Kean second. Both have a variety of food, bars and nice mid cost hotels. Short trip from Udon to Nong Kai for a Mekong visit.

[jimbobs]

I would do both Udon and then have just a couple of days in khon Kaen
I stay in Roi et and frequently go to udon and lesser to khon Kaen to do the things you propose
Do order a room 1st it's not the easiest place to navigate if you don't know it, it's quite big and busy
I go on my.motorcycle follow my Sat nav park it at the hotel and just walk to the nearest beer bar's

[david44]

Vientiane much nicer

[rickschoppers]

Vientiane better than Nong Khai, maybe. Better than Khon Kean, not in my opinion. You must have had an exceptional time in Vientiane david44.

[Bettyboo]

Vientiane much nicer

Indeed. If you're at NongKhai anyways then hop across the bridge and have a nice week in little Beijing...

[thaimeme]

Vientiane much nicer

Indeed. If you're at NongKhai anyways then hop across the bridge and have a nice week in little Beijing...

Better value for the Kip/Baht as well....

[tom21]

for what you want I say nongkhai is better

[jimbobs]

I'd love to know where he went and where he thought was best