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Tuesday, 27 January 2026

All Aboard the Rainbow Clouds: A Luxury Rail Journey Linking China and Lao PDR

New 16-coach tourist train Rainbow Clouds of the South: Kunming

on the route between China and Laos. Source: SINA

A new era of cross-border rail tourism has arrived in Southeast Asia with the launch of a luxury tourist train connecting Kunming in southwest China with Vientiane, the capital of Lao PDR. Designed to blend comfort, culture, and slow travel, this landmark service is set to redefine how travellers experience the landscapes and heritage of the China–Laos railway corridor.

A New Chapter in China–Laos Rail Tourism

The luxury tourist train, officially named Rainbow Clouds of the South: Kunming, departed on its maiden 10-day journey on 3 December, marking a significant milestone for regional tourism. The project is a joint venture between CRRC, Touristic Kunming Cultural Tourism, and China Railway Kunming, part of China’s national rail operator. Built at CRRC’s Tangshan manufacturing plant, the train represents a strategic push to promote high-end, experience-led travel between China and Lao PDR.

By linking Kunming and Vientiane in a curated tourism format, the service strengthens people-to-people exchanges while showcasing the natural beauty and cultural depth of both countries.

Luxury Design Meets Long-Distance Comfort

In a compartment of the new tourist train.
Source: SINA

The 16-car tourist train has been carefully designed to deliver a premium onboard experience. Four coaches contain 24 spacious three-berth compartments, each measuring around 12 square metres. These private cabins feature convertible beds that transform into sofas during the day, along with en-suite bathrooms and private showers, offering hotel-style comfort on rails.

Eight additional coaches are fitted with 48 four-berth compartments of approximately 10 square metres. These feature two-tier sleeping arrangements and access to shared shower and toilet facilities, balancing comfort with practicality for longer journeys.

Dining, Panoramas and Shared Experiences

Beyond sleeping accommodation, the train includes a standard sleeper coach, a fully equipped dining car with 54 seats and an onboard kitchen, and a power van to support operations. One of the standout features is the multi-function coach, designed with large panoramic windows that allow passengers to take in the changing scenery of southern China and northern Lao PDR.

This versatile space is intended for meals, cultural workshops, and themed events, transforming the journey itself into a central part of the travel experience rather than simply a means of transport.

Boosting Tourism in Lao PDR

For Lao PDR, the launch of this luxury train is a timely boost to its tourism sector. Vientiane serves as a gateway to the country’s rich cultural heritage, from riverside temples along the Mekong to onward connections to Luang Prabang and other key destinations. By attracting high-value international and regional travellers, the service supports longer stays and higher tourism spending within Laos.

The train also aligns with the broader development goals of the China–Laos Railway, which has already improved connectivity for trade and everyday travel. This new tourism-focused service adds a premium layer, positioning rail travel as a destination experience in its own right.

Slow Travel Across Borders

New 16-coach tourist train Rainbow Clouds of

the South: Kunming on the route between

China and Laos. Source: SINA

As demand grows for sustainable and immersive travel, the Rainbow Clouds of the South: Kunming train taps into the global appeal of slow tourism. Travellers can relax, socialise, and engage with curated cultural activities while moving seamlessly across borders by rail. The journey highlights the dramatic landscapes, ethnic diversity, and shared history of the region, offering an alternative to fast-paced air travel.

With its blend of luxury, design, and cross-cultural storytelling, this new Kunming–Vientiane tourist train places Lao PDR firmly on the map for discerning rail travellers seeking meaningful journeys through Southeast Asia.

Web contact details:

CRRC https://www.crrcgc.cc/en/

China Railway http://www.china-railway.com.cn/english/

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