Bustling! Nong Khai tests Bangkok-Vientiane train, hoping to stimulate transport and tourism sectors
Source - Banmuang Online
Saturday, July 13, 2024 12:37
After the State Railway of Thailand announced the launch of the first international passenger train service between Bangkok and Vientiane on July 19, 2024, connecting Thailand and Laos, a test run and promotional event for the international route from Bangkok Aphiwat to Vientiane (Khamsavath) took place on July 13, 2024.
Mr. Somphop Samitasiri, Governor of Nong Khai Province, Mr. Chanchai Kongtan, Deputy Governor of Nong Khai Province, along with related government and private sector agencies and tour operators, joined this test journey. Everyone boarded the train at Nong Khai station with their passports, heading towards Khamsavath station in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Ticket sales for the international passenger train between Bangkok and Vientiane began on July 10, 2024. The first service will operate on July 19, offering round-trip journeys. The train consists of:
- 3rd class fan-cooled carriages (152 seats) at 281 baht
- 2nd class air-conditioned seats (64 seats) at 574 baht
- 2nd class air-conditioned sleeper (30 berths) at 784 baht for upper berth and 874 baht for lower berth
These carriages will be attached to the rapid train No. 133/134. The prices quoted are for journeys starting from Bangkok Aphiwat Central Station and are the maximum fares. Prices will be lower for intermediate stations based on distance traveled.
Additionally, there will be services on the Udon Thani-Vientiane (Khamsavath)-Udon Thani route with two more round-trip rapid trains (No. 147/148), totaling 4 trains per day. Ticket prices for this route are:
- Udon Thani-Vientiane: 100 baht (fan-cooled) / 200 baht (air-con)
- Udon Thani-Nong Khai: 30 baht (fan-cooled) / 80 baht (air-con)
- Nong Khai-Vientiane: 70 baht (fan-cooled) / 120 baht (air-con)
Those interested in traveling on the international Bangkok-Vientiane train can purchase tickets and reserve seats up to 180 days in advance at any train station nationwide. Passengers must have a passport or border pass for customs and immigration procedures at Nong Khai and Vientiane (Khamsavath) stations before each cross-border journey.
For tourists, the Vientiane Transport Operators Association will provide shuttle services to various tourist attractions.
The State Railway of Thailand aims to facilitate travel between the two countries, elevate Thailand's logistics system to become a regional hub, support the expansion of Thai-Lao border trade, and boost domestic tourism through this international passenger train service.
Last edited by Mongwin on 21/07/2024 12:04 am; edited 1 time in total
Governor of Nong Khai participates in test run of the "Krung Thep Aphiwat-Vientiane" train before its official launch on July 19.
Source: Manager Online
Saturday, July 13, 2024, 19:41
Following the announcement by the State Railway of Thailand to commence international passenger train services between Bangkok and Vientiane on July 19, 2024, connecting Thailand and Laos, a test run and promotional event for the Bangkok Aphiwat-Vientiane (Thanaleng) route was conducted today (July 13, 2024).
Participating in the test run were Mr. Sompop Samitasiri, Governor of Nong Khai Province; Mr. Chanchai Kongthan, Deputy Governor of Nong Khai Province; and representatives from related government and private sector agencies, including tourism companies. The group boarded the train at Nong Khai Railway Station, equipped with their passports, and traveled to Thanaleng Station in Vientiane, Laos.
Tickets for the Bangkok-Vientiane international passenger train route have been on sale since July 10. The first official service will commence on July 19.
Before You Board the Thai-Laos Train: All You Need to Know About the Vientiane Route
Starting July 19th, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will launch a new long-distance train service between Bangkok and Vientiane (Khamsavath) station, the capital of Laos. Two round-trip trains will run daily, along with two daily trains between Udon Thani and Vientiane (Khamsavath) station:
* Rapid Train 133: Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal) - Vientiane (Khamsavath). Departs Bangkok at 21:25, arrives in Vientiane at 09:05 the next day.
* Rapid Train 134: Vientiane (Khamsavath) - Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal). Departs Vientiane at 18:25, arrives in Bangkok at 07:30 the next day.
* Ordinary Train 147: Udon Thani - Vientiane (Khamsavath). Departs Udon Thani at 16:00, arrives in Vientiane at 17:55.
* Ordinary Train 148: Vientiane (Khamsavath) - Udon Thani. Departs Vientiane at 09:35, arrives in Udon Thani at 11:55.
Rapid trains 133 and 134 will stop at Don Mueang, Rangsit, Ayutthaya, Ban Phachi Junction, Saraburi, Kaeng Khoi, Lam Narai, Plandinthang, Khok Khli, Bamnet Narong, Chatturat, Ban Lueam, Buriram, Nong Bua Lai, Muang Phon, Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, Nam Phong, Khao Suan Kwang, Non Sa-at, Huai Kueng, Kumphawapi, Huai Samphat, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai stations.
Tickets for these trains can be purchased on the day of travel.
From Vientiane Station to the City Center:
Vientiane Capital State Bus Enterprise operates bus line 12 from Vientiane (Khamsavath) station to the morning market. The fare is 20,000 kip (35 baht) and the journey takes about 30 minutes. The bus passes by That Luang Marsh, the QB Hotel, ITECC Mall (Big C Supercenter), That Luang, the Supattana Hotel, Patuxay, and the morning market bus station. Buses depart from Vientiane (Khamsavath) station at 09:30, 09:40, 18:30, and 18:45.
For other destinations, such as the Northern Bus Terminal or Vientiane Railway Station (Laos-China Railway), you'll need to take a taxi or other hired transport.
Travel Documents:
To cross into Laos, you'll need a passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining or a Border Pass. If you're traveling from Bangkok, it's recommended to use a passport, as you'll have 40 minutes for immigration clearance at Nong Khai station before the train crosses into Vientiane.
Border Passes for those boarding the train at Nong Khai station can be obtained at the Nong Khai District Border Pass Office, located behind the Nong Khai Provincial Court. The office is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.
The Border Pass fee is 30 baht and allows for a stay of 3 days and 2 nights in Vientiane. You cannot travel to other cities with a Border Pass. If you need a Border Pass in advance, you can apply for an E-Border Pass online at [https://bpsportal.dopa.go.th](https://bpsportal.dopa.go.th). You'll receive a QR code to pick up your physical Border Pass on the appointed date.
Important Note:
Make sure your passport or Border Pass has entry stamps from both Thai and Lao immigration. Before leaving the immigration counter on either side, check that your documents have the correct stamps and dates. If you don't have the entry stamp when returning, you'll be subject to a hefty fine from Lao immigration.
Currency Exchange:
Due to the fluctuating value of the kip, it's recommended to use kip currency in Laos. You can exchange money at Lao banks for fair rates. Exchange only what you need, as you'll lose money if you exchange leftover kip back to your home currency. You can also use QR code payments with Thai banking apps that support LAO QR (12 banks in total, including KMA Bank). If a shop accepts UnionPay QR codes, you can use the K PLUS app from Kasikornbank.
Mobile Phone Service:
There are affordable roaming packages for travel to neighboring countries, starting at 99 baht for 2GB of data valid for 7 days. It's recommended to sign up before your trip. However, if you need a lot of data, it's better to buy a Lao SIM card, which can be purchased at mobile phone shops throughout Laos.
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