Lao-Thai Train

by Michel

Thanaleng Train Station

Thanaleng Train Station

Thanaleng Train Station
Immigration windows in the train station

Last February I entered Laos by the morning train coming from Nong Khai which runs over the friendship bridge. Upon arrival at Tha Na Laeng, formalities were smooth & swift. Take heed it's wise to have US$ banknotes in hand as well as your passport photographs before completing the forms (1 for visa, the other for customs).


Then a few meters outside the station is the vast parking where a Song Teo featuring the station logo, waits to fill up. 50 bahts per passenger to reach its last stop in Vientiane in a street featuring Sunisouk guest. Indeed I prefer to travel to Laos by rail rather than road. However no duty free shop available at that clean Lao station, the sole one in the country. Let's hope the tracks will be extended unto Vientiane!

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Jun 27, 2012
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starstarstarstar 		Lao cross border train - a nice short ride
by: D.Phothisane

Michel,

Thanks for sharing your Lao train travel experience.
It’s nice to hear you had a good ride and smooth immigration clearance at the station.

Usually the immigration and visa on arrival formalities are simple and straight forward. It is quick and easy as long as you meet all the requirements (provide your valid passport, photos (passport type) for visa processing, fill out visa and immigration forms correctly, and of course cash for visa fee in US dollar).

The station is not that busy because only two trains arrive daily, one in the morning and one in late afternoon. That’s probably why there aren’t many facilities such as duty free shop and restaurants. There is a shop selling drinks and snacks though.

As for transports to the town in Vientiane Capital, there are also van services apart from Song Teo, but it is more expensive. If you travel in a big group, this may be a better alternative (air-conditioning, and more comfortable compare to Song Teo).

D.

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