Vientiane-Beijing by Land

Question

Hi everyone, planning to visit Bangkok, Vientiane and Beijing in October this year. I am looking to travel from Vientiane to Beijing by land (train/bus) instead of flying. Has anyone done this before? Is it possible these days, and if so, how long does it usually take and what are the typical costs? Any advice, recent experiences, or tips would be really appreciated.

Answer

Traveling overland from Vientiane (Laos) to Beijing is technically possible but highly complex and not straightforward. There is no single direct train or bus route covering the entire distance, so you would need to combine several train and bus segments, and likely cross multiple borders, including Laos–China and possibly Vietnam–China if you choose alternative routes.

Here’s an overview of your options and what to expect:

Option 1: Vientiane → Kunming → Beijing (Recommended route)
- Take a bus or train from Vientiane to the Laos–China border at Boten/Mohan. There are regular buses connecting Vientiane to Luang Prabang and then north to Boten.
- Cross the border at Mohan (China). Border formalities include visa check; ensure you have a valid Chinese visa in advance, as VOA is not generally available for overland entry for tourists from Laos.
- From Mohan, take the China Railway high-speed train to Kunming South Station. Travel time is approximately 3–4 hours.
- From Kunming, you can take a high-speed train to Beijing. Travel time varies by train type: ~10–12 hours for fastest trains (G-series), or longer with slower trains.
Option 2: Via Vietnam (Longer and more complex)
- Vientiane → Hanoi by bus (~20 hours).
- Hanoi → Nanning by train (overnight train ~12–14 hours).
- Nanning → Beijing by high-speed train (~10 hours).
- This route involves multiple border crossings and more visa checks, so it is more complicated than the direct Laos–China route.

Important tips:

Traveling by land will take at least 3–4 days with careful planning, depending on train/bus schedules and border crossing times.
Costs vary widely: buses from Vientiane to the border can be $20–30 USD, China high-speed trains to Kunming around $30–60 USD, and Kunming → Beijing HSR can cost $150–250 USD depending on class.
Advance planning is essential: buy Chinese train tickets online in advance, and make sure your visa and border documents are fully in order.
Expect long travel days, language barriers, and limited luggage handling support, so be prepared with snacks, water, and essential items.

In summary, the most feasible overland route is Vientiane → Mohan → Kunming → Beijing. It requires a Chinese visa and careful scheduling, and while doable, it is slower, more tiring, and more expensive than flying. Many travelers opt to fly instead, but overland travel is possible if you want an adventure and see more of the countryside.

Vientiane-Beijing by Land

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