On 19 July 2024, a new train which departs from Bangkok (Thailand) to Vientiane (Laos) and vice versa, will officially begin operation.

Let Asian Moonlight Travel – one of the top travel agencies updates to you some news regarding this new train route.

The Bangkok-Vientiane (Khamsavath) train service extends the existing Bangkok-Nong Khai route, a joint initiative between the Thai and Laotian governments aimed at enhancing connectivity between their respective rail networks.

The outbound train, Rapid No. 133, departs Bangkok in the evening and arrives in Vientiane the following morning. Conversely, the return journey is served by Rapid No. 134.

Each train features 30 seats in second-class air-conditioned sleeper carriages, 64 seats in second-class air-conditioned carriages, and 152 seats across two third-class carriages equipped with fans.

Additionally, SRT operates Rapid No. 147/148 between Udon Thani and Khamsavath Station.

At the moment, there are 2 options for tourists to choose their train route as followings:

Option 1. Train from Bangkok to Nongkhai or Vientiane

There are currently 3 direct services per day from Bangkok to Nong Khai Railway Station and 1 train which continues onto Khamsavath Railway Station in Vientiane.

Option 2: Train from Nong Khai (Thailand) to Khamsavath Railway Station (Laos)

There is a train service twice a day which takes you from Nong Khai Railway Station to Khamsavath Railway Station in Laos. The journey across the bridge and onwards into Vientiane takes only 30 minutes and costs 70 THB for 3rd class or 120 THB for 2nd class.

Immigration Procedures for Entering Laos by Train

The best way to explain the immigration procedures for travelling from Thailand to Laos is to break the process into two stages:

• Leaving Thailand: Go to the immigration booth on platform 1 at Nong Khai Train station after you have collected your train ticket to Vientiane. Hand your passport and completed departure card to the immigration official in the ticket booth for an exit stamp out of Thailand.
• Entering Laos: After leaving the train at Vientiane go to the immigration booth at the train station. At window #1 collect an arrival/departure card and a visa application form for Laos. Complete the application form, the arrival card, and hand them back to the officer at window #1 with a passport photograph and $35 USD or 1,500 THB. Then wait near window #2 for the officer at that window to hold up your passport for collection.

Hopefully, this information can be useful for you to plan your trip to Laos & Thailand. Please feel free to contact us if you need further information or to customize your Laos & Thailand tour.