The Bangkok-Vientiane international train service commenced its first operation on July 20, reaching its full capacity with 300 passengers on board. The inaugural journey advances transportation links between Thailand and Laos, enhancing regional connectivity.
Upon the train’s arrival at Nong Khai Station, Station Master Veera Charoenrang, together with a team of immigration officers, facilitated the necessary border formalities. The process, which included immigration, customs, and health checks, was completed in approximately 40 minutes, allowing passengers to proceed with the final 20-minute journey to Khamsawat station in Vientiane.
The service features a range of travel accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets: third-class fan-cooled seats available for 281 baht, second-class air-conditioned seats priced at 574 baht, and more comfortable second-class air-conditioned sleeper cars, which vary in price from 784 to 874 baht for upper and lower berths respectively. All services originate from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, with fare reductions applicable for passengers boarding at intermediate stops along the route.
Tickets for the Bangkok-Vientiane train route can be booked up to 180 days in advance, accommodating both last-minute plans and scheduled trips. Passengers are advised to ensure they have all required documents (passport or border pass under Thai-Laos 30-day visa-free policy) for border crossings at Nong Khai and Vientiane stations. (NNT)
Steps for Crossing the Border:
1.Disembark at Nong Khai Station: When you arrive at Nong Khai Station, get off the train.
2.Enter the Passport or Border Pass Control Lane: Go through the passport or border pass control.
3.Reboard the Train: After passing through control, get back on the train. At this point, you will have “incomplete border crossing” status.
4.Arrive at Vientiane Station (Thanalaeng Station): When the train arrives at Vientiane (Thanalaeng) Station, disembark.
5.Go to the Passport/Border Pass Control Lane: Follow the designated path to the passport or border pass control.
6.Complete Immigration Check: Once the check is completed, you can exit the station, and your border crossing will be considered “complete”.
Passport Control Locations:
-Nong Khai Railway Station
-Vientiane (Thanalaeng) Railway Station
Important Information on Using Passport and Border Pass:
-Travel Documents: Passengers can use either a passport or a border pass to enter and exit Laos. However, when traveling on trains 133 and 147, which offer a direct ticket into Laos, passengers only have 40 minutes for immigration checks. It is recommended to use a passport for border crossing since obtaining a border pass requires visiting the provincial border pass office, which is 5-10 minutes from the station and involves additional steps that may cause you to miss the train.
-Border Pass Use: It is recommended to use a border pass only for those residing in Nong Khai or those starting their journey at Nong Khai Station to minimize waiting times for border pass processing.
-E-Border Pass: Those needing a border pass can apply for an electronic border pass (E-Border Pass) in advance at https://bpsportal.dopa.go.th/. You will receive a QR code to collect the physical border pass on the appointed date, as only the physical border pass can be used for border crossing.
-Passport Validity: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months.
How to Book Train Tickets:
1.Online Booking: Book through the website www.dticket.railway.co.th.
2.Call Center Booking: Call 1690 to book tickets.
3.In-Person Booking: Visit the ticket counter at the station to book tickets.
