The vision of a continuous train journey from Bangkok to Beijing is closer to becoming a reality, thanks to the recent completion of a critical railway bridge over the Mekong River, connecting Thailand and Laos. This milestone significantly advances cross-border rail transport between the two countries, with only a few kilometers of track left to extend the route into China.

 

The newly operational Thai-Lao railway allows passengers to travel on a 12-hour journey from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Station to Khamsavath Station, just outside Vientiane, Laos. Khamsavath Station, situated approximately 9.6 kilometers from Vientiane, now serves as the final stop for this cross-border connection.

 

Final Stretch to China Despite the progress, a gap in the rail network still hinders a direct connection to China. Currently, passengers and cargo arriving in Vientiane must use taxis, vans, or other vehicles to cover the distance between Khamsavath Station and Vientiane Railway Station, which serves as the gateway to China. Officials remain optimistic that the remaining tracks will be completed by 2028, finalizing the direct rail link from Bangkok to Beijing.

 

Vientiane Railway Station, a modern facility built by China and located 16 kilometers northeast of the Lao capital, serves as the hub for high-speed trains connecting Laos to southern China. These sleek trains, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, have been in operation since 2021, linking Laos to major Chinese cities such as Kunming, Beijing, and Shanghai.

 

Boosting Trade and Tourism The Bangkok-Vientiane rail route is expected to greatly enhance trade between Thailand and Laos while also driving international tourism to Laos. As the once-isolated, single-party nation continues to welcome more foreign visitors, this rail connection is seen as a vital step in fostering greater cross-border exchange.

 

Ticket prices for the Bangkok-Vientiane journey are affordable, with third-class seats starting at $7.80, air-conditioned second-class seats at $16, and sleeper options available for $22 to $25.30.

 

Previously, trains from Bangkok only reached Nong Khai, with a highway crossing over the Friendship Bridge as the sole route into Laos. The recent extension of the rail line by approximately five miles into Laos, coupled with the construction of the new railway bridge, has now enabled direct rail travel between the two countries.

 

Collaboration between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Lao National Railway State Enterprise has ensured smooth operations, from scheduling and station management to ticket sales. As the train crosses the Mekong, Lao drivers take control, ensuring Thai drivers are not exposed to international liability when operating on Lao soil.

 

Gateway to China and Beyond For travelers seeking to continue their journey beyond Laos, the Chinese-built train service from Vientiane to Boten Station in southern Yunnan province provides a direct route into China. The service passes through key northern Lao cities, including Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Muang Xay, and Luang Namtha, before reaching the border. The Vientiane-Boten trains navigate through 75 tunnels, cutting across the rugged terrain and lush landscapes of northern Laos, an area still marked by unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam War.

 

Source: TravelDailyNews Asia-Pacific

 

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The editorial team at Invest Bangkok Property