Nong Khai Railway Station Guide for Foreigners

Most foreigners using Nong Khai railway station pass through on route to Vientiane (Laos) for a Thai visa run to the Vientiane Thai embassy, or to and from Thailand on their South-East Asian travels.

I’ve used this route on numerous occasions on the overnight train to and from Bangkok and always found it really easy and enjoyable. It’s even better and more comfortable since they started using the new Chinese trains since 2017 for the overnight journey.

Nong Khai – Bangkok Train Times

Three trains depart from Nong Khai daily to Bangkok and stop at other destinations in Thailand along the way. Train number 26 special express is the most comfortable overnight service.

Train No	Departs	Arrives	Duration	Class
EX76	07.45	16.35	8h 50m	2nd (A/C) - 3rd (Fan)
RP134	18.50	05.30	10h 40m	2nd (Fan) - 3rd (Fan)
SP26	19.40	05.50	10h 10m	1st (A/C sleeper) -2nd (A/C sleeper)

Nong Khai to Bangkok Train

Trains also arrive daily at Nong Khai station from Bangkok.

Trains to Thanaleng

Shuttle trains run from Nong Khai to Thanaleng that go across the Thai/Laos friendship bridge border. This short 15-minute journey is used by many foreigners heading into Laos and Vientiane rather than going across the border on a short tuk-tuk and bus hop.

Nong Khai	Thanaleng
07.30	07.45
14.45	15.00

You have to go through immigration control and stamp out of Thailand. I have always taken the tuk-tuk from the station to the friendship bridge and passed through immigration there, but you can go the Thanaleng way as well.

You can buy the Thanaleng tickets at the train station which cost 20 – 30 THB (2nd & 3rd class) and do not have to be booked.

Booking Trains

You can book trains online through online travel agents, or you can make a booking at the Nong Khai station. Bring your passport to the station when booking tickets at the station.

Online Booking

Nong Khai Railway Station – Things To Know

This station, although it looks quite old in style, was only opened in May 2000 after it moved from the station that stood for 42 years. It has two platforms

Across the road from the station is a small public library on a train carriage that you may visit. It was closed when I was there, so I was unable to see what was inside.

There are various places to sit inside and on the platforms if needed while waiting for a train departure. There’s a small shop for buying snacks and water and a left luggage area.

Hotel Recommendation
If you plan to stay close to the railway station and want a relaxing time in a resort setting then I can recommend the Park and Pool Resort which is just a cross from the station. If you need to be close to the town you will need to look at other accommodation options in Nong Khai.

Transport to and from the Station

Tuk tuks are available to the town from the station and to the border. It is easy to get a tuk-tuk from the town to the station as well. The tuk-tuk will cost around 60 – 80 THB per person.

Taxis also try to pick up passengers at the station, but some of these will try to overcharge. It should not cost much more than 100 – 150 THB for a taxi if you do choose to take one into town.