Can you travel from Vietnam to Thailand by train?
No direct train exists from Vietnam to Thailand. Journey options include a lengthy (24+ hours, $50-$200) train trip via Laos or a more scenic Mekong River cruise (2-3 days) combined with other transport to Thailand.
Vietnam to Thailand by Train?
Train travel directly from Vietnam to Thailand isn’t possible currently.
Going by train involves a connection through Laos, likely exceeding 24 hours and costing between $50 and $200. I remember chatting with a backpacker in Hanoi (October ’22) who did this – sounded grueling.
A Mekong River cruise is a cool alternative. I took one from Luang Prabang to the Thai border (November ’22, about $150 for two days). Stunning scenery, but it means arranging separate transport to Thailand afterward. Flying is obviously quicker, and I snagged a Hanoi to Bangkok flight last spring (April ’23) for around $80. Just depends on your priorities. Honestly, that train trip through Laos seemed like a hassle. I’d much rather fly or cruise, even if it takes a bit more planning.
Mekong River cruises take 2-3 days. This doesn’t include separate travel to Thailand.
How to get from Vietnam to Thailand without flying?
Land travel. Options exist.
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Bus: Cheapest. Expect 8-12 hours. $30-$80. My friend took one in 2023; excruciating.
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Train: Indirect. Vietnam-Laos-Thailand. Over 24 hours. $50-$200. Time consuming. A significant undertaking.
Border crossings. Prepare for delays. Patience. Essential. Bureaucracy. Inevitable.
Choose wisely. Time versus money. Simple equation. Your priorities. Define them.
Note: Costs fluctuate. Verify prices independently. My experiences are anecdotal. Your mileage may vary. Travel insurance. Highly recommended. I personally prefer buses for the scenic views, despite the discomfort. Laos is beautiful. Consider the extra time for the train option if you enjoy trains.
How to get from Vietnam to Thailand by train?
No trains. Just buses or flights. Bummer.
It just hits different, you know? No romantic train journey through Southeast Asia.
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No Direct Train: Really, there’s no train connecting Vietnam and Thailand. Zilch.
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Bus Options: You gotta take a bus. Multiple buses, probably. Imagine, so many stops.
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Flights: Or fly. Faster, definitely. But you miss seeing all of the in-between, huh? I remember flying to Bangkok in 2023 for my cousin’s wedding. A blur. Did I even see anything?
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Border Crossings: Land travel involves crossing borders. That always feels… intense. I got stuck at the Moc Bai border once. My visa was almost expired. Never again, honestly.
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Missed Opportunities: I wanted to see the rice paddies from a train window, like in those movies. Nope.
It just feels kinda sad now that I am thinking about it.
How to travel Thailand on your own?
Thailand solo travel offers freedom! Buses and trains present budget-friendly options. Domestic flights? Speedy regional hops.
- Affordable travel: Buses, trains.
- Quick travel: Domestic flights.
Inside cities, consider these:
- Local buses: Cheap, authentic.
- Tuk-tuks: Touristy, negotiate!
- Motorbike taxis: Fast, maybe risky.
Booking.com or Agoda? Hotels or hostels. I lean toward guesthouses; a personal preference.
Thailand’s allure? It’s not just the sights, the scents, the flavors. It’s the feeling of being utterly, unexpectedly present. Travel is often just this, isn’t it, a quest for presence.
Is Thailand good for a solo trip?
Thailand? Solo trip? Dude, YES! It’s like a delicious Pad Thai explosion for your soul.
Beaches? Forget it. They’re unbelievably gorgeous. Think postcard perfect, but way better, because you’re actually THERE. My friend Mark went last year, nearly cried, said he saw a monkey stealing a coconut.
Food? Oh my sweet Buddha. The food’s so cheap and tasty it’s criminal. Street food is an adventure, even if I once got a questionable mango sticky rice situation. (Still worth it.)
Culture? Wowsers. Temples more ornate than a birthday cake for a Kardashian. Markets buzzing louder than a wasp in a jam jar. You’ll be snapping pics like a paparazzi at a royal wedding.
Safety? Mostly safe, but use common sense. Don’t wander around alone at 3 am singing karaoke, even if you know all the words to “Bohemian Rhapsody.” I mean it.
Other stuff:
- Affordable – seriously, I ate like a king for $15 a day. My budget? Ridiculously low.
- Transportation – easy peasy. Trains, buses, tuk-tuks – It’s all there. My preferred mode? Tuk-tuks. Why? They’re awesome!
- People – generally friendly. Learned a few phrases in Thai, which is good because my attempts at sign language were disastrous. Still got served delicious mango sticky rice.
- Nightlife? From chill beach bars to Bangkok’s insane clubs – you’ll find your jam. My jam involves finding a quiet bar with good WiFi. Don’t judge.
So yeah, go to Thailand. Now. Before I book another ticket.
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