Hi Jim, that’s the main route in the country so there are plenty of bus and minivan options that will be advertised everywhere. I went with a bus. It’s slower but roomier than a minivan. And if you go in 2022 you will be able to do the whole trip by train.

Thank you for the information. it is very helpful as we are planning a trip to Laos from Bangkok in Feb, 2019 by train. We are trying to hit the three major stops; Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang. How are the transportation like getting from one place to another and what would be your recommendations?

Thanks in advance,

Jim

There is no smoking on public transport in Thailand. You might see people smoking between the carriages though, depending on the type of train.

Thank you so much for the all informations which I was looking for.

I got only one question, is there a designated smoking area in the train?

Hello, yes you will find a shuttle bus is waiting for the train so it wont leave until the train from Bangkok arrives. I didn’t see the schedule but it leaves shortly after the train has arrived.

thank you,

Hi Shannon,

you can depart from Bang Sue as the train usually stops there. It’s just a matter of buying your ticket either online or at the station.

The visa I got was visa on arrival, which they had a visa desk at the station ready for when the train arrives.

Good luck!

Just a few questions, how would I go about this if I have to book an overnight train at Bang Sue station?

Did you directly get your Laos visa by the train station?

Again, thank you so much.
I’m looking forward to hearing back from you.

Thank you for the nice and detailed information ..it will be a great help to our future backpacking adveture to Thailand-Lao-Cambodia and Vietnam.