Can you go from Thailand to Vietnam by train?

Can you chug your way from bustling Bangkok to vibrant Hanoi by train? Not directly, but the journey offers a unique adventure through Southeast Asia, with a scenic detour via Cambodia. While a continuous rail line connecting Thailand and Vietnam remains a distant dream, intrepid travelers can still experience the romance of the rails with a little ingenuity.

The current route requires a fascinating, albeit indirect, passage through Cambodia. This involves a combination of train journeys and other modes of transport, creating a memorable travel tapestry.

Your adventure typically begins in Bangkok, Thailand. From there, you’ll board a train heading south towards Aranyaprathet, the Thai border town. This leg of the journey offers picturesque views of the Thai countryside, a relaxing prelude to the border crossing. Upon arrival in Aranyaprathet, you’ll need to navigate the border formalities and cross into Poipet, Cambodia.

The Cambodian leg of the journey presents a few options. While a railway line technically exists connecting Poipet to Phnom Penh, it’s currently not in regular passenger service. This means you’ll likely need to opt for a bus from Poipet to Phnom Penh. This bus journey provides a glimpse into Cambodian life and landscapes.

Once in Phnom Penh, you can experience the vibrant capital before continuing your journey towards Vietnam. From Phnom Penh, you can take a bus to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. While there’s currently no passenger train service directly connecting Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City, future railway developments may change this.

From Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s extensive rail network opens up. You can easily connect to other destinations within Vietnam, including Hanoi in the north. This final leg offers a comfortable and scenic train journey through the heart of Vietnam.

The entire journey, combining train and bus travel, usually takes between 25 and 30 hours, depending on connections and border crossing times. Budget roughly $30-$40 for the entire trip, although this is subject to change depending on your chosen route, mode of transport, and any unforeseen circumstances.

While not as straightforward as hopping on a direct train, this multi-stage journey offers a richer, more immersive experience. It allows for glimpses into the diverse cultures and landscapes of three Southeast Asian countries, making it a rewarding adventure for those seeking a unique travel experience. Keep an eye out for future developments in the region’s railway network, as direct train travel between Thailand and Vietnam may become a reality in the coming years. Until then, embrace the adventure and enjoy the scenic workaround!