If you are looking to travel from the mountains of Northern Thailand to the relaxed capital of Laos, you might be surprised to learn there is no direct train line connecting Train from Chiang Mai to Vientiane. However, thanks to the new international service launched in mid-2024, you can now complete this journey almost entirely by rail with a seamless transfer in Bangkok.
Option 1: The “All-Rail” Route (Train from Chiang Mai to Vientiane via Bangkok)
If you love trains or just want a chill ride, the “All-Rail” route is the best way to get from Chiang Mai to Laos. Thanks to the new direct train, you can go all the way with just one easy transfer in Bangkok. Start by catching Train #8 from Chiang Mai at 8:50 AM. It costs about 700 THB (lunch included!) and arrives in Bangkok around 7:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to grab snacks at 7-Eleven.
At 9:25 PM, hop on Train #133, which takes you straight across the border while you sleep. Definitely spend the extra cash for a 2nd Class AC Sleeper bed (about 1,000 THB)—trust me, it’s worth it. The whole 24-hour adventure costs around 1,600 THB ($45 USD) and drops you in Vientiane the next morning ready to explore.
Option 2: The “Shortcut” Hybrid Route (Bus + Train)
For travelers on a budget or those short on time, the “Shortcut” Hybrid Route offers a practical alternative to the long train ride via Bangkok. If traveling all the way south to the capital feels like an unnecessary detour, you can instead cut directly across the country by bus and simply use the train for the final border crossing.
The journey begins with an overnight or day bus from Chiang Mai to Udon Thani, which typically takes between 10 and 12 hours. From Udon Thani, a one-hour minivan ride brings you to the border town of Nong Khai. Once there, head to the Nong Khai Railway Station to catch the train across the river; you can board the Shuttle Train #147 at 05:25 PM or the incoming Bangkok train #133 at 08:35 AM.
This final leg across the Friendship Bridge into Laos costs approximately 70 THB and takes just 20 minutes.
Train from Chiang Mai to Vientiane: What to Expect
The train now arrives at the new Khamsavath Railway Station in Vientiane, not the old Thanaleng station.
- Immigration: You will do your Thai exit procedures at Nong Khai station and your Laos entry procedures (Visa on Arrival) upon arrival at Khamsavath Station.
- Visa on Arrival: Available for most nationalities. Bring $40 USD in new, crisp bills and a passport photo.
- Getting to the City: Khamsavath Station is about 8km from the city center.
- Taxi/Tuk-tuk: ~150,000 – 200,000 LAK ($7-9 USD).
- Public Bus: Look for the green/white city buses outside the station for a cheaper ride into town
- Taxi/Tuk-tuk: ~150,000 – 200,000 LAK ($7-9 USD).
If you are interested in booking a train ride to Vientiane:
