Octie Appetie: Express Train Laos-China

26 July 2022

Express Train Laos-China

Time for another journey.. This time is somewhere nearby, our neighborhood, Luang Prabang. As some of you might have known that there is a new express train line from Vientiane (Laos) to Kunming (China) that only very recently runs. However, as the border between Laos and China is still close, in current time the last stop is Boten (Laos) - the border city.

From Bangkok, we flew directly to Vientiane that took only about 1 hour flight. Then from there, we caught this train to Luang Prabang. If you're driving up there, it will normally take around 10 hours. However, with this speed train, it merely takes 2 hours. The train will only make one stop around half way, at Vang Vieng.

There are two classes of seat type: standard or VIP. We booked for the VIP one for many benefits although the price is double than the standard one. You will see 'why' soon...

The train station is so huge and clean too. FYI, this train line was built and sponsored by China. You can glimpse easily from the design.

As many Laotian are using this line to travel too, therefore, tickets are sold very quick. I heard that some people didn't get theirs and need to come back the next day. What I can suggest is, if you're staying for a night in Vientiane, purchase your train ticket one day in advance to avoid disappointment. So far as I know, you still cannot book ticket online, you can only buy them through counter. Or some re-sellers that will charge a lot more expensive. Luckily, we knew someone who lives here and they reserved tickets for us. For VIP seat, one way ticket costs 715,000 LAK or equal to 1,430 Baht/person.

For VIP ticket holder, once they scanned your bag and ticket, you can then wait in the VIP lounge until the train about to depart. There isn't much space though, only seating area with a clean bathroom as well. Another advantage is you get to depart after everyone else got in. So, you won't have to wait too long in the carriage until the train starts moving.

VIP carrier is the last carriage number 8, only 1 carriage. So, abit of walk there. From outside, the train is look like shinkansen or Japan high-speed train. Wait until you see the inside....