The most basic option is the 3rd class seat (฿281) – perfect if you’re on a tight budget or just taking the train for the experience. But be warned: these are standard seats with no air-conditioning, so expect a fan-cooled, back-to-basics ride.

For something comfier, the 2nd class air-conditioned cabin (฿574) gets you a reclining seat, complete with blankets provided for those chilly overnight hours.

The sleeper carriage.
Screenshot from: wecanfly777 via YouTube 

Then, there’s the sleeper carriage, which is the way to go if you actually want to sleep. Choose between the upper bed (฿784) or the lower bed (฿874), both of which come with charging ports, a light switch, and a mini staircase to climb up to the upper deck. And yes, there are bathrooms onboard, so no need to worry about holding it in till Laos.

How to buy tickets for the train from Thailand to Laos? 

Screenshot from: The State Railway of Thailand

If you’re the type to wing it, you can buy your ticket directly at the train station before departure. But for peace of mind – especially during peak travel seasons – it’s best to book in advance.

You can secure your ticket up to 180 days ahead via the D-Ticket Railway website. The process is straightforward:

• Select your train number and coach class (3rd class seat, 2nd class aircon cabin, or sleeper bed).
• Enter passenger details and choose your seat or bed.
• Make payment online and download or print your ticket for check-in at the station.

Booking ahead ensures you won’t be left scrambling for a spot, especially if you’re eyeing the more comfortable sleeper carriages.

Taking the train from Bangkok to Nong Khai 

Image credit: The State Railway of Thailand 

Your journey kicks off at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, Bangkok’s main railway station. From here, the train travels overnight through the Thai countryside, covering over 600km before reaching Nong Khai Railway Station. This is the last stop before Laos.

There’s no food or drink service, so it’s a good idea to dabao some snacks before hopping on. While there aren’t full-sized shops at the train station, you’ll find vending machines stocked with some snacks.

Views of the Mekong River from Nong Khai.
Image credit: @lexthestoic via Instagram 

After about 10-11 hours, you’ll arrive at Nong Khai, a city in Northeast Thailand sitting right on the Laos border. Here, you’ll need to disembark and fill in your Laos arrival card, get your passport stamped at Thai immigration, and have your luggage checked before crossing the border.

Once that’s done, you’re ready to board the train for the final stretch into Laos.

Continuing the journey to Khamsavath Railway Station in Laos 

Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.
Image: Tourism Authority of Thailand 

From Nong Khai Railway Station, hop back on the train for the short but scenic ride into Laos. This leg of the journey takes you over the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, a key landmark that stretches across the Mekong River, linking Thailand and Laos. It’s a pretty special moment, so grab a window seat if you can. Additionally, remember to hold onto your ticket, as officials will check it again at the border crossing.

Khamsavath Railway Station.
Image credit: @teacherhannahjon via Instagram 

The train arrives at the newly built Khamsavath Railway Station in Vientiane, which serves as the final stop. Once you disembark, you can purchase a bus ticket to Vientiane’s city centre for LAK 20,000/adult (~S$1.23). The station is about 9km from the city, so a bus or tuk-tuk ride will get you to the heart of the action in no time.

Embark on a train journey from Bangkok to Vientiane 

If you’re all about slow travel or just want a more scenic, budget-friendly way to get from Thailand to Laos, this overnight train journey is a solid option. It’s a fuss-free way to tick crossing the Mekong by rail off your bucket list, plus you’ll save on one night’s accommodation while waking up refreshed for a full day of exploring in Vientiane.

And if you’d rather not take the train back, Scoot flies direct from Vientiane to Singapore, so you’ve got options for the return trip too.

More slow travel ideas:

• Panoramic train from Jakarta to Bandung 
• The longest train journey from Singapore to Portugal
• Train to Bangkok from Singapore 

Cover image adapted from: The State Railway of Thailand & @lexthestoic via Instagram