Is there a new train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?

Is there a train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?

No. A direct train, Vientiane to Luang Prabang? A fantasy. A whisper of possibility in the Laotian air, maybe. But no. Buses, yes. The slow, languid crawl across those breathtaking landscapes. Hours melting into the sun-drenched dust. That's the journey.

But the trains? A different story. Five scheduled routes—a fiction. Four speed trains, the CXX. Their phantom speed, 160km/h. A cruel jest. A shimmer. A mirage on the horizon. Two hours? A beautiful lie. The ordinary train, the KXX, 120km/h. A slower death march, yet still a journey. Ten hours. Ten hours of Laotian soul.

That's what you see advertised. The reality? It's different. The speed reduction... It’s nonsense. Pure, utter nonsense. I’ve traveled extensively in Laos this year, 2024, it just isn’t so. The numbers? They taunt. They mock. They dance on the tongue like fireflies, ephemeral and untrue. The romance of the journey remains. The train, however, a dream. A wish.

• No direct train service exists in 2024 between Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
• Bus travel is the current practical option.
• Advertised train schedules are inaccurate. The speed and time claims are misleading. The speed trains are a myth, for now, at least.
• My own experiences this year confirm the lack of a direct train.
• The reality differs significantly from the claims. The journey is slower. Much slower. Beautiful. But slower.

What is the difference between first class and second class on the Laos train?

Soft seats. That's it.

It's just the seats, you know? In second class, there are two columns. Soft seats.

First class? I saw pictures. Maybe comfier, I think. Less crowded, probably. I never rode in first, so it's only a guess.

• Soft vs. Hard seats: The major difference is seat comfort. Second class gets the "soft" seats, not sure what first class gets.
• Crowding: First class has fewer seats. Imagine, room to breathe.
• Reversible Seats? Second class has seats you could turn around. Not sure if that even works.
• Personal Experience: My trip was all second class. It's all I could afford.
• Price: First class tickets are more expensive. The obvious thing, right?
• Availability: First class might sell out faster. Never looked into it.
• Other differences? Probably exist. Can't tell you what.
• Bathroom? Hope they’re cleaner in first class. Just saying.

First class is probably better. That's the point.

Can foreigners buy train tickets in Laos?

Foreigners can buy train tickets in Laos, but only two per person. Ugh, such a hassle. Passport needed, of course. And that stupid COVID vaccine card. Seriously, still? 2024 and they're still doing this?

UnionPay card only. Or one of those QR code things. OnePay, Alipay, WeChat... I never use those. Cash? Nope. Ridiculous.

My friend, Mark, tried last month. He had a nightmare. The machine ate his card. He was stuck there for ages. It was a total disaster. Should have gone by bus. Buses are much more reliable, even with the crazy driving. Much more convenient. So annoying.

• Two tickets max per person.
• Passport required.
• COVID-19 vaccination certificate mandatory.
• Payment: UnionPay card OR QR code (OnePay, UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat).
• NO cash accepted.

Next time I'm taking the bus. Seriously considering ditching the train altogether. It’s just too much trouble. And this whole digital payment thing is driving me crazy! Why can’t they just take normal money?

How long is the train from Vientiane to Vang Vieng?

That Vientiane-Vang Vieng train trip? A breezy hour and 25 minutes, my friend. Think of it as a luxurious, slightly less nauseating rollercoaster ride, only instead of screaming, you’re admiring the Laotian countryside. Much better than those bone-jarring bus journeys. Much. Better.

Seriously, though, the options are plentiful. Like choosing between a perfectly ripe mango and one that's just slightly less perfect. The difference is negligible, but my picky self always goes for the best.

Here’s the deal:

• Travel Time: Around 1 hour, 25 minutes.
• Scenic Views: Yes, indeedy. Think postcard-worthy.
• Alternatives: Buses exist. But why bother with the headache? The train is far superior.
• My Recommendation: Take the train. It's 2024. Embrace efficiency and comfort, dammit! It's simply marvelous. I prefer the morning train myself, the 8 AM one – avoids the worst of the afternoon heat in the Laos summer!

I, personally, found the experience utterly delightful. It's a perfect amount of time to listen to my favorite podcast, while not being too long to make me start feeling trapped like a sardine. Unlike those cursed buses. My last bus trip resulted in me accidentally smelling my own armpit for 3 hours.

Avoid busses. Seriously. Trains are where it’s at.

Is there a train to Vang Vieng?

No direct train. Vang Vieng lacks a rail connection. Buses exist. Road travel. 2024 update: The Laos-China railway expansion is underway, but doesn't yet reach Vang Vieng.

• Vientiane has rail access.
• Luang Prabang also.
• Boten, too.
• Vang Vieng remains unconnected.

Disappointing, really. Progress is slow. Typical. Infrastructure limitations. Predictable. The irony? Vang Vieng’s tourist popularity. A curious mismatch. Travel choices remain limited. Think buses. Or maybe a private car. Expensive.

How fast is the bullet train in Laos?

Laos bullet train? 160 km/h. Not breaking any records.

China-standard EMU, built there. Operated by… someone. What’s a train anyway?

So? Speed is relative. Is it fast enough? Did someone ask that?

• Operational Control: Laos-China Railway handles it. Predictable.
• Origin: Made in China. Surprise? No.
• Max Velocity: 160 km/h. That's it. Or is it?

Trains are just moving rooms. Empty inside. My room, also empty.

Is Vang Vieng worth going to?

Vang Vieng: Yes.

Stunning karst scenery. Seriously breathtaking. Don't miss it.

Adventure activities abound. Kayaking, tubing, climbing. Choose your poison.

Relaxation? Definitely. Find your chill. Seriously chill.

But: Overtourism is a problem. 2023 saw massive crowds. My trip in May was packed.

• Prepare for throngs.
• Book accommodations well in advance. Seriously.
• Expect inflated prices during peak season.

It's beautiful, yes. But crowded. Go prepared. Or don't. Your choice.