Can I take a train from Thailand to Laos?

Is there a new train from Bangkok to Laos?

Bangkok to Vientiane direct by rail? Finally. Starting July 19, 2024, a daily train now connects Bangkok directly to Vientiane.

No more Nong Khai frustration. I vaguely recall sweaty bus connections from there.

Forget the Thanaleng stop. I once spent an eternity there waiting on, well, nothing much! Now it's direct. A real game changer, right?

• Direct Train: Bangkok to Vientiane daily.
• Start Date: July 19, 2024.
• Previous Route: Terminated at Nong Khai. A tedious bus transfer across the Friendship Bridge.
• Then: A short rail hop to Thanaleng, Laos.

My aunt actually lives near that bridge. Says it floods yearly now. Just thinking about it... perhaps train travel is the smartest choice here, huh?

What is the best way to travel from Thailand to Laos?

The bus… ten, eleven hours straight. Exhausting. I remember that. A blur of green rice paddies. Not my favorite.

Flying’s better. Don Mueang – DMK – quicker. Less of a hassle. Ubon Ratchathani. That's the flight. Then, a short bus ride to Pakse. Three hours isn’t bad.

Actually, the train's an option too. To Ubon. From Bangkok. Never done it. Seems… slower. But maybe more scenic? I don't know.

Best route? Flying to Ubon Ratchathani, then the bus.

• DMK airport is superior to BKK. Way less crowded.
• Ubon Ratchathani is my preferred gateway. Then just the local bus. Simple.
• Direct bus from Bangkok to Pakse is a long haul. Not recommended unless you're really on a budget, and I mean really. It was grueling. Seriously. My neck still hurts thinking about it.

My trip was in 2023. Things might change, but that's my experience.