Hanoi to Chiang Mai by rail

Red Line commuter train service launches in Bangkok, Singapore to develop 18km of green walking trails, Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, and more construction and transport news in SE Asia.

When I was researching for the map of current and proposed railways of Southeast Asia I uncovered some future railways that seemed too good to be true. Since the map has been published I’ve discovered other lines that weren’t included. One of those lines not included is the proposed Hanoi - Chiang Mai railway, via Luang Prabang.

I couldn’t find the original source for this, but it’s probably a Chinese railway company trying to conjure up some future projects. I love all three of those cities, so I would happily spend my time shuttling between them by rail.

For no other reason apart from the fact that I want to help manifest this ridiculous proposal, I have made a resource page for this project

While a Hanoi-Chiang Mai railway msy never happen in anyone’s grandchildren’s lifetime, remember that 10 years ago it would have seemed improbable that the China-Laos railway would ever be built.

The China-Laos Railway is scheduled to open in December this year, and news reports are saying that Laos is looking to start a railway connection to Vietnam in December. A new railway announcement might come after the China-Laos railway is open, as it would make sense to connect the new railway in Vientiane to a port in Vietnam. And if the China-Laos railway is a success then who knows, maybe all or parts of the Hanoi-Chiang Mai railway could become a reality.

Latest Posts At Future Southeast Asia

The Hanoi – Chiang Mai Railway is an unofficially proposed railway that would connect Hanoi (Vietnam) to Chiang Mai (Thailand), via Luang Prabang (Laos).

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Cambodia

“The Cambodian government is embarking on a number of ambitious development projects, which critics say come at the expense of the environment and people’s livelihoods.”

Indonesia

Laos

“It is envisioned that the Thanaleng Dry Port (TDP) and Vientiane Logistics Park (VLP) will become transport links for Asean and the world, the project developer has told visiting Japanese diplomats and trade representatives.”

Malaysia

Philippines

“The bridge is the first China-funded project under the Build, Build, Build infrastructure program to be completed.”

Singapore

Thailand

“The long-awaited Red Line commuter train service launches with a soft opening today (August 2) – two years behind schedule and more than 14 years since the project got the Cabinet nod in May 2007.”

“The Comptroller-General Department has revealed that state agencies may consider waiving fines for private companies which have fallen behind construction schedules due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Vietnam

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