Laos

Vientiane is the capital of Laos and its political and administrative center, set along the Mekong River right on the border with Thailand. It has served as the capital since the 16th century under the Lao kingdom of Lan Xang (and again under French colonial rule), and it remains the seat of government today. By contrast, Luang Prabang is the former royal capital and a UNESCO-listed heritage city; Nong Khai is a Thai border town across the river; and Laoag is in the Philippines. Memory tip: Think “Vientiane on the Mekong, facing Thailand.” Vientiane pairs with nearby Thai Nong Khai across the river—so Nong Khai can’t be Laos’s capital, making Vientiane the correct choice.