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Read about the train journey from Singapore to Penang here
This article is about our recent rail journey starting off in Vientiane, Laos and finally arriving in Bangkok, Thailand. If you want detailed information about fares and routes, please visit our page on the North Eastern Train Line by clicking here.
After spending several pleasant days exploring the relatively peaceful streets of the Lao capital, Vientiane, it was time to catch the train to Bangkok. The train line begins across the border in Nong Khai, Thailand and departs early in the morning, so we headed across to Nong Khai the day before catching the train.
Our taxi ride from Vientiane to Lao immigration at the friendship bridge took about 25 minutes and getting through customs and immigration was relatively painless. Then it was a short bus trip across the bridge and immigration formalities on the Thai side.
Our train departed at 7.30 am the next morning, so we checked into our hotel in Nong Khai and spent the remainder of the day walking about in preparation for a long day confined to a train!
Nong Khai is a pleasant riverside town, offering panoramic views from vantage points in the center of town across the Mekong River. Nong Khai has some interesting temples, an excellent riverfront market and a great variety of places to eat.
Our train departed Nong Khai station right on time at 7.30 am and we settled down into our second class car, which was comfortable with reasonable seating and air conditioning. Throughout the trip food and drink vendors hopped on and off at various stations so there was plenty to eat and drink.
My only complaint would be the windows - they were so dirty they may as well have been painted over for the view that they permitted.
Just after 10 am we stopped at Udon Thani station for more passengers and by 10.45 we were in Khon Kaen where a flood of people hopped off to be replaced by more passengers.
There isn't much to see for most of the trip - the train passes though mile after mile of rice farms and tiny towns and stations. One of the highlights of the journey was in the Saraburi area where we saw acre after acre of sunflowers in full bloom.
Another amazing sight was passing by the massive Klong Phiao Reservoir - from the train it seems as if you are literally traveling across a giant sea ! You can read more about Klong Phiao Reservoir here.
Just as the sun set (about 6 pm) our train finally pulled into Bangkok's hectic Hualumphong Train Station and we gratefully stretched our legs and walked out into the crowds.
It is a long walk to the taxi rank and carts are provided along with a porter to pull the cart with your luggage. You pay the station by the bag and are expected to tip the porter as well. Beware of the larcenous taxi drivers that lurk around the taxi rank - most ask outrageous fares.
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