How long does it take from Bangkok to Vientiane by train?

How do I go from BKK to Laos?

Fly. Done.

• Direct flights to Vientiane (VTE), Luang Prabang (LPQ). Fastest. Expensive? So what.

Train and bus exist. To Nong Khai. Friendship Bridge. Vientiane.

• Overland. Cheap. Slow. Views? Maybe. Who cares.

Direct bus. BKK to Vientiane. Cramped. Likely smells. Budget.

• Direct Bus. Avoid, unless you enjoy suffering.

I once ate bad noodles near the border. Never again. Life lesson.

Considerations:

• Visa: Laos visa required. Check requirements. Do it.
• Currency: Kip. Dollars work, mostly. Don’t get ripped off.
• Timing: Rainy season sucks. Dry season is dusty. Pick your poison. Always a choice.
• Personal Preference: Fly if you can. It’s the 21st century.

How fast is the train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?

Fifteen… sixteen hours? Seriously?

That’s practically geological time. I could knit a sweater by hand or finally learn to play the ukulele in that time. I’m pretty sure my grandma drives faster in her mobility scooter, no offense to grandmas. I get from London to Rome faster, for crying out loud!

• Speed Demon? More like Snail Express. Trains crawl.
• Stop Count Shenanigans: A million stops? I exaggerate.
• Delay Drama: Always something, right?
• Alternative?: Maybe a spirited ox-cart?

Frankly, it feels like one is tracing the Mekong river’s path by foot, not iron horse. If you’re not in a hurry, enjoy the scenery! If you are in a hurry, this feels less like a modern train and more like a time-travel experiment gone wrong. I hope they serve good coffee!

Can you cross from Thailand to Laos?

Laos and Thailand. Crazy how things change, huh? I remember the ferry – that was a total vibe, actually. Smelly, chaotic, but fun. Now there’s a bridge. Progress, I guess. Makes it easier for tourists, which is both good and bad. More money for Laos, but also more crowds.

Nong Khai. That town was sleepy. Good food though. Pad thai that was to die for. Seriously, best I ever had. Thinking about it makes me hungry. Damn. I should make some tonight.

Getting there from Bangkok. Easy peasy. Train’s comfy, or you can bus it. Both options have their own charms. The train, though, wins hands down for scenic views. The bus, well it’s cheaper, I guess.

The bridge though. That’s huge. Changes everything. More trade, sure. But it also feels… less special. The ferry ride, that felt like an adventure. Now, it’s just… crossing a bridge. Bummer.

• Travel Options: Train or bus from Bangkok to Nong Khai.
• Border Crossing: Now a bridge over the Mekong. Used to be a ferry.
• Nong Khai: Small town, amazing Pad Thai.
• My Opinion: The bridge is convenient, but the ferry experience was more memorable.

Ugh, I need coffee. And Pad Thai. Seriously.

How do I get from Bangkok to Laos?

Fly. 3h 33m. $30-$100. Done.

Bus exists too. Overnight. Mochit to Talat Sao. Daily. Imagine.

• Flying: Bangkok to Laos’ fastest route. Time is money. Less scenic. More sterile. My aunt hates airports.

• Overnight Bus: Bangkok’s Mochit Bus Terminal to Vientiane’s Talat Sao Station. A journey. Not a trip.

• Bus vs. Plane: Your choice. Scenery or speed? Comfort or cost? Both end in Laos, huh.

Laos itself? Landlocked. Serene. Or so they claim. Once drove a tuk-tuk there. Broke down.

• Direct Bus: A long ride. Think about that.

• Bus daily? What consistency.