The launch of express train for Laos-China railway

by TAA on January 14, 2023

The China-Laos Railway, or Boten-Vientiane line, is set to embark on its maiden journey this Saturday with the inaugural delivery of "China Standard" bullet train Lane Xang! The Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) can reach speeds up to 160km/hr and will be managed by Laos-China railway company in Vientiane. Prepare for an exciting adventure as we watch history unfold!

Experience the cultural ties between Laos and China with a ride on Lane Xang, the latest express train connection! Step aboard to be surrounded by the bright colors of Lao national pride - red, blue, and white. And for those looking for an authentic touchpoint with local culture during their commute: look no further than Dok Champa patterns decorating every carriage from top to bottom. Boasting 720 passengers-worth of capacity as well as snack bars, disabled passenger facilities and multilingual information services in Lao Chinese & English—Lane Xang is sure make your travel seamless whilst keeping you connected to traditional heritage at its heart.

Express Train for Laos-China Railway
Express Train for Laos-China Railway

The construction of the Boten–Vientiane Railway has been underway since December 2016 and is set to be opened for operations in 2021. It will span across two countries, stretching from Mohan connecting Chinese rail system up north, all the way down south through Thanaleng where it will meet an existing meter-gauge railway leading ultimately towards Nong Khai and Bangkok. As part of a greater network aiming to connect Kunming with Singapore, there are plans being made to also construct a high-speed standard gauge extension by 2028 now that this project is nearing completion – preparing more than ever before for Southeast Asia's travel revolution!

Set to revolutionize transportation in Laos, the 422.4-km railway is poised to provide a massive boost for tourism by slashing travel time between Vientiane and Kunming from 30 hours via bus down to less than 10 - an incredible 70% decrease! On top of that, it will reduce transport costs through the country by up to 40%. A remarkable feat indeed!

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Laos-China Railway line, where 32 stations await your exploration! With 20 main stops including 10 passenger and 10 cargo terminals, be sure to experience all that this incredible country has to offer. From exotic wildlife reserves to beautiful waterfalls - let the train take you away on a magical adventure of discovery!

Here is the list:

Station name

Type

Bo Ten

Passenger station

Na Toey

Passenger station – Major station

Na Moh

Passenger station

Na Thong

Cargo station

Mueang Xai

Passenger station – Major station

Na Khok

Cargo station

Mueang Nga

Passenger station

Huay Han

Cargo station

Luang Phrabang

Passenger station – Major station

Xiang Ngoen

Cargo station

Sala Phu Khun

Cargo station

Mueang Kasi

Passenger station

Ban Pha Daeng

Cargo station

Vang Vieng

Passenger station – Major station

Vang Khee

Cargo station

Phone Hong

Passenger station

Ban Saka

Cargo station

Vientiane North

Cargo station

Vientiane

Passenger station – Major station

Vientiane South

Cargo station


China → Luang Prabang → Vientiane

Train:

Chinese train

Chinese train

Chinese train

Days of running:

Beijingdepart:

Kunming arrive:

Train:

Chinese train

Chinese train

Chinese train

Days of running:

Kunmingdepart:

Boten (Laos border) arrive:

Train:

Laos train C81

Laos train K11

Laos train C83

Days of running:

daily

daily

daily

Classes:

1, 2

2

1, 2

Boten (Laos border) depart:

11:55

16:40

Luang Prabang arrive/depart:

13:34

19:01

18:25

Vang Vieng arrive/depart:

14:30

20:25

19:24

Vientiane arrive:

15:30

21:55

20:25

 

Vientiane → Luang Prabang → China

Train:

Laos train C82

Laos train K12

Laos train C84

Days of running:

daily

daily

daily

Classes:

1, 2

2

1, 2

Vientiane depart:

07:50

09:00

16:05

Vang Vieng arrive/depart:

08:49

10:26

17:02

Luang Prabang arrive/depart:

09:48

11:49

18:00

Boten (Laos border) arrive:

11:25

14:20

Train:

Chinese train

Chinese train

Chinese train

Days of running:

Boten (Laos border) depart:

Kunmingarrive:

Train:

Chinese train

Chinese train

Chinese train

Days of running:

Kunming depart:

Beijingarrive:

Despite the pandemic, three trains are still running throughout Laos on a daily basis. However, due to Covid-19 regulations and restrictions, cross-border travel between China and Laos is currently suspended indefinitely.

C81-C84 = Express trains, 1st & 2nd class. K11/K12 = ordinary train, 2nd class only. Vientiane to Luang Prabang is 238 km. Vientiane to Boten is 406 km.

Vientiane station is some 14 km from central Vientiane, about 30 minutes by taxi.

Luang Prabang station is some 12km from central Luang Prabang, about 25 minutes by taxi.

Fares

Vientiane to Luang Prabang

312,000 kip ($29)
in 1st classon express trains C81-C84198,000 kip
($18) in 2nd class on express train C81-C84140,000
kip in 2nd class on slow train K11/K12

Vientiane to Boten

529,000 kip ($49) in
1st class on express trains C81-C84333,000 kip ($31) in 2nd class
on express trains C81-C84238,000
kip in 2nd class on slow train K11/K12

Boten to Kunming

Not known

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