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

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