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Crossing The Border From CHINA To LAOS By High-Speed Train 🇨🇳🇱🇦 (Kunming To Luang Prabang)
China to Laos Train: Kunming to Luang Prabang
Flora & Note's China-Laos train journey: First-class comfort, smooth border crossing, and Luang Prabang's charm. An unforgettable adventure!
Today we're crossing the border from China to Laos by high-speed train! We’ll take you through every step of this journey, starting from the bustling Kunming South Train Station to our charming riverside guesthouse in Luang Prabang. We splurged a bit on first-class tickets, and at just $90 USD each, it was totally worth it for the comfort and luxury. Along the way, we’ll provide you with all the essential details on purchasing tickets, navigating the border crossing, and tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable border crossing from China to Laos.
We're leaving China by train to Laos
How's the language barrier in China?
We booked seats in First Class!
How we bought our tickets
First immigration stop (China)
Second immigration stop (Laos)
Arriving in Luang Prabang
Mekong Charm Riverside Guesthouse
Flora and Note's thrilling high-speed train adventure from Kunming, China, to Luang Prabang, Laos, is captured in this video. Experience the seamless journey, from booking first-class tickets for a luxurious ride to navigating the border crossing with ease. The video details the process of purchasing train tickets, offering valuable insights for fellow travelers. Witness the stunning scenery and the charm of Luang Prabang upon arrival, culminating in a relaxing stay at the Mekong Charm Riverside Guesthouse. This captivating travelogue is a must-watch for anyone planning a similar trip.
Today we're crossing the border from China to Laos by high-speed train! We’ll take you through every step of this journey, starting from the bustling Kunming South Train Station to our charming riverside guesthouse in Luang Prabang. We splurged a bit on first-class tickets, and at just $90 USD each, it was totally worth it for the comfort and luxury. Along the way, we’ll provide you with all the essential details on purchasing tickets, navigating the border crossing, and tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable border crossing from China to Laos.
We're leaving China by train to Laos
How's the language barrier in China?
We booked seats in First Class!
How we bought our tickets
First immigration stop (China)
Second immigration stop (Laos)
Arriving in Luang Prabang
Mekong Charm Riverside Guesthouse
This travelogue follows Flora And Note's exciting journey from Kunming, China, to Luang Prabang, Laos, aboard a high-speed train. The video begins early in the morning at Kunming South Station, capturing the anticipation and excitement before their 8:08 am departure. Flora And Note share their recent experiences in China, including a challenging hike and altitude sickness in Shangri-La that impacted their travel plans.
The vlog details the practicalities of the trip, from purchasing tickets through a Chinese app and collecting physical tickets at the station to the challenges of ordering food using only QR codes in a predominantly Chinese-speaking environment. This highlights the cultural differences and potential communication barriers for non-Chinese speakers. The couple's first-class tickets, costing $90 USD each, are showcased, emphasizing the comfort and convenience they provide during the 10-hour journey.
The video offers a glimpse into the train itself, comparing the first-class amenities to standard class, highlighting the spacious seating, legroom, and other features. They also explain the ticket booking process, offering advice for viewers planning a similar trip. The journey includes a humorous account of Flora And Note's struggles with ordering food using only QR codes, a common practice in China.
The border crossing process is meticulously documented, from the initial stop in China, where passengers are required to disembark and go through immigration and customs, to the subsequent process in Laos. Flora And Note share their experiences navigating these procedures, offering insights into the time required and any necessary steps. They also note the significant difference in the atmosphere between the two border crossings, with the Laos side being described as more chaotic and less efficient.
Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, the video shows their journey from the train station to their guesthouse, the Mekong Charm Riverside Guesthouse. They share their experiences communicating with locals, using Thai Baht as currency, and navigating transportation options. The video concludes with their arrival at the guesthouse and first impressions of Luang Prabang, emphasizing the charming atmosphere and friendly locals. Flora And Note's personal experiences, challenges, and observations make this video a unique and engaging account of their cross-border train journey.
Flora And Note's incredible journey from Kunming, China, to Luang Prabang, Laos, by high-speed train is captured in this video. They detail the process of purchasing tickets, navigating the border crossing, and offer tips for a smooth experience. Witness their first-class comfort, delicious food encounters, and the unique challenges of navigating a predominantly Chinese-speaking environment. The video culminates in their arrival in Luang Prabang, showcasing the charming guesthouse and the warm welcome they receive.
Flora And Note's China-Laos train adventure: First-class comfort, border crossing challenges, and a warm Luang Prabang arrival. An unforgettable journey!
China Laos High-Speed Train: Kunming to Luang Prabang
2:10 Consider getting food at the train station before departure, as food options on the train may be limited or not to your liking.
9:05 Book train tickets in advance through the 12306 app (requires a Chinese phone number) or China Ticket Online. Be prepared to pick up physical tickets at the station.
12:31 During the border crossing, keep all belongings with you as you'll need to disembark and reboard the train. The process may take up to 1.5 hours.
16:20 Check visa requirements before your trip. While a landing visa may be possible, having the necessary documents is recommended for a smoother process.
19:43 In Laos, consider using Thai baht as it's sometimes accepted. Be aware that the Lao Kip involves many small bills.
21:08 Upon arrival, be prepared for potential challenges finding ATMs near the train station. Transportation options include shuttle buses or private cars.
2:10 Consider getting food at the train station before departure, as food options on the train may be limited or not to your liking.
9:05 Book train tickets in advance through the 12306 app (requires a Chinese phone number) or China Ticket Online. Be prepared to pick up physical tickets at the station.
12:31 During the border crossing, keep all belongings with you as you'll need to disembark and reboard the train. The process may take up to 1.5 hours.
16:20 Check visa requirements before your trip. While a landing visa may be possible, having the necessary documents is recommended for a smoother process.
19:43 In Laos, consider using Thai baht as it's sometimes accepted. Be aware that the Lao Kip involves many small bills.
21:08 Upon arrival, be prepared for potential challenges finding ATMs near the train station. Transportation options include shuttle buses or private cars.
0:03 Departure from Kunming
0:50 Shangri-La altitude sickness
2:10 Breakfast at the station
5:25 Planning the Laos trip
7:05 First class train experience
9:05 Ticket booking advice
12:31 China immigration process
16:33 China customs and immigration
17:43 Laos border crossing
22:48 Arrival in Luang Prabang
00:00 We're leaving China by train to Laos
02:19 How's the language barrier in China?
05:29 We booked seats in First Class!
08:58 How we bought our tickets
15:05 First immigration stop (China)
18:11 Second immigration stop (Laos)
20:16 Arriving in Luang Prabang
24:40 Mekong Charm Riverside Guesthouse
How did we book our train tickets?
We used the 12306 app, but you can also use China Ticket Online and collect the physical tickets at the station before boarding the train.
What was the first class experience like?
It was more spacious and comfortable than the second class, with bigger seats, footrests, pillows, and a table. It was much more relaxing!
What was the border crossing like?
The Chinese side was efficient, taking about 15-20 minutes. The Laos side was more chaotic and took longer, but still manageable.
What's the currency in Laos?
The currency is Kip, but Thai Baht was accepted in some places.
What was the most memorable part of the journey?
It was amazing to cross the border by train, experience the different cultures, and finally arrive in Luang Prabang!
