The first rail link between Thailand and Laos has been officially opened today by HRH Princess Chakri Sirindhorn. Trains will run daily between Nong Khai in north-east Thailand and Thanaleng in Laos. The track goes over the Friendship Bridge which spans the Mekong River and will provide a rail link for passengers and freight crossing between Thailand and Laos.
Journey time between Nong Khai and Thanaleng is 15 minutes by train, but travellers going on to Vientiane will need to disembark at Thanaleng and clear immigration before catching a bus or songthaew to the Laos capital which is approximately 15 to 20 minutes further on. Currently, this short stretch of track is the only railway in Laos, but authorities aim to extend the line to Vientiane and other parts of the country.
Useful links:
State Railway of Thailand >>
Bus services between Udon Thani/Nong Khai and Vientiane >>
