Answereda year ago
What is the border crossing process like by train from Vientiane to Nong Khai?
Has anyone crossed the border by train from Vientiane to Nong Khai?
I will be in Vientiane for a couple days next week and booked a train back to Bangkok. Seen some travelers do this on YouTube and figured I’d give it a try.
I know some anonymous posters were not allowed to cross over from Laos on foot. Just wondering what the process is like.
I’m assuming it will be a smooth process of showing them my visa and getting my stamp lol
I will be in Vientiane for a couple days next week and booked a train back to Bangkok. Seen some travelers do this on YouTube and figured I’d give it a try.
I know some anonymous posters were not allowed to cross over from Laos on foot. Just wondering what the process is like.
I’m assuming it will be a smooth process of showing them my visa and getting my stamp lol
Answer summary
Traveling by train from Vientiane to Nong Khai is a straightforward process for those holding a visa. Passengers must disembark at Nong Khai for immigration checks before continuing to Udon Thani or other destinations in Thailand. While past experiences of crossing on foot have raised concerns, train travel is generally smooth, particularly for those with valid visas. Pedestrians cannot cross the border directly and must use shuttle buses instead. It's important to note that Laos eVisas are not accepted at the railway border post.
19 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Kurt *************
Yes. Did this crossing both ways without problem
Damien ***********
OP@Kurt ************
awesome! Thanks!
Jake *****
Yes I got the train from Vientiane to udon thani earlier this year. You get off the train at nong khai to go through immigration then you get back on the train to udon thani.
Nick *********
Getting the train in Vientiane is very similar to getting a plane from the airport they scan your bags on the way in and it's pretty organised etc so im guessing you can but not certain as I got it to vang vieng not another country lol
Christopher ***********
Beware Laos eVisas are not accepted by railway border post, only at road bridge crossing.
Dca *****
@Christopher **********
Yes, Lao eVisa is definitely Accepted at both Border Train Stations: Khamsavath Train Station when crossing from Nong Khai into Vientiane and
Boten Train Station when crossing from China into Boten, Luang Namtha, Laos
>
****************************
Christopher ***********
@Dca ****
Then why have there been reports of Laos eVisas being refused at rail station border points and passengers having to buy Laos Visa On Arrival instead?Dca *****
@Christopher **********
Sorry, I am not confused, but there have been no known reports of being refused entry into Laos with a Lao eVisa at Khamsavath Train Station after 18 February 2025, which you had referred to in an earlier reply to the OP and that will confuse the OPChristopher ***********
@Dca ****
You sound confused. Has the OP said he has a Laos eVisa?Dca *****
@Christopher **********
if these actual field reports are about Entry into Laos at Khamsavath Train Station, then exactly when??? Because, if it is before 18 February 2025, then Lao eVisa was unavailable at Khamsavath Train Station and only Lao Visa on Arrival Visa Sticker as Lao eVisa started at Khamsavath Train Station on 18 February 2025 onwards....
So, the pertinent detail of specific dates is needed to discuss about Lao eVisa "refusals" at Khamsavath Train Station
Damien ***********
OP@Dca ****
I’ve noticed you have to be careful with this group due to people sharing wildly incorrect information. It clearly states on the gov website that evisa travel is approved via rail 🤣
Damien ***********
OP@Christopher **********
buddy… are you ok? Haha the gov website clearly stated rail travel with evisa is approved. It’s ok to be wrong sometimes. Don’t try to argue semantics and tell others what they meant 🤣Christopher ***********
@Damien **********
‘Wildly incorrect’ means that you weren’t aware. You have noticed that people refer to the Chinese Railway service? You weren’t.
Philippe *********
@Christopher **********
if you take the night train from bkk to vientiane...your evisa for Laos is Ok?Christopher ***********
@Philippe ********
Ports of entry using Laos eVisa listed here; ****************************
Brandon ************
@Christopher **********
He's not entering Laos via train. He's exiting Laos via train.Christopher ***********
@Brandon ***********
Yes thanks I read that. The OP hadn’t stated how he was travelling from Bangkok to Laos so I stated what I knew ‘just in case’.
Paul *******
Yes it's an easy process. Crossing the border between Vientiane and Nong Khai can be done by international train from Khamsavath station to Udon Thani or Bangkok (or any other major station in Thailand, along the line). You can also cross by shuttle bus and switch to local transportation on the other side, or catch one of several cross-border buses: Vientiane to Nong Khai, Vientiane to Udon Thani, Vientiane to Khon Kaen (resuming on Friday) as well as Vientiane to Bangkok.
Private cars can also cross. Private motorcycles need special permission.
Pedestrians aren't permitted to cross - pedestrians need to use the shuttle bus.
Private cars can also cross. Private motorcycles need special permission.
Pedestrians aren't permitted to cross - pedestrians need to use the shuttle bus.
Greg ********
The only people that seem to be having issues are those doing back to back Visa Exempt with or without extensions each time. You have a visa. You will be fine.
Activity
10 joined10
people
Related
25What is the process for Myanmar passport holders making a border run from Bangkok to Vientiane by train?
1.1k2292mo
Is a Nong Khai to Vientiane bus ticket valid proof of onward travel from London?
1.8k16172mo
What is the process for entering Laos from Nong Khai for a visa, and what should I know about traveling there?
3.6k33307mo
What is the process for a border bounce between Nong Khai and Vientiane?
7011131y
What additional documents are required for crossing the Vientiane/Nong Khai border with a DTV visa?
417111y
How do I handle TM30 registration without a lease contract in Bangkok?
1.8k15101y
Is it possible to cross the Laos border after traveling on a morning train from Bangkok to Vientiane?
534112y
Can a train ticket from Thailand to Laos serve as proof of onward travel for AirAsia?
1.2k432y
Can a Domestic Helper from the Philippines Legally Work in Thailand?
1.9k642y
What are the current requirements and recommendations for a border run to Laos from Thailand?
1.7k952y
What do I need to do to leave Thailand and return on a METV without complications?
1.6k10112y
What is the current situation regarding the border visa exemption at Vientiane/Nong Khai?
647112y
What is the correct time frame for filing a 90 Day Report in Thailand?
2.4k14272y
What should you do if you receive a wrong entry stamp in Thailand?
12.7k312953y
What are the best transportation options to get to Vientiane by 9:00 AM from Nong Khai?
3.5k30203y
Is it safe to cross the Thanaleng border to Nong Khai after midday for a 19:40 train?
870464y
Is the border between Nong Khai and Vientiane, Laos open now?
1.2k764y
Is it better to fly or do a land crossing to Vientiane for a visa extension in Thailand?
1.7k10194y
Is the Friendship Bridge border crossing strict for re-entering Thailand after a long stay on a tourist visa?
1.9k1854y
Can UK and Aussie passport holders get a Thai tourist visa on arrival at the Laos border?
1.3k884y
Do I need to provide reasons when requesting a COVID extension for a TR visa in Nong Khai?
605255y
What are the options for extending my stay in Thailand until April next year with a tourist visa?
2.3k19148y
Can I cross the border from Nong Khai after arriving by train at 5:45 PM?
1.3k1068y
How can I find information about someone's whereabouts when they are traveling from Nong Khai to Bangkok?
527148y
What are the opening hours for the Nong Khai border crossing to Vientiane for submitting an ED visa application?
1.5k999y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served