BANGKOK TO VIENTIANE TRAIN EXPERIENCE

Discover as we experience our Bangkok to Vientiane train overnight sleeper guide. The train departs Bangkok in the evening and arrives in Nong Khai the next day morning. This sleeper train from Bangkok to Nong Khai is the cheapest way to travel overnight between Vientiane and Bangkok. This option is best for travelers who are on a budget and at the same time experience the night train ride. For some, sleeping through the overnight train might bring inconvenience, especially after hearing the squeaking noise of the train tracks. But if you are tired, you won’t be able to notice the sound. Follow with us as we share this Bangkok to Vientiane train adventure with you.

Bangkok To Vientiane Train - OVERNIGHT SLEEPER TRAIN

  1. Head To Bangkok Train Station
  2. Where Is Bangkok Train Station
  3. Puchase A Two-Way Ticket
  4. Train Fare And Schedule (Bangkok To Nong Khai)
  5. Ride The Sleeper Train
  6. Breakfast On The Sleeper Train
  7. Arrival In Nong Khai The Next Day
  8. Train Fare And Schedule (Nong Khai To Thanaleng)
  9. Explore Vientianne Laos
  10. Final Thoughts

sTEP 1: HEAD TO BANGKOK TRAIN STATION

Bangkok Train Station Terminal

Coming from Suvarnabhumi Airport, ride an airport rail link and alight at the Makkasan Station. From here, change the train and ride to Hua Lamphong Station. Hua Lamphong Station (also known as Bangkok Train Station) is one of the oldest train stations in Thailand. This train station is in the city center of Thailand, which makes it makes an ideal location. This terminal caters to different routes and destinations within and outside of Thailand. Long-distance train services can reach Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, Nong Kai, Trang, Udonthani, and even Butterworth, Malaysia. Bangkok Train Station is open 24 hours to help serve all commuters and passengers.

WHERE IS BANGKOK TRAIN STATION

Bangkok Train Station (Hua Lamphong Station) is located along Rong Mueang, Rong Muang, Pathum Wan District. Near-by to the famous Chao Phraya river, this main terminal caters to all locations in Thailand. The station caters to four (4) main railways, Northern Line, North-Eastern Line, Southern Line, and Eastern Line.

STEP 2: PURCHASE 2-WAY TICKET

"Hua Lamphong Train Station"

Once you arrive at the Bangkok Train Station head to the ticket counter to purchase a 2-way ticket to Nong Khai. There is a number of ticket counters situated on this terminal that serve different destinations. Look for the ticket counter that has Nong Kai, this will your destination when heading to Vientiane. Tickets can be purchase on the same day, but depending on the season, they may not be available. So it is advisable to book in advance or to come early in the morning so you can have a seat.

TRAIN FAre AND SCHEDULE

BANGKOK TO NONG KHAI
Train Number: 75
Departure Time: 8:20 AM
Arrival Time: 5:30 PM
Fare: 500 baht (Adult) | 400 baht (Child)

NONG KHAI TO BANGKOK
Train Number: 25
Departure Time: 8:00 PM
Arrival Time: 6:25 AM
1st Class Fare: 1500 baht (Adult) | 1200 baht( Child)
2nd Class Fare: 900 baht (Adult) | 800 baht (Child)

The train services operate in both daytime and night when traveling to Bangkok to Nong Khai. Daytime rail car departs 8:00 AM and is usually cheaper compared to sleeper train. During the whole journey, you are only be seated. It allows you to see the countryside of Thailand while traveling the day. On the other hand, the sleeper train is more expensive due to the train accommodation. The sleeper trains depart in the evening, which you a little time to see outside as mostly you will be resting through the night.

STEP 3: RIDE SLEEPER TRAIN

Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok

Bangkok sleeper train departs at 8:00 PM and arrives in Nong Kai the next day. It is a 12-hour journey to reach Nong Kai. When booking, there are two (2) different classes of seats (1st Class and 2nd Class), 1st Class is more private and costly, while 2nd class is cheaper.

"Sleeper Train to Laos Vientiane Day Tour Activity"

Seats are converted into beds by the train conductor at around 9:00 PM. Linens, pillows, and blankets will be provided during this travel. The train has a storage place where you can keep all your belongings. If you feel uncomfortable, you can keep your belongings beside your bed. During the night, the clacking sound on the rail tracks will be observed by passengers. It was noisy at first but along the way, we got used to it and managed to sleep through the night. By morning the conductor will keep all the linens, blankets and convert back the bunk bed into a normal chair.

BREAKFAST ON THE SLEEPER TRAIN

"Sleeper Train Breakfast Toast Bread, Fried Egg and Orange Juice"

The sleeper train provides breakfast meals the next day morning when you almost arrive in Nong Kai. The train conductor will serve the breakfast that you order in your respective cabins. The breakfast consists of eggs and a sandwich, with a choice of coffee or juice. It is descent and complete breakfast, enough to fuel our day in the journey ahead to Vientiane.

STEP 4: ARRIVAL IN NONG KHAI THE NEXT DAY

"Nong Khai Train Station Platform Vientiane Laos"

Once you reach Nong Khai, clear the immigration and catch a train or bus towards Thanaleng. To enter Vientienne, clear the immigration at Thanaleng. Thanaleng north border of Laos is around 20 km to Vientiane.

TRAIN FAre AND SCHEDULE

NONG KHAI TO THANALENG
Train Number: 913
Departure Time: 7:30 AM
Arrival Time: 7:45 AM
Fare: 20 baht (Adult)

THANALENG TO NONG KHAI
Train Number: 917
Departure Time: 2:45 PM
Arrival Time: 3:00 PM
Fare: 20 baht

There are two (2) train services that cater between Nong Khai to Thanaleng. One in the morning and the other one is in the afternoon. It is a 15 minutes journey to reach the border of Laos-Thanaleng. If you are unable to catch the train, there are bus services that also run from Nong Khai to Thanaleng at the cost of 20 baht. Once you are cleared the immigration for the Laos border in Thanaleng, you will need to hire a tuk-tuk or car to reach Vientiane.

STEP 5: EXPLORE VIENTIANE-LAOS

Patuxai War Monument European Arch Design

There are a number of tuk-tuk drivers available outside Thanaleng station. If you need to explore the city you hire that same driver to let you go around Vientiane and check famous landmarks. By the time you reach Thanaleng and have cleared the immigration, you need to hire a tuk-tuk or car to the city of Vientiane. Please do check our what to see in Vientiane Laos one day travel guide. Once you have completed your journey and visit Vientiane or any part of Laos, going back to Bangkok via this overnight sleeper train is still the same process. From Vientiane catch the bus to Thanaleng and clear immigration for both Laos and Thailand. After completing the immigration check, head to Nong Khai and wait for the overnight sleeper train to depart at 7:40 PM. The train will arrive the next morning in Bangkok.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Bangkok Overnight Sleeper Train Experience

Riding an overnight sleeper train on our Bangkok to Vientiane adventure is one of the kinds of experiences that we have. Having ridden an overnight bus before, riding the Bangkok overnight sleeper train was our first-time experience. Hopefully, we are able to share with you the steps on how to travel from Bangkok To Vientiane by overnight sleeper train.

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the gees travel

A wife and a mother of three toddlers | Previously working as customer service executive in a logistics supply chain | working at home mom. But in spite of this added responsibilities I still find time to travel and explore together with my family.

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Backpack BOB February 1, 2023 Reply

    Taking the train is the best way to get around in Thailand- Great post! Really wish we’d done the sleeper train instead 😄

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