The LCR (Lao China Railway) opened in December 2021 connecting Kunming in South China with the Laotian capital Vientiane. The most scenic part is the leg between Vientiane and the magic Laotian city of Luang Prabang which is a World Heritage site.. The train ride takes less than two hours. Thickets are only for sale three days before departure which is a considerable hurdle for foreign visitors or tourists.