Asia — and Southeast Asia in particular — is arguably the very best place in the world for travelers. Especially for budget travelers. And one of the least explored countries in the region just got a brand new train route from Bangkok, Thailand.
Here are the details of the very cool new train route from Bangkok and what to visit in that underrated country.
New destination from Bangkok
Thailand is, by far, the region’s most popular country and Bangkok is, by far, the region’s most popular city. I’ve been 7 times myself, and I love it.
Now, you can take a new overnight sleeper train from the megalopolis to a country that is the complete opposite: Laos.
Laos is possibly the most underrated country in Southeast Asia, my favorite of the 6 different regions in Asia.
Laos receives far fewer visitors than Cambodia, Viet Nam, and Thailand, its popular neighbors. The only landlocked country in Southeast Asia has almost everything travelers love about the region, apart from coasts and big cities. It also has lower prices.
All of Laos offers a slower pace, with the whole country’s population being just 8 million, compared to 98 million (Viet Nam), 72 million (Thailand), and 17 million (Cambodia). It’s the least-known of the 4 Marxist-Leninist countries in the world, which includes 2 of Laos’ neighbors (China and Viet Nam) and Cuba.
The largest city and capital is Vientiane, where the new train route takes you. But Vientiane isn’t even the best destination in Laos.
What to visit if you take this new train
The most popular place in Laos is certainly the wonderful city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can get there easily on a 2-hour train from Vientiane for $15.
It’s a magnificent city with well-preserved architecture and stunning Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Since so many people still believe the myth that travel is expensive, it’s worth mentioning that in Luang Prabang, a nice well-rated hotel costs $24 per night ($12 per person with 1 companion) and a well-rated hostel costs $10 per night if you’re traveling solo.
As part of our accommodation prices feature, we have a few more coming before we get to do one for Laos like we did for neighboring Cambodia, but we’ll eventually share more details on this beautiful country.
Apart from the capital and Luang Prabang, you can explore riverside lodges in Champasak, nature in Vang Vieng, islands on the Mekong in Si Phan Don, mountain landscapes in Nong Khiaw, the Kuang Si Waterfall, the Tham KongLo Caves, megalithic stones at the Plain of Jars, and more!
Train route details
You could already get to Vientiane easily from Bangkok on a $148 flight, but now this nice rail journey is an even more convenient alternative that is also much cheaper.
This new route started on July 19th between Bangkok’s main railway station (Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal) and Vientiane’s suburban Khamsavath station.
The daily train (#133) leaves at 9:25 PM and arrives at 9:05 AM, saving you the cost of a hotel (although that’s pretty cheap in both Bangkok and Vientiane).
In the other direction, the #134 train leaves at 6:25 PM and arrives in Bangkok at 7:30 AM.
The former Japanese Railways sleeper car used for this new train route has doorless sections of 4-berths, which cost just C$30. If you want to save, a 2nd-class seat costs C$22, and a 3rd-class seat costs C$11.
Before this new route, a separate train (#25) could already take you to Nong Khai, on the Thai side of the border, just across from Vientiane. This new train crosses into Laos, simplifying the logistics a bit.
But that other train that stops in Nong Khai is still an available option, with better-quality sleeper cars and a restaurant car. If you choose that one, you have 3 options:
- Change to the new train in Nong Khai in the morning
- Spend the day there and catch a different train (#147) into Laos in the evening
- Use ground transportation across the border
It’s also planned to eventually connect Bangkok to China directly by train with this new route.
Learning how to travel for less
Join over 100,000 savvy Canadian travelers who already receive Flytrippers’ free newsletter so we can help you travel for less (and inspire you, too)!
Summary
The new train route from Bangkok to Vientiane makes it super easy to explore Laos, a hidden gem in Southeast Asia. With beautiful places like Luang Prabang, stunning natural landscapes, and fewer crowds, Laos is perfect for budget travelers looking for an authentic experience. Don’t miss out on this underrated destination!
What would you like to know about the new train route from Thailand to Laos? Tell us in the comments below.
See the flight deals we spot: Cheap flights
Discover free travel with rewards: Travel rewards
Explore awesome destinations: Travel inspiration
Learn pro tricks: Travel tips
Featured image: Nong Khiaw, Laos (photo credit: Teodor Kuduschiev)
