Journey Overview

Travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang in one day with coordinated cross-border transportation, border assistance, and a 2nd-class Laos-China Railway ticket. Start with an early hotel pickup in Chiang Rai, cross into Laos via Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge No. 4, continue through Huay Xai to Na Teuy Railway Station, and finish your journey at Luang Prabang Railway Station.

Highlights

Cross border bridge

Cross Thailand and Laos via Friendship Bridge No. 4

Huay Xai Bus Station

Travel by airconditioned van through northern Laos toward Na Teuy Railway Station.

Laos-China Railway

Board the Laos-China Railway in 2nd class

Border Procedures Assistance

Assistance with border procedures and luggage handling

Itinerary

Chiang Rai-Huay Xai-Luang Prabang

05:00–05:30 AM | Hotel Pickup in Chiang Rai

Pickup from your hotel or confirmed meeting point in Chiang Rai.

Around 07:00 AM | Chiang Khong Border

Arrive at the Thai immigration checkpoint and prepare for departure formalities.

Around 07:30 AM | Friendship Bridge No. 4

Take the shuttle bus across the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge into Laos.

Around 08:00 AM | Laos Immigration

Complete Laos immigration procedures. Eligible travelers may use a Lao eVisa or obtain a visa on arrival depending on nationality and current immigration regulations. Lao eVisa is officially accepted at Friendship Bridge IV.

Around 09:00 AM | Transfer to Huay Xai

Continue by local transportation to Huay Xai Bus Station.

Around 10:00 AM | Huay Xai to Na Teuy

Travel by air-conditioned van through northern Laos toward Na Teuy Railway Station. A rest or meal stop will be made along the route.

Around 04:00 PM | Na Teuy Railway Station

Arrive at the station and prepare for your train journey.

Late Afternoon / Early Evening | Train to Luang Prabang

Board the Laos-China Railway in 2nd class.

Around 07:00–08:00 PM | Luang Prabang Railway Station

Arrive at Luang Prabang Railway Station. Service ends at the railway station.

Luang Prabang Railway Station Transfer

Transfer from the railway station to Luang Prabang city is not included. Local shared vans may be available on arrival for approximately USD 3 per person, subject to local availability and current pricing.

Booking Conditions

Booking required 3 days in advance to secure seats
Bookings made within 2 days must confirm availability with us first
Passport copy required for train ticket – email after booking

Train Schedule Notice

Departure times may change.After receiving your ticket, please confirm the exact time directly with your guide at the station. ⏰

Important Infomation

The train includes clean restrooms and a food counter
Cash only onboard: THB, LAK, or USD accepted (no credit cards)

Slow Boat to Luang Prabang

Transfer to Chiang Khong

What’s Included / Not Included

✓ What’s Included

Shared air-conditioned transfer from Chiang Rai to the Chiang Khong border
Friendship Bridge shuttle bus
Local transportation from Laos Immigration to Huay Xai
Air-conditioned van from Huay Xai to Na Teuy Railway Station
2nd-class train ticket from Na Teuy to Luang Prabang

✕ What’s Not Included

Lao visa fees, applicable border charges, and any immigration or overstay fees in Thailand or Laos
Tourist or immigration-related fees
Meals and beverages
Transportation from Luang Prabang Railway Station to your hotel
Any other services or expenses not listed.

Before You Go

Confirmation

Confirmation will be sent within 24 hours. If you do not receive confirmation, please contact our team.

Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +66 91 825 5642

Insurance Requirement

To ensure travel insurance coverage, passengers are required to submit a copy of their passport at least 1 day before departure via email or WhatsApp

Thailand to Laos – Border Crossing Information

The journey crosses from Chiang Khong in Thailand to Huay Xai in Laos via Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge No. 4.

Border crossing process:

Complete departure procedures at Thai Immigration.
Take the shuttle bus across Friendship Bridge No. 4.
Complete visa and entry procedures at Lao Immigration.
Continue by local transportation to Huay Xai.

Please note:

Thai Immigration is generally open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, while Lao Immigration is generally open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Opening hours may change without notice, so travellers should check the latest border operating hours before travelling. Immigration queues and processing times may also affect your onward journey or arrival time.

Visa Information

Travellers are responsible for checking the latest Lao visa and entry requirements for their nationality.
Visa on Arrival may be available for eligible nationalities.
The Lao Visa on Arrival fee as approximately 1,800–2,000 THB or USD 40, payable in cash.If paying in US dollars, bring clean, undamaged notes in good condition
A passport photograph may be required for Visa on Arrival. Photo services 100 THB at the border for an additional fee.
Additional immigration, tourist or border fees may apply 70-100 THB .
Lao eVisa is accepted at Lao–Thai Friendship Bridge No. 4 (Bokeo).
Lao eVisa applications normally take around 3 working days to process, but processing may take longer. We recommend applying at least 1 week before travel and ensuring that your eVisa has been approved no later than 1 day before departure.
Travellers using an eVisa should carry a printed copy of the eVisa approval Letter when travelling.

Apply for Lao eVisa – Official Government Website

Important: Entry into Laos is subject to approval by Lao Immigration. Each traveller is responsible for holding a valid passport, visa or eVisa approval, and all other required travel documents.

Meeting / Pickup Information

✨ Free hotel pick-up & drop-off within 5 km of King Mengrai Monument, Chiang Rai
📍 Staying outside the area? Simply choose a convenient meeting point (click images for directions)
🤍 No worries if you don’t select one — we’ll arrange the nearest pick-up point for you
📌 Final pick-up details will be confirmed after booking

If you choose a meeting point, please fill in the booking form as follows:

Hotel Name for Pickup: Meeting point name
Address for Pickup: Meeting point

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure (where eligible)
Transport tickets may be non-refundable once issued
Refunds to the original payment method when possible
Changes subject to availability
No refunds for no-shows or invalid documents
We’ll support you if plans change

Non-Refundable Tickets

Train tickets, boat tickets, and other transport tickets are non-refundable once purchased or issued on the guest’s behalf.

For more details, you can visit our Cancellation & Refund Policy page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are children required to have tickets?

Children under 1.2 meters in height travel free if they share a seat with an adult.

Children between 1.2 and 1.5 meters require a child ticket.

Children over 1.5 meters require a full adult ticket.

Can I pick my exact seats on the train?

Seat numbers are assigned automatically by the LCR booking system upon ticket issuance. While we request adjacent seats for groups/families, seat selection cannot be guaranteed by third-party booking services.

What is the luggage allowance on the train?

You should arrive at the station at least 1 hour to 1.5 hours before departure. Station security checks, passport validation, and boarding gates close 5–10 minutes prior to train departure.

What is the luggage allowance on the train?

Weight Limit: Up to 20 kg per passenger in Second Class (30 kg for First Class).

Dimensions: The sum of length, width, and height must not exceed 130 cm.

Prohibited Items: Liquid items over 100ml (aerosols, sprays, perfume), sharp objects (knives, scissors), and flammable goods are strictly forbidden and will be confiscated at station security checks.

Is transfer to/from the train station included?

LCR train stations (e.g., Vientiane, Luang Prabang) are located outside the main city centers (approx. 30–45 minutes away). Unless specified as a full-inclusive package, station transfers (van/tuk-tuk) are not included but can be arranged upon request.

How far in advance can train tickets be booked?

LCR official train tickets are released 3 days prior to the departure date. Because tickets sell out very quickly (especially C-series high-speed trains), we strongly recommend pre-booking with us early so our team can queue and secure your seats as soon as the booking window opens.

Can train tickets be refunded or changed after issuance?

Once issued, LCR tickets are subject to strict official cancellation and change policies. Date or time changes must be made at the station ticket window with your original passport and are subject to LCR administrative fees.

What document is required to book and board the train?

You must provide a clear copy/photo of your valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining validity). Your full name and passport number will be printed on the ticket. You must show your original physical passport at the station entrance and ticket check.

Is train ticket booking included in the tour/transfer package?

It depends on your package. If you booked a train package, physical or digital train tickets will be issued and handed to you before travel. If you booked transfer-only, train tickets must be purchased separately.

Onboard Facilities & Amenities

Is there Wi-Fi on the train?

No. There is currently no public Wi-Fi network available on LCR trains. Mobile internet signal (Lao SIM cards or roaming) works well along most of the route, though signal may drop briefly while passing through mountain tunnels.

Is the train air-conditioned?

Yes. All carriages are fully air-conditioned and temperature-controlled. It can sometimes feel chilly during long journeys, so bringing a light jacket or sweater is recommended.

Is smoking allowed on the train?

No. Smoking (including e-cigarettes and vapes) is strictly prohibited anywhere inside the train and inside station facilities. Heavy fines apply for violations.

What are the toilet facilities like?

Each carriage is equipped with clean, Western-style sit-down toilets and/or Asian-style squat toilets, along with a handwashing sink and mirror. Separate accessible/wheelchair-friendly restrooms are available in designated carriages. Toilet paper is provided, but carrying personal tissue packs or wet wipes is recommended.

Is there space for luggage storage?

Yes. Overhead luggage racks above the seats accommodate small-to-medium bags and backpacks. Larger suitcases can be placed in the designated luggage racks located at the end of each carriage.

Are there power outlets or charging stations?

Yes. Electric power sockets (Type A/C plugs compatible with Thai chargers) and USB ports are available on high-speed trains. They are located underneath or between the seats in 1st Class, 2nd Class, and Business Class.

Is there food and beverage service on the train?

Yes. High-speed trains (C-series) have a dining counter/snack bar onboard selling bottled water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, packaged snacks, and instant noodles. On some longer routes, pre-packaged hot meals (bento boxes) are available. Note: Passengers are allowed to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on board.

Please check availability before booking. Book at least 2 days in advance. For last-minute bookings, contact us.

Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang by Train | 1-Day Transfer

฿2,100 Original price was: ฿2,100.฿1,799Current price is: ฿1,799.