Thailand welcomes Laotian tourists with new Vientiane-Bangkok train service

By TTG Asia | 16 July, 2024

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and State Railway of Thailand (SRT) welcomed the first group of passengers on the full trial train travelling from Laos to Bangkok on July 14.

The train departed from Lao PDR’s Vientiane Train Station (Khamsavath) and arrived at Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station. This new train service is scheduled to officially begin operations this Friday, July 19.

The Bangkok-Vientiane (Khamsavath) train service is an extension of the current Bangkok-Nong Khai route, and is a project between the Thai and Laotian governments to better connect the two countries’ rail systems.

The outgoing train, Rapid No. 133, will depart Bangkok in the evening and arrive in Vientiane the next morning and vice versa for the returning train, Rapid No. 134.

Both trains comprise 30 seats in the second-class air-conditioned sleeper carriage, 64 seats in the second-class air-conditioned carriage, and 152 seats in two of the third-class ordinary carriages with fans.

SRT also operates Rapid No. 147/148 between Udon Thani and Khamsavath Station.

TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said: “The extended train route will enhance cross-border tourism and economic activities and strengthen relations between the two nations. It also aligns with TAT’s strategy to boost cross-border tourism and intra-ASEAN travel.”

“We hope to welcome more Laotian tourists and maintain Thailand’s well-established position as the preferred travel destination among the Laotians.”