Vientiane train station becomes symbol of Laos-China friendship and modern transport hub

Vientiane railway station was described as being a powerful symbol of Laos-China friendship as well as a key transport hub, during a visit to the station by Lao and Chinese media personnel on Friday.
Speaking to reporters, Head of Management for the Vientiane-Luang Prabang-Vientiane section of the Laos-China Railway, Mr He Xuqiang, said the station serves to further strengthen the growing ties between the two countries while serving as a hi-tech logistics centre.

Head of Management for the Vientiane-Luang Prabang-Vientiane section of the Laos-China Railway, Mr He Xuqiang.

Mr He said the station is not only the largest passenger railway station in Laos, but also represents the deep-rooted cooperation between Laos and China.
Designed to reflect the concept of a “border city”, the station’s architecture integrates elements of both Lao and Chinese cultural characteristics, and is rapidly becoming a gateway for economic growth and tourism development.
Since the railway opened for service in December 2021, the station has recorded steady growth in passenger traffic. Mr He said total passenger numbers have exceeded 3.73 million to date, with about 365,000 people using the station so far this year.
The station operates seven pairs of trains daily, comprising two pairs of cross-border high-speed trains, four pairs of high-speed trains on the Lao section of the railway, and one pair of ordinary trains.
Efforts have been made to improve convenience and service quality for passengers, including providing dedicated ticket counters for foreign travellers and online booking through the LCR ticket app.
In addition, multiple payment options are available, including kip, WeChat Pay and Alipay, while modern facilities such as international service centres and upgraded waiting areas have been introduced.
Special services, including priority lanes for certain passenger groups and cross-border medical transfer channels, have also been established.
Mr He said these developments aim to transform the Laos–China Railway into a “pathway of happiness” that supports long-term development and serves as a stable bridge of friendship between the two countries.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest UpdateApril 18, 2026)