The only place in the center of Vientiane where you can buy train tickets in advance, and a huge department store where you can kill time during the day.

This is a huge department store in the city center, and inside there is a booth selling train tickets to China, Luang Prabang, and Vang Vieng. Trains run three times a day. Payment is by cash only, with bcel One Pay or Ginrei cards. Tickets can be purchased three days before departure and are only sold in second class. First and third class are only sold at the station. You can purchase tickets at the station with cash. If you buy tickets at a hotel or travel agency in the city, it will cost 1.5 to 2.5 times the price you would pay here. You should definitely arrange it yourself. Open from 10:00 to 12:00. There is also an afternoon session, but it is often sold out in the afternoon, so visit in the morning. In addition to the ticket booth, there is a food court, various shops, and brand stores, so you can relax during the hot Vientiane day. I looked up the bus timetable to the station for reference, so I've included it here. Access: In the city center, no walking, so take a motorbike. Tourist attractions: Department store. Meals & Restaurants: Food court available. Shopping department store#