New Bangkok-Vientiane Rail Service Offers Additional Travel Options to Expats and Tourists
On July 13, 2024, a test run was conducted for a new cross-border rail service linking Thailand’s capital of Bangkok to the Laotian capital of Vientiane. The test was just a short journey from Nong Khai Railway Station to Vientiane Station in Laos, but this vital stretch of railway will serve as a new link between these neighboring countries that provides exciting new travel options for locals, expats, and tourists.
The new rail line then made its maiden voyage on July 19, and tickets are now available to the general public. While not a high-speed railway, the Bangkok-Vientiane rail line is affordable and direct.
New Rail Travel Options for Expats and Tourists in Thailand
Up until now, if someone wanted to travel from Bangkok to Vientiane and didn’t want to fly, a long, uncomfortable bus or van ride or a tedious 9-10 hour drive on a 647 km journey were the primary ways to travel directly. Now visitors to Vientiane can travel in comfort, taking the scenic route without interruption.
For tourists, this is a good opportunity to experience the region by way of “slow travel,” a trend where visitors soak up the local sights and culture slowly over time instead of rushing from one attraction to another. It’s also more economical than a plane ticket, especially during peak season, as prices for tickets will stay the same and not surge like airline ticket prices.
A new, easy way for a Border Run to Laos
For expats living in Thailand, this new Bangkok-Vientiane rail line provides a new avenue for weekend trips across the border, or perhaps more commonly, “border runs” to the Thai embassy in Laos. Because of its proximity and low cost of travel, Vientiane is a popular destination for expats and long-term tourists in Thailand who need to leave the country and return as part of their Thailand visa restrictions.
Instead of paying for a flight or cramming into a crowded bus, foreigners can travel to Vientiane directly by slow train to acquire a new Thai tourist visa or satisfy the yearly stay limit for long-term visas such as the Thailand Elite Visa.
Bangkok to Vientiane Rail Line: Ticket Prices and Schedule
There are three (3) trains that run on this line, but only one of the daily trips goes directly to Vientiane. The other two terminate at Nong Khai, a station near the border with Laos. The schedule as of July 2024 is as follows:
- Train 75
- Bangkok – 08:45
- Nong Khai – 17:30
- Train 25
- Bangkok – 20:25
- Nong Khai – 06:25
- Train 133
- Bangkok – 21:25
- Nong Khai – 07:55
- Vientiane – 09:05
Train 75 is a day trip from Bangkok to the Laos border that arrives in time for visitors to acquire accommodation nearby or catch a late bus or local train to the border. Train 25 is an overnight train to Nong Khai, while Train 133 is an overnight train to Vientiane.
The train from Bangkok to Vientiane leaves from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.
There are four ticket types for the direct railway line, each with a different price and matching level of comfort (prices as of July 2024):
- Third-Class Seat with a Fan: 281 baht
- Second-Class Seat with Air Conditioning: 574 baht
- Second-Class Upper Bed with Air Conditioning: 784 baht
- Second-Class Lower Bed with Air Conditioning: 874 baht
“Upper” and “Lower” beds refer to bunk beds, with the lower bed being easier to get into and more spacious.
Tips for Visitors Traveling the Bangkok-Vientiane Rail Line
Here are a few things to keep in mind for both tourists and expats traveling this rail line.
- Book tickets up to 180 days in advance of the travel date to save time and hassle.
- Travelers by rail to Vientiane station in Laos can connect to the high-speed China-Laos railway.
- If the direct route is booked up, the alternate trains to Nong Khai are a good alternative, as buses and other trains connect nearby to take travelers across the border and all the way to Vientiane.
- Trains leave from Nong Khai on the Thai side of the border to Khamsavath Railway Station in Laos at 08:35 and 17:25.
- Children aged 3 and under who are less than 100cm tall travel free, children aged 4 to 11 and less than 150cm tall travel at half fare, and children who are older than 11 or taller than 150cm pay the full fare.
- Most visitors can acquire a visa on arrival (similar to Thailand visa on arrival) in Laos for around $35 which you must pay either in US dollars or Thai baht.
Expert Thai Visa Advisory Services from Siam Legal
If you need to refresh your Thai visa or acquire a new one to stay in Thailand long-term, contact Siam Legal. Our expert Thai visa consulting team can help you determine which Thai visa is best for your needs and walk you through the application process so you can secure your stay in Thailand as quickly and easily as possible.
Category: Travel to Thailand
