How to Travel from Laos to China by High-Speed Train
Laos is connected with China by a state-of-the-art high-speed railway line, making the train the best option to travel between these two countries.
In this short guide, I’ll show you what the train journey between Laos and China is is like and how you can book tickets.
High-speed train to China, seen here at Vientiane railway station in Laos. ©AndyBTravels
From Laos to China by train
There are currently two daily high-speed trains running between Laos and China.
These trains depart from Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and also stop at Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.
Boten is the Laotian border station where these trains stop for exit checks (or immigration when travelling in the opposite direction), followed by a stop at the Chinese border station of Mohan for Chinese border formalities.
Afterwards, the train continues through China’s Yunnan province to Kunming.
Depending on which train you take, it will either call at Kunming South (Kunming Nan) station before continuing to Kunming main station, where it terminates, or only call at Kunming South and terminate there.
The travel time from Vientiane to Kunming by high-speed train is around 10 hours, while the journey from Luang Prabang to Kunming takes around 8 hours, including the lengthy station stops for border formalities.
Luang Prabang, Laos. ©AndyBTravels
What are the trains like?
The high-speed trains from Laos to China are modern Chinese-built trains that can reach speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour (124 mph).
There are two travel classes available on board these trains.
Second class features seating in a 3+2 configuration, while first class offers a more spacious 2+2 seating arrangement.
The trains also have a café-bar coach where passengers can buy snacks and drinks.
The train journey from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and onward to Kunming is highly scenic, offering stunning views over the mountains and rivers of Laos and China’s Yunnan Province, although a large section of the railway line runs through tunnels.
Second class seats on the high-speed train between Laos and China. ©AndyBTravels
First class seats on the same train. ©AndyBTravels
Scenery from the train on the scenic railway line from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. ©AndyBTravels
Mountain scenery as seen from the high-speed railway line linking Laos with China. ©AndyBTravels
Booking tickets
The train services between Laos and China are highly popular among locals and foreign tourists alike, and tickets often sell out almost immediately once tickets go on sale.
The best way to book your Laos–China train tickets is by using the reliable booking website 12Go.
12Go works with Laotian tour operators that will book you onto your preferred train as soon as tickets go on sale, ensuring that you secure your seat.
Please note that you need to upload your passport when booking this train through 12Go, as this is a legal requirement set by the authorities.
Without a passport copy, 12Go’s Laotian partners will not be able to secure your train tickets.
Around 3 days before departure, your booking will be confirmed, and you will receive your online tickets.
12Go also sells train tickets combined with taxi transfers to the railway stations in Vientiane, Vang Vieng, or Luang Prabang, which can be particularly convenient given that all these stations are located a long way from the town centres.
Conclusion
Taking the high-speed train is the best way to travel between Laos and China.
It is a beautiful journey through the mountains of Laos and China’s Yunnan Province, with excellent onboard comfort provided by the modern trains.
Make sure to arrange your ticket in advance, as these high-speed trains are immensely popular among travellers and locals alike and often sell out almost as soon as the booking window opens.
Want to know more about another cross-border rail journey from Laos? Read my guide about the Bangkok to Vientiane train service!
