Thailand Leads in Visits to Laos in First Quarter
LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL
15 May 2024
[Image: Xinhua file photo: Chinese tourists take pictures in front of the Patuxai Memorial in the Lao capital Vientiane, May 1, 2024]
According to Xinhua News Agency, Laos welcomed over 1.1 million foreign tourists in the first quarter of this year (January-March), marking a 36 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Thailand topped the list of visitor origins with 347,595 tourists, followed by Vietnam with 264,710 and China with 242,404.
This surge in tourism is attributed to the launch of the "Visit Laos Year 2024" campaign and the growing popularity of the China-Laos railway, which offers convenient access to popular destinations like Luang Prabang and Oudomxay Provinces.
In preparation for the tourism campaign, Lao tourism agencies and operators have enhanced services at hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants, and improved facilities at tourist attractions to provide visitors with a better and more engaging experience.
The Lao Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism aims to attract over 2.2 million domestic tourists and 4 million foreign tourists in 2024, with a target of generating approximately 1.3 billion U.S. dollars (about 48 billion baht) in tourism revenue.
Next month, travel by train from Bangkok to Vientiane for a fare of 300 baht.
Next month (June), you can travel by train directly from Bangkok to Vientiane, Lao PDR. The trial run has been completed successfully, launching with four non-air-conditioned trains at a fare of about 300 baht, with plans to add air-conditioned trains.
May 23, 2024 1:25 PM
Transportation Innovation
The "Daily News Transportation Innovation Team" reported that the trial run of the train route between Thailand and the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) from Thanaleng Station to Vientiane Station (Khamsavath), a distance of about 7.5 kilometers, has been successfully completed. The initial trial results were smooth and safe, with no technical or railway issues. The test details will be submitted to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) for consideration in preparing the service trains. The official service is expected to begin in June 2024.
The SRT and the Lao National Railways, under the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport, conducted this trial to prepare for train services between Nong Khai Station and Vientiane Station (Khamsavath). During the trial, Lao train drivers operated the Thai train, having previously undergone theoretical and practical training with the SRT.
For international train operations, Thai drivers will operate the train to Thanaleng Station, where Lao drivers will then take over to Vientiane Station (Khamsavath). This change of drivers is to avoid complications, as any incidents on the Lao side would require Thai drivers to face Lao legal proceedings.
Initially, the current service route from Bangkok to Nong Khai will extend to Vientiane (Khamsavath) twice daily (round trip). This includes train number 133 from Bangkok to Nong Khai and train number 134 from Nong Khai to Bangkok, covering a distance of 614 km. These are fan-cooled, fast trains with second and third-class seating. Train 133 departs from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal at 9:25 PM, arriving in Nong Khai at 7:55 AM. Train 134 departs from Nong Khai at 6:50 PM, arriving at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal at 5:20 AM. The fare is approximately 344 baht for second class and 211 baht for third class. Traveling from Nong Khai to Vientiane (Khamsavath), a 13 km journey, will take an additional 20 minutes with an extra fare of 60-70 baht. The SRT will also try to provide air-conditioned trains.
Additionally, local trains will operate, including train number 481 from Nong Khai to Thanaleng and train number 482 from Thanaleng to Nong Khai, with two trips daily (round trip). The fare is 20 baht for third-class seating. Train 481 departs Nong Khai at 7:30 AM, arriving at Thanaleng at 7:45 AM. Train 482 departs Thanaleng at 10:00 AM, arriving at Nong Khai at 10:15 AM. This route will extend to Udon Thani Nong Khai Thanaleng Vientiane (Khamsavath). Vientiane Station (Khamsavath) is located 7-9 km from central Vientiane, making travel from Bangkok and Udon Thani to Vientiane, the capital of Lao PDR, more convenient for Thai and international tourists.
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