2025 Review of the LCR High-Speed Train to Luang Prabang
If you’re planning to take the high-speed train to Luang Prabang, you’re in for a scenic and (mostly) convenient experience. The Laos-China Railway (LCR) has made traveling between major cities in Laos faster than ever, but the process of getting tickets and navigating the system still has its quirks.
Here’s our in-depth review of what to expect, from buying tickets to getting into Luang Prabang after your ride.
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Overview: Taking the High-Speed Train to Luang Prabang
- Best way to book tickets: Skip the frustrating LCR app and use a tour operator or booking platform like 12go.asia or Bookaway for a hassle-free experience. Buying tickets in person is possible but inconvenient.
- Prices: Ticket prices are fairly standard, with the lowest option (second class) ranging from $45 to $55 per person for a roundtrip from Vientiane to Luang Prabang.
- Train stations: Both Vientiane and Luang Prabang stations are far from the city center, so plan for extra travel time after you arrive by train. Stations are modern, clean, and function like small airport terminals.
- Onboard experience: The train is comfortable, with charging ports, tray tables, and luggage storage. The views of Laos’ countryside are stunning, but wear headphones if you get annoyed by constant announcements.
- Arrival process: Exiting the train station requires another ticket check, followed by a trek down large stairs with no ramps—annoying for travelers with heavy luggage.
- Getting into town: The most budget-friendly option is a shared minibus (50,000 kip per person), but expect cramped conditions. Private vans are available if you prefer a more direct, comfortable ride.
How to Buy Tickets 🎟
LCR Direct: The Theoretically Easy but Actually Annoying Way
In theory, you should be able to book your ticket directly through the LCR system using their official app. In reality, this method is frustrating and unreliable. For one, there’s still no official LCR website for purchasing tickets.
You must download the LCR Ticket app, which comes with its own set of headaches—restrictions based on geography and phone number requirements.
Even if you manage to install the app, completing a purchase can be tricky, especially if you don’t have a Lao, Thai or Chinese phone number. Many travelers have reported issues with verifying their numbers, resulting in failed transactions.
The worst part? Even after jumping through these hoops, you’ll still be charged a service fee, making the whole ordeal hardly worth the effort.
Tour Operators: The Stress-Free but Slightly More Expensive Way
If you want to skip the frustration, going through a tour operator is by far the easiest way to secure your ticket for the high-speed train to Luang Prabang. Yes, there’s a service fee, but in Laos, these fees are generally minimal. If you value your time and sanity, it’s well worth paying a few extra dollars to have someone handle it for you.
A popular resource for booking train tickets is 12go.asia, a well-known platform for transportation in Southeast Asia.
Unlike in Europe, where train tickets are relatively straightforward to buy, Laos (and much of the region) still has unnecessary complications. Using an agent ensures a smooth process with no surprises.
Our Experience with the Bookaway App
We opted to book our tickets through Bookaway, a transportation aggregator that sources tickets from local tour operators. For our group of five traveling from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and back, this method was by far the most hassle-free.
Booking through Bookaway was as easy as reserving a train in Europe. There were no weird issues with phone numbers, passports, or foreign credit cards. However, the process is still different from what some travelers might expect.
Instead of receiving the actual ticket instantly, we got a confirmation email. The real tickets with QR codes arrived later via WhatsApp and email, since an actual person had to buy them from LCR before forwarding them to us. Our tickets were issued by Laos Group Tours, so if you prefer, you could book directly through them.
How Much We Paid
While this extra step may feel a little clunky, it was still a better experience than wrestling with the LCR app. In terms of cost, we paid €253 for five people, which comes out to around €50 per person for a round trip.
For reference, second-class tickets are typically 50% cheaper than first-class, so budget travelers may want to keep that in mind when booking.
Buying at the Train Station
If you haven’t purchased a return ticket before arriving in Luang Prabang, you can always buy one in person. However, the train stations in Laos are far from city centers, so making a special trip just to buy a ticket isn’t ideal. Expect long lines, but if you’re traveling spontaneously and have time to spare, this is an option.
Train Stations: What to Expect
Both the Vientiane and Luang Prabang train stations are huge, modern, and located in the middle of nowhere. These stations were built to handle large crowds, with plenty of seating, snack kiosks, souvenir stands, and even coffee shops. Think of it like a small airport terminal.
Security is tight—you’ll need to show your ticket and passport right at the entrance and screen your luggage before entering. Everything was relatively clean, though as train usage increases, that might change.
Boarding is efficient but abrupt. You wait inside the main hall until the designated departure time, at which point the platform doors open. From there, it’s a bit of a mad rush as you quickly show your ticket again and hustle toward your assigned train car.
The Train Itself: Comfortable Enough for the Short Ride
If you’ve taken a high-speed train before, there’s nothing particularly surprising about the LCR train itself. The seats are comfortable, with different classes available, though for a two-hour journey, upgrading may not be worth the extra cost. Every seat has a charging port, tray table, and ample luggage storage.
One minor annoyance? The constant announcements. They start announcing the next stop nearly an hour before arrival, which can be disruptive if you’re trying to relax.
But what makes this ride truly special is the scenery. The journey takes you through breathtaking countryside—rolling hills, rice fields, towering mountains, and the occasional water buffalo. We took an evening train and caught the sunset, which was stunning.
Expect attendants to check your ticket and passport again mid-journey.
Getting Off the Train: A Little Chaotic but Manageable
When you arrive in Luang Prabang, you’re funneled down a hallway with staff ensuring everyone exits in an orderly fashion. Oddly, there’s another ticket check at the exit, which seems unnecessary.
One poor design choice? The stairs. You have to carry your luggage down a massive set of stairs, with no ramps in sight. For those with heavy bags, this is an unfortunate final hurdle.
How to Get a Ride Into Town
Once you exit the station, you’ll find yourself in a massive parking lot surrounded by transportation options. The station is nowhere near Luang Prabang itself, so don’t expect to walk into town.
The most common option is a shared minibus, which operates on a standardized fee (around 50,000 kip per person). You line up, pay, and then wait for your assigned bus.
The system is fairly organized, but the ride itself is cramped—expect a packed vehicle with bags on laps and at feet. Our 30-minute ride into town was bumpy and dark, but it got the job done.
If you want a more comfortable and direct ride, private vans are available for rent. The initial asking price is often 800,000 kip or more, but negotiation is possible.
FAQs Taking the Train to Luang Prabang
Is the high-speed train to Luang Prabang worth it?
Absolutely. It’s the fastest, most comfortable way to travel between cities in Laos, especially compared to the alternative of long bus rides on winding roads.
How far is the train station from Luang Prabang?
Quite far—around 15 km from the city center. You’ll need to take a shared minibus or private van.
Can I book tickets last minute?
It’s possible but not recommended. Tickets sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. If you can, book in advance through a tour operator or app.
Are there any luggage restrictions?
Yes, but they aren’t strictly enforced. If you have large bags, you might need to store them in designated areas rather than at your seat.
How long is the train ride?
From Vientiane to Luang Prabang, the high-speed train takes about two hours.
Final Thoughts
The high-speed train to Luang Prabang is a game-changer for travel in Laos. While the process of getting tickets can be frustrating, the ride itself is smooth, scenic, and well worth it. As long as you plan ahead for transportation to and from the station, you’ll have a relatively stress-free experience.
Would we take it again? Without a doubt.
Related Travel Posts
- Where to Stay in Luang Prabang
- Best Things to Do in Luang Prabang for Families
- Non-Touristy Activities to Try in Luang Prabang
- What to Pack for Southeast Asia With Toddlers
Laos Travel Resources
☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage
✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner or Trip.com
🚊 TRAINS: Bookaway
🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com or Agoda
📞 ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo
🐘 ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide
