The bullet train in one of Asia’s most unexpected countries

The landlocked nation of Laos wouldn’t be the first place that comes to mind when expecting to ride a bullet train, yet the high speed railway connecting Laos to China has been in operation for more than three years. A little bit of planning ahead is required as travelling within Laos by the new high-speed train requires tourists to be mindful and book tickets a few days in advance. For those looking to take the train tickets can be booked in advanced at www.laostrain.com, writes Cristian Gherasim, reporting from Vientiane, Laos.

Laos has indeed faced some unfortunate economic challenges. Everything from sharp currency depreciation, to increased workforce migration to neighboring Thailand all got Laos in a tricky situation. The country is struggling and it hopes that a boost in tourism aided by the new railway might improve its economic prospects.

In 2016, China was the largest foreign investor in the Laotian economy, having invested US$5.395 billion since 1989, according to the Laos Ministry of Planning and Investment's 1989–2014 report. China has helped build the high speed Boten–Vientiane railway which opened in December 2021. The project was reported to have had a final cost upwards of US$6 billion.

Unexploded bombs left from the Vietnam war had also to be removed along the route.

The railway is helping to boost tourism, with passenger traffic to account for the majority of traffic on the railway as the train provides an easier access to the sights of Laos. The high speed railway has been one of the most significant construction projects in Laos.  The railway ends at Vientiane South cargo station. The Boten–Vientiane railway is a section of the central line on the Kunming–Singapore railway that is aimed at connecting China with the South East Asian countries. The only operational section to date is the one going from Vientiane to Kunming.

The new railway has reduced the time it takes to travel from Vientiane the capital of Laos to Luang Prabang the World Heritage Site. Luang Prabang is probably the most iconic destination in Laos so that is why hopes that the new railway would boost tourisms are high. Luang Phabang was listed in 1995 for unique and "remarkably" well preserved architectural, religious and cultural heritage, a blend of the rural and urban developments over several centuries, including the French colonial influences during the 19th and 20th centuries.

There is an increased number of tourist coming from China over the weekend to Laos via the new railway along with many European tourists traveling the other way around from Vientiane to Vang Vien and Luang Phabang. Offering everything from ancient temples in Laos and pristine beaches in Thailand to lush rainforests and eco-tours in Malaysia, Southeast Asia has long been a big draw for Chinese travelers.

From a technical perspective according to Laos-China Railway Company figures, the Laos-China Railway recorded over 10,000 trains and 8.7 million passengers from January to May last year, a 17.5% increase over 2023. Initially planned with 32 stations, the railway currently boasts 10 passenger stations and 10 freight stations, with further expansion in progress.

Furthermore the Vientiane-Bangkok railway link began operations in July 2024 and also looks to connect Thailand to China. The second high-speed rail project underway in Thailand, aims to connect the Laos-China Railway with Bangkok – but is now facing further delays and mounting construction costs. Launching in phases, the Thai government currently expects the full line to be operational by 2028.

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