This provides a useful source of reference for routes into Laos, (and within the region) including road crossings, access points, airline flight routes etc :

http://www.retire-asia.com/lao-travel.shtml

Visa on arrival in Laos info:-
http://www.retire-asia.com/lao-visa-on- ... days.shtml

Has anyone made a visa run taking the train from NK to Thanaleng Station?

Wondering how Immig. is at the little station, and also transport from there to VTE and the Thai Embassy. I gather the station is pretty sleepy, and you get there after 10am, so not a whole lot of time to spare to get to the Emb.

Seems not many people have actually done this. Wonder why since you don't have to deal with the bridge crowds on either side?

Although I have never tried it, I do plan on using the train next time I need to do a visa run.

I know of a few friends that have traveled on the train across and have done nothing but praise the service, mainly for the reason like you mention, very little in the way of queue's, so it seems to be a very quick option to take.

Buses and tuk-tuks are available from Thanaleng station into Vientiane if required.