I visited Luang Prabang by train from Vientiane shortly after Laos reopened in 2022. While Luang Prabang was abnormally quiet then, it was evident that Luang Prabang would be transformed by the Laos-China Railway. This is my trip report and general observations. Visiting Luang Prabang before the train My first visit to Luang Prabang was […]
Notes on Vientiane: Riding the new railway and the gravitational pull of China
I visited Vientiane not long after the borders reopened in May 2022. I was there to ride the new Laos-China Railway, which had been running since December 2021. The last time I was in Vientiane was via train from Bangkok, and the next time I visit will probably be when the line from Thailand is […]
Where to stay in Luang Prabang: Best areas and hotels in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is one of the most charming cities in Southeast Asia and a highlight for any visit to Laos. Calling it a city seems a bit of a stretch as it feels more like a big country town. And within the UNESCO World Heritage protected zone, some parts feel like it hasn’t changed for […]
Laos-China Railway – A review of the Vientiane to Boten train
The Laos-China Railway opened on the 2nd of December 2021, making it the first railway in Laos (not counting the border shuttle at Thanaleng from Nong Khai in Thailand). The train from Vientiane to Boten takes just 3.5 hours, and its main stops include Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Muang Xai. Laos was still closed […]
Hotel Review: Vientiane Luxury Hotel, Vientiane – Laos
Hotel Name: Vientiane Luxury Hotel Address: No 070, Lane 8, Rue Phanompenh Road, Ban Anou, Chanthabouly Dist, Vientiane, Laos I stayed at the Vientiane Luxury Hotel in Vientiane, Laos. I booked online at the rate of $13.86 USD per night, and I booked it for its price and location in Laos. Despite its name, the […]
Laos-China Railway – Travel information for the Boten-Vientiane Railway
The Laos-China Railway (also referred to as the Boten – Vientiane Railway) opened on 2 December 2021, making it the first passenger railway in Laos. This railway will be connected to trains from Kunming in China, and eventually, there will be direct services from Bangkok. Laos also has a station at Thanaleng near the Thai-Laos […]
A complete guide to train travel in Southeast Asia
A complete guide to Southeast Asia train travel, featuring resources for buying tickets and reviews of rail travel in the region. An introduction to Southeast Asia Railways Travel by train is a great way to experience the landscapes of Southeast Asia and to meet the people who live here. Personally, I think train travel is […]
Notes on Luang Prabang: Soups, trains, bad bikes, and waterfalls
The last time I visited Luang Prabang I remember leaving sooner than I would have preferred. It might just be the most charming town in Southeast Asia. Since that trip in 2010, I’ve often thought about if it would be a good base to stay for a while. It ticks the boxes of having plenty […]
The best cafes in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage city that is filled with cool cafes in beautiful old buildings. It’s an ideal place to stay and work, or recombobulate after roughing it through provincial Laos. I was there for a week so I got to visit most of the cafes. These were the highlights of my […]
Flight Review: AirAsia – Luang Prabang to Bangkok
Flight: AirAsia FD 1031 From: Luang Prabang (LPQ) To: Bangkok (DMK) I flew with AirAsia from Luang Prabang to Bangkok. I booked it after comparing flights with Skyscanner. This was the return leg of my Luang Prabang trip, and AirAsia was the cheapest option again. Luang Prabang airport is close to the city centre, and […]
