A Brief History of Railway Transport in Laos
Though Laos is a landlocked and mountainous country, the idea of railway transport has existed since the French colonial era. One of the earliest examples was a narrow-gauge railway built on Don Det and Don Khon islands in the 1890s, designed to help vessels bypass the Khone Falls on the Mekong River. However, this short track was abandoned in the 1940s.
🚆 Key Milestones in Lao Railway Development
- 2009 – First International Rail Link:
The first cross-border railway connected Nong Khai, Thailand to Thanaleng Station in Laos. This route was later extended closer to central Vientiane. - 2021 – Laos–China Railway Opens:
A major milestone, the Laos–China high-speed railway links Vientiane with the Chinese border and continues on to Kunming, China. It dramatically reduced travel times and enhanced trade and tourism. - 2024 – Direct Night Train from Bangkok to Vientiane:
Launched on July 19, 2024, this new direct night train offers convenient and affordable cross-border travel between the Thai capital and the Lao capital.
Major Train Stations in Laos
Vientiane Station
- Location: ~15 km northeast of Vientiane city center
- Access Tip: Opens only 1 hour before departure—plan accordingly
- Facilities:
- Food stalls
- Clean toilets
- Filtered drinking water
- Basic convenience shops
Luang Prabang Station
- Location: ~12 km from downtown Luang Prabang
- Transport: Tuk-tuk ride costs around 100,000 LAK (~$5.80 USD) for 2 people
- Facilities:
- Amazon Café
- Squat and western-style toilets
- Small convenience stores
Vang Vieng Station
- Location: Just outside Vang Vieng town
- Facilities:
- Basic waiting area
- Ticket counter
- Limited refreshments (recommended to bring your own snacks)
Boten Station (China–Laos Border)
- Location: Northernmost station, border gateway to China/Kunming
- Facilities: Very limited—no restaurants or shops nearby
- Tip: Arrive early and bring food, water, and essentials
Where to Buy Train Tickets in Laos
🏢 Option 1: At the Station
- Advance Purchase: Up to 3 days before departure
- Required:
- Passport or Lao ID
- Name will be printed on the ticket
- Important:
- You must show the same ticket upon arrival to exit the station
- Lines can be long—arrive early!
🏙️ Option 2: At Official City Ticket Counters
- Luang Prabang: Near the Vietnamese Embassy
- Vientiane: Vientiane Center, ground floor
- Requirements:
- Passport and COVID-19 vaccination proof
- Digital payment only (UnionPay, Alipay, OnePay, etc.)
- Limit: 2 tickets per person
- Service Fee: 20,000 LAK (approx. $1 USD) per ticket
🏨 Option 3: Through Your Hotel or Guesthouse
- Convenient: Ideal for Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng stays
- Advance Booking: Up to 2 days before your journey
- Benefits:
- Avoids the hassle of going to the station
- May cost less than a round-trip transfer to the station
Ticket Prices by Class
Train ticket prices in Laos vary depending on distance traveled and class of service. Below is a general pricing guide:
| Class | Price Range (USD) |
| 🚈 2nd Class | $5 – $27 |
| 🚆 1st Class | $7 – $43 |
| 🚄 Business Class (EMU) | $13 – $80 |
| 🛏️ Regular Sleeper | $8 – $47 |
| 🌐 International 1st Class | $16 – $125 |
| 🌍 International 2nd Class | $10 – $79 |
💡 Booking Tip:
- Use the LCR Ticket app for fast and secure online booking
- Pay with Visa (credit/debit)
- QR-code tickets are usually sent 3–4 days before departure
What to Expect Onboard
🧑💼 Business Class (EMU)
- Seat Layout: 1+1, ultra-spacious
- Comfort: Fully reclining pods with privacy
- Features:
- Personal reading lamp
- USB ports and power sockets
- Wireless charging pad
- Perks:
- VIP lounge access
- Priority boarding
💺 First Class
- Seat Layout: 2+2 configuration
- Comfort: Generous legroom, reclining seats
- Extras:
- Power outlets
- Quiet cabins, ideal for longer journeys
🧍 Second Class
- Seat Layout: 2+3 configuration
- Comfort: Standard seats
- Best For: Budget-conscious travelers or short trips
🍽️ Amenities Onboard
- 🚻 Toilets: Clean, western-style
- 🚰 Water: Filtered dispensers available
- 🥪 Dining Car: Limited menu (snacks and drinks)
- 🌄 Scenic Highlights:
- 75 tunnels carved through the mountains
- Panoramic countryside and limestone cliffs
Sample Train Itinerary (6 Days)
Day 1: Vientiane ➡️ Vang Vieng (Evening Train)
- Morning: Explore Vientiane’s highlights — That Luang Stupa, Patuxai, local cafés
- Evening: Take the train to Vang Vieng (approx. 1h)
- Overnight: Vang Vieng
Day 2: Adventure Activities in Vang Vieng
- Morning: Kayaking along the Nam Song River
- Afternoon: Ziplining over jungle canopies
- Optional: Sunset at a riverside bar
- Overnight: Vang Vieng
Day 3: Nature & Lagoons
- Visit Blue Lagoon 1 or 3 for a swim and cave exploration
- Explore karst mountains and rural trails by bike
- Relax in the evening with local Lao BBQ
- Overnight: Vang Vieng
Day 4: Vang Vieng ➡️ Luang Prabang (Midday Train)
- Take the train to Luang Prabang (approx. 1.5h)
- Stroll the old town, visit Wat Xieng Thong
- Evening: Explore the night market
- Overnight: Luang Prabang
Day 5: Kuang Si & Mount Phousi
- Morning: Day trip to Kuang Si Waterfalls
- Afternoon: Return and hike Mount Phousi for sunset
- Dinner: Try local dishes at a Mekong-view restaurant
- Overnight: Luang Prabang
Prohibited Items on Laos Trains
When traveling by train in Laos, the following items are not allowed onboard:
- 🔫 Weapons, explosives, or fireworks
- ☣️ Toxic chemicals, fuel, gas
- 💊 Illegal drugs
- 🐕 Pets or animals (dead or alive)
- 🔪 Sharp objects (e.g., knives, axes)
- 🍲 Strong-smelling food (e.g., durian)
- 🚭 E-cigarettes (fines apply if used)
- 🧴 Aerosols and pressurized cans
- Morning: Free time for shopping or a last temple visit
- Afternoon: Train back to Vientiane (approx. 2h)
- End of trip
Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip
Make the most of your Laos train journey with these essential tips:
- 🎟️ Buy early: Tickets often sell out days in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.
- ⏰ Arrive early: Stations open about 1 hour before departure. Allow time for ID checks and security screening.
- 🔋 Charge your phone: You’ll need to show your digital ticket multiple times—boarding and exiting.
- 📴 Go offline: There’s no Wi-Fi on board, and cell signal may drop in tunnels. Download maps or entertainment in advance.
- 🥪 Pack snacks & drinks: Onboard food options are limited, especially on shorter routes.
Final Thoughts: Laos by Rail—A Journey Worth Taking
Train travel in Laos is more than just transportation—it’s an opportunity to appreciate the country’s beauty in comfort. From ultra-modern carriages to jaw-dropping views, this is one of Southeast Asia’s most scenic and stress-free travel experiences.
Whether you’re hopping between cities or traveling onward to China or Thailand, the railway opens up Laos like never before.