Crossing the boarder at Nakhon Phanom /Thakhek

Hi, I plan to visit Thailand and Laos in Nov. Thought of crossing the boarder at Nakhon Phanom /Thakhek. Has any one crossed to Laos (Thakhek) from Nakhon Phanom in Thailand?

What’s the town of Nakhon Phanom like, and what about Thakhek, any thing to do there? From Thakhek what kind of transport is available to Vientiane and how long will it take.

Any advice that you can give on obtaining the visa at Thakhek.

Thanks

Cross from Non Khai to Vientiane Can do ther same as both Udon and Nakhon have airports! No action in Nakhon but Udon has some "Farang Action"