Travelling on the Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng high speed train in Laos.
After some sketchy journeys during my time in Laos, it felt incredible riding on such a modern train!
My Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng journey was enjoyed in style, with beautiful scenery, great service, and a very comfortable cabin.
What a fun travel experience in Laos!
If you are planning your Laos trip, you are probably wondering how to travel between Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, two of the most popular tourist spots in the underrated South East Asian country.
Well, the new high speed trains are now the best option, by far!
This blog will detail how you can use the new rail service, which is operated by Laos-China Railway, connecting Laos to China.
By the end of reading my experience, you will know how to book, which train to get, and should have your ticket purchased through my easy links!
Why travel by train though?
The high speed train.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
Why take the high-speed train in Laos?
Travel in Laos has traditionally been long, dirty, hot, and humid, with long bus journeys battling against the tricky terrain of the country…
However, in December 2021, a major milestone was achieved… When the high speed train service began.
This modern train network has transformed travel across the country. It’s not just a practical upgrade, but a whole new travel experience.
Here are some of the key benefits of using the new train service:
Save time, see more.
Compared to the old overland journeys, which involved bumpy, winding mountain roads, motion sickness, delays, and occasional breakdowns, the high-speed train feels like luxury.
It was a breath of fresh air after some horrible journeys by road in and around Luang Prabang!
Most backpackers visit multiple destinations across Laos, so the train is the best way of doing this in a speedy manner.
I used my saved time to explore the treasures of Vang Vieng, as I basically clicked a full extra day with the short journey.
Scenic journeys through Laos.
Large parts of the journey between Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng was through the beautiful natural landscape of Laos, so we were treated to panoramic views of limestone karsts, rice fields, river valleys, and rural villages.
It is awesome to sit in comfort and to be able to enjoy the views stress free.
Affordable, efficient, and easy.
The whole experience of using the Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng train is impeccable, which is a testament to the Chinese, and the influence they have in developing countries.
From using the simple booking process, to the modern stations, and efficient services, it is a far cry away from travelling around Laos in the past.
There are a combination of high speed and ordinary train services, so it meets all budgets.
Some awesome scenic views on the way.
How long does it take from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng?
The journey time between Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng now only takes around 52 minutes, compared to 6/7 hours by minivan or bus.
A very modern and comfortable cabin.
How to book tickets for the Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng train.
There are several ways to purchase tickets for the LCR trains.
A popular way for backpackers is to pay their hostels or hotels, to act as agents and book for them.
Your passport details are required to book and they must match the details on the tickets when collecting at the station. They are also checked as you pass by security.
I used an easier option and booked through 12GO, and the process was simple.
I just chose my service, entered my information and then received an email several hours later, before picking up tickets just outside of the station with my voucher.
You need to book at least 24 hours in advance to make sure there is availability on the train, and allow enough time to receive your voucher from 12GO.
Ticket Prices.
The ticket costs in Laos are very reasonable, with £15 being the average cost for a first class ticket.
A benefit of using 12GO is that some of the options include transfers from your accommodation in Luang Prabang to the station.
My ticket on the same train later in my trip down to Vientiane.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng high-speed train schedule.
There are six services daily which travel between Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng per day:
This is the latest schedule, however, it can change, so only use it as an approximate guide.
Service C85 - 10.20AM – Arrives at 11.09AM.
Service C91 - 13.20PM – Arrives at 14.24PM.
Service D87 - 14.45PM – Arrives at 15.38PM.
Service K11 - 17.53PM – Arrives at 19.15PM.
Service C83 - 19.10PM – Arrives at 20.02PM.
Service C81 - 19.46PM – Arrives at 20.42PM.
There are services all day.
Arriving at the station: What can you expect?
It is approximately 11km from the city centre of Luang Prabang to the station, which usually takes around 25-30 mins via tuk tuk or taxi.
It is a little out of the way, and set back from the main river and tourist area.
You can share a tuk tuk for around 50,000 kip per person (£2).
Most hotels and hostels in town will pre-book this for you.
A very modern train station.
Make sure you arrive one hour early.
Passengers are asked to arrive at the station 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time to complete the boarding procedures.
There are signs all over the station stating this, and the tickets also make it clear.
There are queues to get through security, however, they only took around 10 minutes to complete, so I felt it was slightly excessive arriving so early.
All visitors must arrive one hour early.
A strict security process.
The security protocols feel more like an airport than a railway station.
Security scanners, bag searches, and questions as you enter the station!
I found the most random thing was that everyone’s anti-antiperspirant was getting confiscated, which is a bit of a headache when you have a tightly packed backpack.
It was not fun emptying my bag and having to repack it over my deodorant.
A long list of prohibited items.
Most items which are prohibited are expected, just be ready to empty your hair sprays etc. It just so happens that these are overpriced goods to repurchase in Laos also.
Tight security.
Some modern station facilities.
The introduction of the Laos-China high-speed railway has not only revolutionised travel across Laos but also brought about the development of modern train stations that enhance the overall travel experience.
I was surprised by just how modern the building was, as it felt like I was in a brand new airport.
The interior is very modern in all of the high speed stations in Laos.
There are options for food and coffee, water machines, and very clean toilet facilities in all of the new railway stations across Laos.
I purchased some noodles and used the water machine to make them, so I could enjoy a snack before my journey.
There is even a shop selling alcohol and tobacco!
It felt like an airport.
All passengers are allocated a seat number.
Onboard the train.
When I first stepped on the train it felt like a European train, with the facilities also in line with them.
The sleek, modern interior gives off a premium feel, with bright lighting, clean lines, and comfortable seating that immediately sets the tone for a smooth journey.
The train is very quiet and peaceful, which is very different to many of my other travel experiences in my Asia trip.
Entering the train.
Plenty of space for your luggage.
One of the most pleasant surprises aboard the Laos-China high-speed train is the generous luggage space.
Unlike many budget trains across Southeast Asia where overhead racks are limited and compartments can feel cramped, this high-speed service offers ample room for backpacks, suitcases, and even larger travel gear.
Luggage storage on board.
Arriving in Vang Vieng: What next?
When you arrive at the station at Vang Vieng, you have to navigate a 4km journey to the town centre before you can enjoy its many highlights.
As with all the train and bus stations in Laos, this isn’t hard to organise.
As soon as you exit the station you will see lots of tuk tuks parked up , with locals ushering guests onto them for the 10 minute journey into town.
This will cost around 50.000 kip per person (£2).
If there are a group of you a private taxi can also be booked for around 200,000 kip (£8).
Walking is doable, however in the heat with bags, it is not advisable, as the station is out of the way!
What to do in Vang Vieng.
Vang Vieng is known as a very popular backpacking destination in South East Asia, with lots of action and adventure.
Here are the favourite things I got up to in the small picturesque town:
Go Tubing on the Nam Song River.
Float lazily down the river in a tube, stopping at riverside bars and soaking in the mountain views, a backpackers special.
Explore the Blue Lagoons.
Swim in the famous turquoise waters of Blue Lagoon 1–3, surrounded by cliffs, jungle, and zip lines.
Hike to Nam Xay Viewpoint.
Climb this short but steep trail for one of the most iconic panoramic views in Laos, complete with a photo-ready motorbike at the summit.
Rent a Scooter & Ride the Loop.
Discover caves, rice fields, and small villages on your own time. Vang Vieng’s countryside is perfect for a day of exploring by motorbike.
Try Hot Air Ballooning or Paragliding.
See the karst mountains from the sky! Vang Vieng is one of the cheapest places in the world for a scenic hot air balloon ride.
Pick up services in Vang Vieng.
My honest review on the train ride.
Believe me, after enduring some of the bus journeys on my Laos trip, this train was like heaven.
Comfortable, fast, conditioned and the train stations were immaculate.
An ideal spot to chill away from the sun for an hour before the journey.
I 100% recommend taking this travel option, as it makes the whole travel experience more fun in Laos.
A selection of local refreshments are available.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.