Nong Khai, Thailand

Capital City

With a population of just 48,274, Nong Khai is a sleepy Thai border town that offers little for the typical expat. The city's main draw is the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge, a major tourist attraction that connects Thailand to Laos. However, bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the bridge and associated rail line have done little to streamline border crossings. And while the city hosts an annual festival celebrating mysterious "Naga fireballs" rising from the Mekong River, the tropical climate is hardly a selling point. Overall, Nong Khai seems better suited for budget-minded travelers than those seeking an expat haven.