Embarking on a train journey from Bangkok to Beijing is a travel experience. It could be an epic train journey that promises adventure, cultural immersion, and scenic landscapes across multiple countries. Now, train travel between Bangkok and Beijing is inching closer as Thailand prepares to extend its rail network.
Bangkok To Beijing
According to the State Railway of Thailand, the Southeast Asian country will operate a trial service between Bangkok and Vientiane, the capital of Laos, on July 13 and 14. Once operational, the new connection will enhance transportation between the two nations and China. With the opening of the Thailand-Laos link, trains from Bangkok to Beijing may now make stops in Vientiane and Kunming, in southern China, from where there is also a semi-high-speed service to Beijing. Despite the area’s hilly topography adding to the distance, the roughly 2,000-mile trip will take nearly a full day. In comparison, a non-stop trip takes slightly under five hours. Thailand wants to strengthen its trade ties with China, its largest trading partner, to accelerate its slowing economic growth relative to its regional counterparts.
The two countries are strengthening their tourism relations in addition to their trade. Tourists from Thailand can stay in China for 30 days, while visitors from China can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days. A different, but much-delayed, project that will see a high-speed rail route connecting Thailand to China through Laos by 2028 is expected to boost the tourism industry further.
Also Read: Hong Kong-Beijing/Shanghai High Speed Sleeper Train: Schedule, Fare, Travel Time & All About It
A Transcontinental Train Trip
Embarking on a transcontinental train journey from Bangkok to Beijing is a remarkable adventure that allows travellers to traverse diverse landscapes, engage with varied cultures, and experience the rich tapestry of life across Southeast Asia and China. This journey is not merely about moving from one place to another; it’s an immersive experience that can profoundly enrich one’s understanding of the world. The popularity of these trains in Europe has a long-standing tradition, and this mode of transport is now gaining significant traction in Asia. Trains have been a cornerstone of European transport for over a century, facilitating easy and quick travel between cities and countries. The well-established networks in Europe and the rapid expansion of the same in Asia are transforming how people travel, making train journeys an integral part of the transportation landscape.
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