Travel Guide: How to Get to Vientiane, Laos from Bangkok, Thailand.

Laos, a not so typical travel destination in Asia. It is located in the center of Indochina, sharing borders with China to the North, Myanmar to the Northwest, Thailand to the West, Cambodia to the South and Vietnam to the East. Vientiane is the capital and largest city in Laos. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane is a city immersed in legend and history. The city is the home of the massive golden stupa, Pha That Luang, a national symbol of Laos.

The gateway to Vientiane, Laos is Nong Khai. Nong Khai is still in Thailand, lies at the end of the Northern - Eastern Railway, on the border with Laos. Here are the 6 simplified steps on how to get to Vientiane from Bangkok.

1. From your hotel or anywhere in Bangkok, ride a taxi to Huamlumphong Train Station. It is officially known as the Bangkok Railway Station, the main railway station in Bangkok, Thailand.  It is located in the center of the city in Pathum Wan District.

2. At Hualumphong Train Station, Bangkok buy ticket going Nong Khai. (Thai - Laos Border). Time of departure is 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. It is roughly 14 hours journey.

Ticket Rate is in Baht

Train going to Nong Khai.

Lower bed of 2nd Class Sleeper

3. Once at Nong Khai Train Station, buy connecting ticket going to Thanaleng Train Station (Laos) at the ticket booth for 20 Baht. The train travel across a bridge where Thailand and Laos is connected, the so - called 'Friendship Bridge'. It is not more than 20-minute train ride to Thanaleng. 

Ticket to Thanaleng, Laos.

4. Before hopping in the train. Make sure to clear your passport for Thai exit. Don't expect for a fancy Thai Immigration inside the Nong Khai train Station. This is actually the passport control booth where your passport will be stamp for exit.  

Say 'Goodbye' to Thailand.

5.  At Thanaleng Train Station, fill up the immigration form for stamping of Entry to Laos. Yes, Lao Immigration is also located inside the Thanaleng Train Station for those came from Nong Khai Train Station. For ASEAN, no visa required and so for non - ASEAN you need to fill up a visa form and pay a $30 for it.

 

Immigration Check - In

Immigration Form. Fill up this form at its back.

6.  Going to Vientiane, shared taxi is available. You can also ask your driver if he can drop you at your hotel or anywhere for additional 30 Baht. In Laos, they are accepting Baht. Laos currency is Kip. 1 Baht = 250 Kip. For me, it is easier to transact using Baht. Well, i just love to ask the vendors 'How much in Baht, how much in Baht?' in a Lao accent. :)

  
Plan your future Laos trip now. Enjoy!