Fast Tracks and Scenic Views: Exploring Laos by High-Speed Rail

The Vientiane – Luang Prabang high-speed train is a great way to travel from the capital to the ancient capital of the Land of a Million Elephants. Join Anvui Travel to learn more about the detailed train experience!

ABOUT THE VIENTIANE TO LUANG PRABANG HIGH-SPEED TRAIN

The Vientiane – Luang Prabang high-speed train (part of the Laos – China railway) is the first modern railway system in Laos. This train line shortens the travel time to only about 2 hours. With a speed of up to 160 km/h, the train makes the journey faster, smoother and safer. The ticket price is also quite reasonable, only about 20–40 USD one way.

Train station in Vientiane

HOW TO BOOK HIGH-SPEED TRAIN TICKETS

There are two ways to buy high-speed train tickets for Vientiane – Luang Prabang:

1. Book online

You can book tickets through the official LCR Ticket application of the Laos – China Railway:

– Download the LCR Ticket application and register an account. Note: you can only register after you have a Lao SIM card

– Buy tickets early: Train tickets are sold online 3 days before departure. During peak season, tickets often sell out very quickly as soon as they are sold.

– Payment: The application accepts payment by Visa card (or UnionPay) for foreign visitors. After successful payment, you will receive an electronic ticket QR code.

– Book through an online agent: In case you are not in Laos or do not have a Lao phone number, you can book tickets through websites that provide intermediary services. Normally, the agent will send you an e-ticket (QR code) via email or deliver a paper ticket in Laos.

High-speed train body

2. Buy tickets directly in Laos (offline)

If you want to buy high-speed train tickets for Vientiane – Luang Prabang yourself, you can buy them directly at the train station or ticket office.

– In Vientiane, you can go to the train station or ticket counter located in the center. For example: the ground floor of Vientiane Center shopping mall. Note that each station only sells tickets for trips departing from that station.

– Sales time: Tickets are only sold within 3 days before the departure date. Each person is usually allowed to buy a maximum of 2 tickets for each trip.

– Ticket purchase procedure: Bring your passport (or photo ID) when buying tickets. The ticket counter only accepts cash Kip and does not accept credit cards. After purchasing a ticket, you will receive a paper ticket with printed trip information and a barcode.

Inside the train compartment

HOW TO GET TO THE TRAIN STATION IN VIENTIANE

The Vientiane High Speed ​​Rail Station is located on the outskirts, about 10–15 km from the city center. You can get there in 2 ways:

– Taxi or tuk-tuk: This is the fastest way. You can ask your hotel to call a taxi or book it yourself through the Loca ride-hailing app. The travel time is about 25–30 minutes, costing about 100,000–150,000 kip (about 10–15 USD).

– Public bus: If you want to save money, you can take bus number 168 from Talat Sao central bus station directly to the train station. This bus usually departs about 2 hours before each train and takes about 25 minutes to get to the station. The fare is very cheap, only about 15,000 kip/person (≈2 USD). Note that the bus schedule may change depending on the train schedule.

When you arrive at the station, go to the waiting room and look for the electronic board that announces the train schedule. There are always staff ready to guide passengers.

Inside the train station

HOW TO GET FROM LUANG PRABANG TRAIN STATION TO THE CENTER

– A shared tuk-tuk is the most popular and cheapest way to get from the station to the center. After getting off the train, you will see many tuk-tuks waiting right outside the station gate. The cost is about 30,000 – 50,000 Kip/person (~2 – 3 USD). Travel time: About 20 – 25 minutes.

– Minivan: If you want to move faster and have more space than a tuk-tuk, a minivan is a reasonable choice. The cost is about 50,000 – 70,000 Kip/person (~3 – 4 USD). Travel time is about 20 minutes.

– Taxi: If you do not want to share a car with others, a taxi is a good choice. Cost is around 100,000 – 150,000 Kip/trip (~5 – 7 USD). Travel time is around 15 – 20 minutes.

– Hotel pick-up service: Many hotels in Luang Prabang offer pick-up service from the train station. Take advantage of this option for your trip.

Train stations are all far from the center

THE HIGH-SPEED TRAIN EXPERIENCE

The Vietiane – Luang Prabang high-speed train offers a very modern and comfortable experience. The train consists of many cars with 5 rows of seats each. The cars are divided into First and Second Class. All cars are equipped with air conditioning and have power outlets at the seats. The seats are covered with soft fabric, have small folding tables and comfortable footrests.

Drinks on board

The train runs smoothly and is very quiet. There are announcements in three languages: Lao, Chinese and English for each station.

However, please note that there is no meal service on the train. There is no canteen or food on board, only vending machines and occasional snack carts. Therefore, it is recommended to eat in advance or bring your own snacks and drinks.

Only light snacks are served on the train

IMPORTANT NOTES WHEN TRAVELING

– Luggage: Each passenger is limited to about 20kg of free carry-on luggage. Luggage will be screened for security, so do not bring prohibited items such as knives, explosives, flammable substances, etc. In particular, aerosols such as hair spray and insect spray are not allowed on the train.

20kg free baggage

– Time to arrive at the station: passengers should arrive at the station 1 hour in advance to check in and wait to board the train. You will have to go through security and ticket verification, so you need time to queue. Normally, the train gate will open about 15 minutes before departure time. Therefore, if you arrive close to the time, you risk missing the train.

Aerosols are not allowed on the train

– Documents and tickets: Always bring your passport (for foreign visitors) or ID card/CCCD (for Laotians). When entering the station and boarding the train, the staff will check the name on the ticket against your ID. In addition, you must keep the train ticket until the end of the journey.

Security check before boarding

– At the arrival station (Luang Prabang): The station is located about 10 km from the center. After getting off the train, you can easily find a tuk-tuk or minivan to pick you up right at the station gate. The price is fixed per person (about 30,000–50,000 kip/person, ~2-3 USD). You should prepare cash (kip).

Check your train tickets

– Another tip: download an offline map app or Google Maps in case you need to find your way around the station. Knowing a few basic Lao phrases will help you find your way around.

Laos landscape seen from the train

Anvui hopes that the knowledge shared above will be useful to you. Don’t forget to visit Anvui Travel’s YouTube channel to see wonderful travel moments. Customers are looking for a professional, affordable tour operator. Don’t hesitate to contact Anvui Travel via info@anvuitravel.com or (Hotline): +84 912 683 908! 

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