Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Consider getting food at the train station before departure, as food options on the train may be limited or not to your liking. (2:10)
- Tip 2Book train tickets in advance through the 12306 app (requires a Chinese phone number) or China Ticket Online. Be prepared to pick up physical tickets at the station. (9:05)
- Tip 3During the border crossing, keep all belongings with you as you'll need to disembark and reboard the train. The process may take up to 1.5 hours. (12:31)
- Tip 4Check visa requirements before your trip. While a landing visa may be possible, having the necessary documents is recommended for a smoother process. (16:20)
- Tip 5In Laos, consider using Thai baht as it's sometimes accepted. Be aware that the Lao Kip involves many small bills. (19:43)
- Tip 6Upon arrival, be prepared for potential challenges finding ATMs near the train station. Transportation options include shuttle buses or private cars. (21:08)
Flora And Note's incredible journey from Kunming, China, to Luang Prabang, Laos, by high-speed train is captured in this video. They detail the process of purchasing tickets, navigating the border crossing, and offer tips for a smooth experience. Witness their first-class comfort, delicious food encounters, and the unique challenges of navigating a predominantly Chinese-speaking environment. The video culminates in their arrival in Luang Prabang, showcasing the charming guesthouse and the warm welcome they receive.
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This travelogue follows Flora And Note's exciting journey from Kunming, China, to Luang Prabang, Laos, aboard a high-speed train. The video begins early in the morning at Kunming South Station, capturing the anticipation and excitement before their 8:08 am departure. Flora And Note share their recent experiences in China, including a challenging hike and altitude sickness in Shangri-La that impacted their travel plans.
The vlog details the practicalities of the trip, from purchasing tickets through a Chinese app and collecting physical tickets at the station to the challenges of ordering food using only QR codes in a predominantly Chinese-speaking environment. This highlights the cultural differences and potential communication barriers for non-Chinese speakers. The couple's first-class tickets, costing $90 USD each, are showcased, emphasizing the comfort and convenience they provide during the 10-hour journey.
The video offers a glimpse into the train itself, comparing the first-class amenities to standard class, highlighting the spacious seating, legroom, and other features. They also explain the ticket booking process, offering advice for viewers planning a similar trip. The journey includes a humorous account of Flora And Note's struggles with ordering food using only QR codes, a common practice in China.
The border crossing process is meticulously documented, from the initial stop in China, where passengers are required to disembark and go through immigration and customs, to the subsequent process in Laos. Flora And Note share their experiences navigating these procedures, offering insights into the time required and any necessary steps. They also note the significant difference in the atmosphere between the two border crossings, with the Laos side being described as more chaotic and less efficient.
Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, the video shows their journey from the train station to their guesthouse, the Mekong Charm Riverside Guesthouse. They share their experiences communicating with locals, using Thai Baht as currency, and navigating transportation options. The video concludes with their arrival at the guesthouse and first impressions of Luang Prabang, emphasizing the charming atmosphere and friendly locals. Flora And Note's personal experiences, challenges, and observations make this video a unique and engaging account of their cross-border train journey.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: How did we book our train tickets?
- A: We used the 12306 app, but you can also use China Ticket Online and collect the physical tickets at the station before boarding the train.
- Q: What was the first class experience like?
- A: It was more spacious and comfortable than the second class, with bigger seats, footrests, pillows, and a table. It was much more relaxing!
- Q: What was the border crossing like?
- A: The Chinese side was efficient, taking about 15-20 minutes. The Laos side was more chaotic and took longer, but still manageable.
- Q: What's the currency in Laos?
- A: The currency is Kip, but Thai Baht was accepted in some places.
- Q: What was the most memorable part of the journey?
- A: It was amazing to cross the border by train, experience the different cultures, and finally arrive in Luang Prabang!