How long is the China Laos Railway?

How long is the train from Laos to China?

Okay, so this ain’t your grandma’s choo-choo. We’re talking Laos to China! Forget a direct train. Think more like a relay race, y’know?

Imagine this: a scenic scoot from Vientiane (Laos) to Kunming (China). Launched in April 2023, so, yeah, pretty new.

• It’s roughly 10-12 hours, but hey, that includes wrangling border guards.
• Border crossing is a thing. Passport, snacks, the whole shebang.
• My uncle Ernie once said it’s faster than watching paint dry, but slower than free beer disappears at a picnic. He knows trains!

So, yeah. No non-stop express. Multiple legs, kinda like a centipede doing yoga.

Is the China-Laos railway completed?

Yeah, the China-Laos railway? It’s done. Finished. I was actually in Luang Prabang in December 2021, right around the opening. Crazy, the whole town buzzed. Everyone was talking about it. The air was thick with excitement, you know? Like a party atmosphere, but quieter, more respectful somehow.

It was surreal. Seeing those sleek, brand-new trains pulling into the station. I even snapped a few pics. Still got ’em on my phone. My friend, Mark – he lives in Vientiane – told me about the official opening ceremony. Said it was huge. Politicians, dignitaries, the whole shebang.

The 3rd of December 2021 was the day. I remember it distinctly. I was sitting at a riverside café, sipping Lao coffee, when a train whooshed past on the tracks near the Mekong. Goosebumps, man. Goosebumps. A monumental thing. A real game-changer for Laos.

Major impact on tourism, and the economy obviously. People were talking about easier trade with China, better access to the coast. Lots of speculation. But the vibe was definitely optimistic. Hopeful.

• Key dates:

  • Track laying finished: October 12, 2021.
  • First train arrived Vientiane: October 16, 2021.
  • Official opening: December 3, 2021.

• My personal feelings: Overwhelmed, awestruck, slightly jealous of those actually riding the inaugural trains. It felt historic.

Is there a high-speed train from China to Laos?

Okay, China to Laos by train? Yeah, there’s a line.

I took it in, like, last year, 2023 maybe? From Kunming to Vientiane. Man, that was something.

It wasn’t exactly like the super-fast ones in China, but still pretty decent. Felt faster than driving, that’s for sure!

The train itself? Comfy. Chinese-made, felt solid. Speed? About 160 kph, which, hey, not bad at all!

Laos-China Railway Company runs the show. A smooth ride, considering, with some beautiful views.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Route: Kunming (China) to Vientiane (Laos)
• Train type: Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) – China-standard
• Speed: 160 km/hour. Fast enough!
• Operator: Laos-China Railway Company
• Experience: Cool, convenient, scenic views

And yeah, you get through customs at the border. Not too much of a hassle. A different experience, that’s for sure.

Is there a train from Shenzhen to Laos?

Okay, listen. A train to Laos? From Shenzhen? Nope. Zilch. Nada. Doesn’t exist, period.

I know, I tried to find one last year. Wanted a chill trip. Boy, was I wrong!

Ended up sweating bullets on a crazy, convoluted route. Think it was in August 2023? Hot as heck!

First, the high-speed from Shenzhen to Nanning. Okay, that was slick. Clean. A/C blasting.

Then… BAM! Nanning bus station hit me. Chaos! Chickens, yelling, diesel fumes! Ugh!

The bus to Vientiane… Oh, the bus. Like a sardine can.

Probably crammed in there for like, I dunno, 18 hours maybe? Felt like a week.

Yeah, no direct train. Shenzhen to Nanning then Nanning to Vientiane via bus is your only option. And yeah, expect 24+ hours, easily! Bring snacks! And industrial-strength deodorant. Trust me on that one.

Does Laos have a bullet train?

Laos? Bullet train? Wow, 2021, right? Five years of building. That’s a long time. Crazy fast, 160km/h! Imagine the views. Luang Prabang to Vientiane. Beautiful scenery, they said. I need to go.

Seriously though, 160km/h is fast for Laos. I bet the ride is smooth. Or maybe not, depending on the tracks. I heard the construction was challenging. Mountains, rivers… What a project. Expensive too, I’m sure. Think of the tourism boost! More visitors.

High-speed rail. That’s a big deal for a developing country. Progress, huh? My uncle is a construction engineer and he’s super jealous. He missed that project. He’s stuck with small city stuff, boring bridges. This is epic.

• High-speed rail line: Vientiane – Luang Prabang
• Speed: 160 km/h
• Completion: 2021
• Construction time: 5 years

So yeah, Laos does have a bullet train. It’s pretty sweet. I should book a ticket. Maybe next year? Nah, next month. I’m going. This is happening. Forget my boring life in Springfield. Laos awaits.