China-Laos Railway boosts regional tourism in October holiday, A surge in ridership: How you need to know?

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

The China-Laos Railway saw a significant surge in ridership during the October holiday, with Chinese passengers praising the ease and affordability of travel to Southeast Asia.

The growing rail connectivity between China, Laos, and Thailand is driving regional development and boosting tourism among the three countries.

The China-Laos Railway, which began operations in December 2021, introduced international passenger services in April 2023.

Additionally, the cross-border railway between Thailand and Laos became operational this year, while the China-Thailand railway project continues to progress at a rapid pace.

In July 2024, Thailand-Laos cross-border passenger train services commenced trial operations, connecting Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station in Bangkok with Khamsavath Railway Station in Vientiane, Laos.

This new route enhances connectivity between Thailand and Laos, linking with the China-Laos Railway, which connects Kunming City in southwest China’s Yunnan Province to Vientiane.

As the construction of the China-Thailand railway advances, tourism among the three countries is expected to flourish.

The 1,035-kilometer China-Laos Railway is already strengthening ties between the two nations, facilitating cultural exchanges, and significantly boosting bilateral trade.

Since its launch, the railway has transported over 40 million cross-border passengers and handled more than 10 million tons of goods valued at approximately 5.7 billion USD.

The variety of goods transported has expanded from 500 to over 3,000, demonstrating the railway’s growing impact on regional trade.

“The China-Laos Railway is creating employment opportunities for local youth, and I hope more young Laotian people will join the development of this railway,” said a Laotian train driver.

Beyond China and Laos, international travelers are also opting for this railway for leisure trips, as it passes through several popular tourist destinations.

A train crew leader highlighted the dramatic change in travel times, noting that a journey that once took two days from northern Laos now takes only three to four hours by train.

Saysana Sitthiphone, Director-General of the Laos-China Cooperation Commission, emphasized the importance of infrastructure, stating, “A high-standard transportation network greatly advances inland countries like ours. Convenient transportation reduces costs for investment, trade, and tourism.”

As the China-Laos-Thailand rail connectivity expands, the region is poised for further growth, benefiting both locals and international travelers.

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