What the best way to travel to vientiane from bangkok?

Question

if i get off from the airport in bangkok, thailand. how and wats the best way to travel across to laos accept by plane? anything accept plane because i wanna see the scenery from bangkok-laos(vientiane)

if by train, how and where can I catch the train, bus, etc...plese help and be specific. I am traveling alone...

Answer 1

Look up Thai state railway on Google. You can also buy your trai ticket from a site there.

If you go on the night time train from Bangkok at   20.45 (Hualampong R/station ). Stipulate that you want a lower bunk ( I travel by train to Udon Thanni that way) I go second class sleeper no aircon, just fans, it's quite comfortable .

When you wake up in the morning you will be treated to a view of Issan. N.E. Thailand.

In the cooler months, Nov to March its very dry looking. but this time of year, lush and green with the newly planted rice growing

You can get a visa on arrival at The border, its not far from the station at Nong kai for $35 for 2 weeks No problem

Answer 2

Transportation from Bankok to Udon Thani (Or Nong Khai) usually leaves Bangkok in the evening and travels overnight so unless you go by private car you will not see much scenery.  The Issan plain is pretty much the same so from the train or bus you'll not see much.

If you have time I would apply for a visa to Laos before you leave your home country or stay a couple of days in Bangkok and apply for a visa.

For the Bus, Go to MoChit bus station and buy a ticket to Udon Thani (Or Nong Khai). Tickets are 500-1000 baht depending on accommodations.  Definitely go to Nong Khai if you don't have a visa.  Once you arrival at Udon or Nong Khai, if you already have your visa you can buy a ticket to Vientiane.  If you do not have a visa get a ticket to the friendship bridge.  

Its somewhat of a hassle taking the bus to the bridge (why I recommend visa beforehand) because it drops you off about a 1/4 mile away and you have to walk (you could take a tuk tuk for Nong Khai if moneys not a problem).  Once you get to the bridge buy a bus ticket for crossing the bridge (about 45 baht).  Then go check out of Thailand.  Wait for the bus.  Get on the Bus cross the Bridge.  Get off the bus apply for a visa (pay 1500 baht i think) once through immigration if its early enough there will be a bus to Vientiane, if its after 4:30 there will be cars and vans for between 150 and 300 baht.

I have made this trip before and if you want specifics you can email me.

Answer 3

Taurus is right about the train.  The one problem is that it travels at night so that doesn't help you if you want to see the scenery. Cost for train is about 1000 to 1500 baht depending on your class of travel. The train station is called  Hualampong station. A bus would be about 600 to 800 baht again based on your class of travel.  Also most tour buses leave in the evening for the overnight trip.  You may find some buses going during the day time but from what I see these drivers are not the safety to travel with.  The government buses from Mochit Station would be the best bet for a bus.  But that is up to you.  You can check it out with a travel agent once you arrive in Bangkok either at the airport or your hotel.  

Answer 4

If you would like to travel by train, you need to catch the train from Bangkok to Nong Khai (North-East of Thailand)..then

'..Take a local tuk-tuk taxi from Nong Khai railway station to the Nong Khai bus station.  A shuttle bus runs from the bus station across the Friendship Bridge to Laos every 20 minutes throughout the day, fare about 30 baht.  It stops at Thai immigration 5 mins after leaving the bus station then crosses the Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River to arrive at Lao customs & immigration some 10 mins later.  You now remove your luggage from the bus luggage hold and go through Lao customs.  Take another tuk-tuk to your chosen hotel.  In the reverse direction, make sure you allow plenty of time for frontier formalities before catching your train...'

This information is quoted from http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm#Bangk...

Check it out...hope this can help :)

Have a nice trip in Laos!