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 […]
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 the […]
Where to stay 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 feel more like a big country town. And within the UNESCO World Heritage protected zone, some parts feels like it hasn’t changed for […]
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 […]
Guesthouse Review: Lakangthong 2 Friendly House, Luang Prabang – Laos
Guesthouse Name: Lakangthong 2 Friendly House Address: Noradeth Road, Ban Thuat Luang, Luang Prabang, Laos. I stayed at Lakangthong 2 Friendly House in Luang Prabang. I booked online for its proximity to the old town, and its price. I checked in and was greeted with a friendly welcome. In the reception there is a common […]
Guesthouse Review: Khonesavanh Guesthouse, Luang Prabang – Laos
Guesthouse Name: Khonesavanh Guesthouse Address: Hoxieng Village, Khem kong, Luang Prabang, Laos. I stayed at Khonesavanh Guesthouse in Luang Prabang. I booked in advance online and picked it for its location and price. I’ve been to Luang Prabang before, and I recalled that I liked the riverside area where the budget guesthouses are clustered. There […]
Flight Review: AirAsia – Bangkok to Luang Prabang
Flight: AirAsia FD 1030 From: Bangkok (DMK) To: Luang Prabang (LPQ) I flew with AirAsia from Bangkok to Luang Prabang. I booked it after comparing flights with Skyscanner, and AirAsia was the cheapest option. For this trip I was going to Luang Prabang to see the construction of the China-Laos railway as part of the […]
