How to take the train from Phnom Penh to Vientiane
Taking the train from Phnom Penh to Vientiane isn’t just a way to get from A to B – it’s an opportunity to experience some truly unique Southeast Asian landscapes, stop in historic cities, and get a sense of the regional rail culture.
In this guide, we’ll look at the main stops along the way, from border towns to hidden gems, alternative routes for adventure-seekers, and the potential for an epic, plane-free journey across Asia.
Step One: Phnom Penh to Poipet, with a Battambang Option
To start your journey from Cambodia’s vibrant capital, you have two primary routes: the more direct Phnom Penh-to-Poipet train or the scenic route that includes a stop in Battambang.
- Direct Route: Taking the train straight from Phnom Penh to Poipet is the quickest way to hit the border if you’re eager to get to Thailand. This no-nonsense route is straightforward, and while the facilities are basic, the journey offers a close-up look at Cambodia’s countryside.
- Battambang Detour: If you’re not in a rush, hop off in Battambang, where French colonial architecture, a slower pace, and iconic spots like the Bamboo Train await. From here, it’s just a quick bus ride to Poipet. It’s a chance to break up the journey and see a side of Cambodia that feels a world away from Phnom Penh’s bustle.
Click the link to read both Poipet and Battambang street food.
Crossing the Border: Poipet to Bangkok
Arriving at Poipet, you’ll navigate the border crossing into Thailand. The train on the Thai side is part of the experience, as you’ll board a local, vintage-style train with open windows and doors, creating a breezy, retro feel. For just a few dollars, this journey takes you from Aranyaprathet (just across the Thai border) to Bangkok’s central train station. While it may not be the fastest or flashiest, the trip offers a nostalgic vibe with fantastic views of Thailand’s rural landscapes, stretching out as you move towards the city.
To read about taking the train from Phnom Penh to Bangkok click here.
Bangkok to Nong Khai: Choose Your Adventure
From Bangkok, you have two options for continuing your rail journey to Laos.
- Direct Train to Vientiane: The direct route to Vientiane is a popular option, but tickets can sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Booking in advance is highly recommended. This train gives you a taste of overnight travel and brings you straight into Laos.
- Sleeper Train to Nong Khai: For those who want to enjoy a night on the train, the Bangkok-Nong Khai sleeper train is a classic way to journey across Thailand. Nong Khai, located on the Thai-Lao border, is your final stop in Thailand. From here, you’ll switch to a smaller, old-school Lao train for a quick 30-minute journey across the Friendship Bridge into Laos.
Opened in 2017, this cross-border link is a symbol of increasing regional connectivity, and while the train is on the older side, it offers a quick, charming finish to the Thai leg of the trip.
To read about taking the train in Vietnam click here.
Arrival in Vientiane: Exploring Laos’s Capital
Once you’ve crossed the border and arrived at Vientiane’s train station, it’s a short transfer to downtown Vientiane. Here, the atmosphere shifts from Bangkok’s buzz to the laid-back, French-influenced vibe of Laos. The capital is a mix of riverside restaurants, street food stalls, and markets that capture Laos’s unique charm.
Alternative Route Through the 1000 Islands
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider detouring through Cambodia’s Stung Treng province and onward to the 1000 Islands, also known as Si Phan Don. This part of the Mekong River is dotted with islands, fishing villages, and waterfalls, providing a serene break before looping up to Vientiane.
To get here, you can take buses or minibusses from Phnom Penh to Stung Treng, cross into Laos by ferry, and head north towards Vientiane.
Click the link for the best food market in Vientiane.
Beyond Vientiane: The Pan-Asia Railway Dream
Vientiane isn’t just a final stop; it’s part of a larger network connecting Southeast Asia to China and beyond. From Vientiane, trains run northward to Kunming, China, making this route part of the ambitious Pan-Asia Railway Network. For the committed train traveler, the route continues through mainland China and offers the possibility of reaching Russia and even Europe without flying.
For many travelers, this is the appeal of the Phnom Penh to Vientiane train journey – it’s not just about the destination but the incredible stories you collect along the way.
Click the link to learn about tours in Laos with Young Pioneer Tours.
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Author: Gareth Johnson
Gareth Johnson is the founder of Young Pioneer Tours and has visited over 180+ countries. His passion is opening obscure destinations to tourism and sharing his experience of street food.
