See stations and tunnels of China Laos Railway on Google Map by #treasuresoflaos
Trip in a local train (green train) from Vang Vieng to Kasi with sights
See the timetable and fares on Hobo Maps. They update the timetable every month.
Tickets can be purchased up to 3 days in advance at the stations and each person can only buy 3 tickets at a time. You have to present passenger identification documents and Covid-19 vaccination certificate, your name will be printed on the ticket. Payment must be in cash. If you don’t have a ticket, you should arrive at least two hours before departure time because you have to queue for ticket purchase and again for entry to the station and then go through security checks.
There are also ticket sales offices in central Luang Prabang and on the ground floor of the shopping mall Vientiane Center in central Vientiane. Each person can only get 2 tickets. Payment can only be made by UnionPay card or by QR Code (OnePay, UnionPay, Alipay and Wechat) at a POS machine. A service fee of 20,000 kip per ticket is charged. Hours are 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and from 12:30 pm to 15:30 pm each day.
Discover Laos Today offers a online ticket booking system for Laos-China railway. In Vientiane you can self-collect the ticket at Discover Laos Today office at ASEAN Mall from 9 am to 5 pm or they deliver to your hotel for 3$/way. In Luang Prabang you can self-collect at Discover Laos Today office at MyLaoHome Hotel and Spa behind Joma Bakery from 9 am to 5 pm or you get the ticket delivered to your hotel.
The Laos-China Railway Company Limited's Facebook page has info on how many tickets remain available for sale. https://www.facebook.com/LaosChinaRailway/
On the fast trains passengers are allowed to carry a baggage up to 20 kilogram. On ordinary trains there is no baggage limit.
Read background about Laos-China-Railway:
Chinas Railway for Laos: The construction until 2020
Chinas Railway for Laos: Fast Railway Building between Yuxi and Mohan in Yunnan
Showing posts with label Vang Vieng. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vang Vieng. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Sunday, December 19, 2021
After the Opening of China-Laos-Railway: Timetable, Tickets - and the Consequences
See exclusive China-Laos railway Google Map
Officials from China and Laos marked the official launch of the $5.9 billion railway connecting the two nations on December 3. The first passenger services were running on December 4. The first red, blue and white bullet train called Lane Xang departed from Vientiane station. It can reach 160 kph. The standard gauge single-track line cuts through 417 kilometers of rugged terrain from Vientiane to Boten, the main border crossing with China. The line includes 61 kilometers of bridges (167) and 198 kilometers of tunnels. The travel from Vientiane to the Chinese border, which so far took around 15 hours by road, now takes less than four hours. "The Laos-China Railway is part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Beijing’s $1 trillion transnational development strategy that aims at connecting China with over 70 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe via the construction of roads, rails, seaports, and airports", describes The Diplomat.
No way to China for passengers right now
Right now passenger services are only offered inside Laos. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the border between Laos and China is not open for passengertrains. But freight trains are running now between the two countries. Lao-China Railways has stated that once the immigration prohibition will be lifted after 1 January 2022 they would extend the services to Sipsongpanna station at Jinhong city in Yunnan. The CR200J Fuxing EMU trains take about three and a half hours from Kunming to Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture and less than three hours to Puer.
Passenger trains also started on Yuxi-Mohan line in China
According to Chinese news agency Xinhua the passenger trains on the line from Yuxi to Mohan in Yunnan have started operation also on December 3. Until December 9 a total of 114,000 passengers have been transported. The number of trains running on the line meanwhile have been increased from 17.5 pairs to 25.5 pairs. The new line ends the history of no rail service between Puer and Xishuangbanna. There are 93 tunnels and 136 bridges in the 508-kilometer segment. 15 tunnels are more than 10 kilometers long.
Laos opens the borders for international tourist groups
Laos has officially announced it will reopen for tourism on 1 January 2022 after the lockdown due to the pandemic. According to the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, the reopening will be implemented in three phases. The first phase will be from 1 January to 30 March 2022, the second phase from 1 April 2022 to 30 June 2022, and the third phase from 1 July 2022 onward.
During the first phase tourists from the following countries will be allowed in: China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, France, United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, United States, Canada, and Australia. Tourism will be restricted to group tours at first, with tours arranged by authorized tour operators under the Lao Travel Green Zone Plan.
Tourists must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 no less than 14 days prior to arrival. They need a health insurance policy with coverage no less than USD 50,000 and a negative RT-PCR test taken within the last 72 hours. Arrivals will be tested for Covid-19 and placed in a 24-hour quarantine in their hotel until a negative result is found. Tourists have to download and register at the LaoKYC and the LaoStaySafe mobile applications prior to arriving in the country and to upload their vaccination certification and Covid-19 test results.
Tourists will be authorized to travel within two zones: Green Travel Zones and Green Travel Trails. During Phase 1 tourists may visit the following green travel zones with at least 70 percent of the population vaccinated: Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang Province and Vang Vieng District in Vientiane Province. Meanwhile, five provinces will be authorized for Green Travel Trails, including Oudomxay, Xayaboury, Xieng Khouang, Khammouane, and Champasak. Read more details on Laotian Times.
The timetable of the new railway
The following timetable has been published:
Vientiane - Boten:
Vientiane dep 08:00
Phonhong dep 09:04
Luang Prabang dep 10:01
Meuang Xay dep 10:49
Boten arr 11:20
Boten - Vientiane:
Boten dep 12:15
Meuang Xay dep: 12:49
Luang Prabang dep: 13:39
Vientiane arr: 15:19
Vientiane - Luang Prabang (nonstop):
Vientiane dep 16:10
Luang Prabang arr 18:02
Luang Prabang - Vientiane
Luang Prabang dep 18:30
Vang Vieng dep 19:44
Phon Hong dep 20:15
Vientiane arr 20:46
A ticket costs of 330,000 Kip (around $33) for a second class seat from Vientiane to Boten. More ticket prices here. Passengers need to make 3-day reservation in advance and arrive at the station 1 hour before departure
Laos debts after the financing of China-Laos-Railway
"Laos opens scenic railway built on a mountain of Chinese debt", writes Yahoo News. In December 2016 Lao-China Railway Company — a joint venture between three Chinese state-owned enterprises that collectively hold a 70% ownership stake and one Lao state-owned enterprise that owns a 30% ownership stake — signed a BOT concession agreement with the Government of Laos for the China-Laos Railway Project. Lao-China Railway Company directly secured $3.54 billion of debt financing from China Eximbank while the government of Laos and the Chinese Government jointly contributed $730 million and $1.63 billion of equity financing. Interestingly to make its own share of $730 million equity contribution to the rail project, the Government of Laos secured a $480 million loan from China Eximbank.
The government of Laos is hopeful the railway will turn a profit by 2027. But: With a tiny domestic market, there is "limited commercial logic for an expensive railway" to connect the country of seven million to Kunming, said Jonathan Andrew Lane in an Asian Development Bank Institute report. "That debt service will put further strain on the limited tax-raising abilities of the government," Lane wrote. In September 2021, Laos sold its electricity transmission grid for $600 million with a 25-year concession agreement, that allows a majority Chinese state-owned company to build and manage a large part of the country’s power grid.
What happens in Boten, at the border of Laos with China
In "Boten: the renaissance of Laos' Golden city" documentary photographer Nicholas Bosoni describes how Boten, a rural village counting a few hundred inhabitants less than twenty years ago, is shaping up as China’s gateway to Laos and Southeast Asia, this in form of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The Haicheng group, a Yunnan-based developer, presented a $10 billion to transform the former “Golden City” into “Boten Beautiful Land Specific Economic Zone.” The developers estimate that 300,000 people will live in Boten by 2035.
What happens in Thailand?
The China-Laos railway ends at the Vientiane south cargo station. There are plans to upgrade the first Thai-Lao friendship bridge linking Vientiane and Nong Khai across Mekong river because the bridge is too small with limited capacity to expand. The railway crossing the Mekong bridge from Nong Khai in Thailand to Thanaleng in Laos has a one metre gauge, while the China-Laos railway has a standard gauge with 1.45 metres. Piti Srisangnam, director of academic affairs at the Asean Studies Centre at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, told Bangkok Post, there was no need to wait for the state to build a Bangkok-Nong Khai line with standard gauge, as containers could be delivered to Vientiane using the existing narrow gauge. "Obviously, it won't be as smooth as if the same gauge applied all the way to China, but there are many other things we can start improving, such as border crossings, customs, logistics needed for handling a massive amount of container traffic, and better visa connections between three countries."
Bangkok–Nong Khai high-speed railway is partially under construction as a double-track standard-gauge line that follows the same route as the current Northeastern line. it's being built in partnership with Chinese companies (China Railway International and China Railway Design Corp). The first stage between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima is scheduled to open in 2026. Phase 1 means the construction of the 253km section between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, at a cost of $1.67 billion USD with the stations Bang Sue, Don Muang, Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Pak Chong and Nakhon Ratchasima. Phase 2 of the 354.5km section from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai is still under planning. The stations will include Nakhon Ratchasima, Bua Yai, Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai according to futuresoutheastasia.com.
Meanwhile in Thailand there are concerns about products from China flooding markets in Thailand. Opposition MPs submitted a motion to question the government following a report that 33 containers with 20 tonnes each of fresh vegetables from China were sent to Thailand in the first week of December, reports Bangkok Post. The development is challenging to Thailand as Chinese fresh produce can be sent to the Thai border in one day at a much cheaper cost than air transport. The Chinese government has erected non tariff trade barriers for exporting fruits and Durain from Thailand to China.
Officials from China and Laos marked the official launch of the $5.9 billion railway connecting the two nations on December 3. The first passenger services were running on December 4. The first red, blue and white bullet train called Lane Xang departed from Vientiane station. It can reach 160 kph. The standard gauge single-track line cuts through 417 kilometers of rugged terrain from Vientiane to Boten, the main border crossing with China. The line includes 61 kilometers of bridges (167) and 198 kilometers of tunnels. The travel from Vientiane to the Chinese border, which so far took around 15 hours by road, now takes less than four hours. "The Laos-China Railway is part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Beijing’s $1 trillion transnational development strategy that aims at connecting China with over 70 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe via the construction of roads, rails, seaports, and airports", describes The Diplomat.
No way to China for passengers right now
Right now passenger services are only offered inside Laos. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the border between Laos and China is not open for passengertrains. But freight trains are running now between the two countries. Lao-China Railways has stated that once the immigration prohibition will be lifted after 1 January 2022 they would extend the services to Sipsongpanna station at Jinhong city in Yunnan. The CR200J Fuxing EMU trains take about three and a half hours from Kunming to Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture and less than three hours to Puer.
Passenger trains also started on Yuxi-Mohan line in China
According to Chinese news agency Xinhua the passenger trains on the line from Yuxi to Mohan in Yunnan have started operation also on December 3. Until December 9 a total of 114,000 passengers have been transported. The number of trains running on the line meanwhile have been increased from 17.5 pairs to 25.5 pairs. The new line ends the history of no rail service between Puer and Xishuangbanna. There are 93 tunnels and 136 bridges in the 508-kilometer segment. 15 tunnels are more than 10 kilometers long.
Ninger station in PuerWhen the #China-#Laos #railway meets the #cloud sea in #Ninger, southwest #Yunnan’s #Puer City, the Ninger station has seen a marvelous #sunrise and starry night in a day. pic.twitter.com/GpSfX3DVjK
— Amazing Puer (@AmazingPuer) December 10, 2021
Laos opens the borders for international tourist groups
Laos has officially announced it will reopen for tourism on 1 January 2022 after the lockdown due to the pandemic. According to the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, the reopening will be implemented in three phases. The first phase will be from 1 January to 30 March 2022, the second phase from 1 April 2022 to 30 June 2022, and the third phase from 1 July 2022 onward.
During the first phase tourists from the following countries will be allowed in: China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, France, United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, United States, Canada, and Australia. Tourism will be restricted to group tours at first, with tours arranged by authorized tour operators under the Lao Travel Green Zone Plan.
Tourists must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 no less than 14 days prior to arrival. They need a health insurance policy with coverage no less than USD 50,000 and a negative RT-PCR test taken within the last 72 hours. Arrivals will be tested for Covid-19 and placed in a 24-hour quarantine in their hotel until a negative result is found. Tourists have to download and register at the LaoKYC and the LaoStaySafe mobile applications prior to arriving in the country and to upload their vaccination certification and Covid-19 test results.
Tourists will be authorized to travel within two zones: Green Travel Zones and Green Travel Trails. During Phase 1 tourists may visit the following green travel zones with at least 70 percent of the population vaccinated: Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang Province and Vang Vieng District in Vientiane Province. Meanwhile, five provinces will be authorized for Green Travel Trails, including Oudomxay, Xayaboury, Xieng Khouang, Khammouane, and Champasak. Read more details on Laotian Times.
The timetable of the new railway
The following timetable has been published:
Vientiane - Boten:
Vientiane dep 08:00
Phonhong dep 09:04
Luang Prabang dep 10:01
Meuang Xay dep 10:49
Boten arr 11:20
Boten - Vientiane:
Boten dep 12:15
Meuang Xay dep: 12:49
Luang Prabang dep: 13:39
Vientiane arr: 15:19
Vientiane - Luang Prabang (nonstop):
Vientiane dep 16:10
Luang Prabang arr 18:02
Luang Prabang - Vientiane
Luang Prabang dep 18:30
Vang Vieng dep 19:44
Phon Hong dep 20:15
Vientiane arr 20:46
A ticket costs of 330,000 Kip (around $33) for a second class seat from Vientiane to Boten. More ticket prices here. Passengers need to make 3-day reservation in advance and arrive at the station 1 hour before departure
Laos debts after the financing of China-Laos-Railway
"Laos opens scenic railway built on a mountain of Chinese debt", writes Yahoo News. In December 2016 Lao-China Railway Company — a joint venture between three Chinese state-owned enterprises that collectively hold a 70% ownership stake and one Lao state-owned enterprise that owns a 30% ownership stake — signed a BOT concession agreement with the Government of Laos for the China-Laos Railway Project. Lao-China Railway Company directly secured $3.54 billion of debt financing from China Eximbank while the government of Laos and the Chinese Government jointly contributed $730 million and $1.63 billion of equity financing. Interestingly to make its own share of $730 million equity contribution to the rail project, the Government of Laos secured a $480 million loan from China Eximbank.
The government of Laos is hopeful the railway will turn a profit by 2027. But: With a tiny domestic market, there is "limited commercial logic for an expensive railway" to connect the country of seven million to Kunming, said Jonathan Andrew Lane in an Asian Development Bank Institute report. "That debt service will put further strain on the limited tax-raising abilities of the government," Lane wrote. In September 2021, Laos sold its electricity transmission grid for $600 million with a 25-year concession agreement, that allows a majority Chinese state-owned company to build and manage a large part of the country’s power grid.
What happens in Boten, at the border of Laos with China
In "Boten: the renaissance of Laos' Golden city" documentary photographer Nicholas Bosoni describes how Boten, a rural village counting a few hundred inhabitants less than twenty years ago, is shaping up as China’s gateway to Laos and Southeast Asia, this in form of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The Haicheng group, a Yunnan-based developer, presented a $10 billion to transform the former “Golden City” into “Boten Beautiful Land Specific Economic Zone.” The developers estimate that 300,000 people will live in Boten by 2035.
Boten, Picture by Nicholas Bosoni
What happens in Thailand?
The China-Laos railway ends at the Vientiane south cargo station. There are plans to upgrade the first Thai-Lao friendship bridge linking Vientiane and Nong Khai across Mekong river because the bridge is too small with limited capacity to expand. The railway crossing the Mekong bridge from Nong Khai in Thailand to Thanaleng in Laos has a one metre gauge, while the China-Laos railway has a standard gauge with 1.45 metres. Piti Srisangnam, director of academic affairs at the Asean Studies Centre at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, told Bangkok Post, there was no need to wait for the state to build a Bangkok-Nong Khai line with standard gauge, as containers could be delivered to Vientiane using the existing narrow gauge. "Obviously, it won't be as smooth as if the same gauge applied all the way to China, but there are many other things we can start improving, such as border crossings, customs, logistics needed for handling a massive amount of container traffic, and better visa connections between three countries."
Bangkok–Nong Khai high-speed railway is partially under construction as a double-track standard-gauge line that follows the same route as the current Northeastern line. it's being built in partnership with Chinese companies (China Railway International and China Railway Design Corp). The first stage between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima is scheduled to open in 2026. Phase 1 means the construction of the 253km section between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, at a cost of $1.67 billion USD with the stations Bang Sue, Don Muang, Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Pak Chong and Nakhon Ratchasima. Phase 2 of the 354.5km section from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai is still under planning. The stations will include Nakhon Ratchasima, Bua Yai, Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai according to futuresoutheastasia.com.
Meanwhile in Thailand there are concerns about products from China flooding markets in Thailand. Opposition MPs submitted a motion to question the government following a report that 33 containers with 20 tonnes each of fresh vegetables from China were sent to Thailand in the first week of December, reports Bangkok Post. The development is challenging to Thailand as Chinese fresh produce can be sent to the Thai border in one day at a much cheaper cost than air transport. The Chinese government has erected non tariff trade barriers for exporting fruits and Durain from Thailand to China.
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Chinas Railway for Laos: From Boten to Vientiane - The Maps
Update 16.8.2018
Construction work for the railway from Chinas border in Boten (磨丁市) to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, has advanced. Follow the updates here.
Let's start with the Boten-Vientiane-Railway Google Map by #treasuresoflaos with latest updates:
A list of all planned station has been published by Wisarut. This blogger has matched it with a list published by Bounthone Sanasinh:
0. km Zero at Lao - China Border at Lao - China Friendship Tunnel (友谊隧道)
1. Boten (磨丁个车站, ສະຖານີບໍແຕນ); the Southern end of Friendship tunnels - km 3 + 020
2. Na Teuy (纳堆个车站, ສະຖານີນາເຕີຍ) km 15+400 2
3. Na Mor (纳磨个车站, ສະຖານີນາໝໍ້) km 30+940
4. Na Thong (那通个车站, ສະຖານີນາທອງ); km 40 + 675
5. Muong Xai Station (孟塞个车站, ສະຖານີເມືອງໄຊ) the provincial capital of Oudomsay province - km 69 + 550
6. Ban Na Khok Station (班纳科个车站, ສະຖານີບ້ານນາກອກ)
7. Muong Nga (孟阿火车站, ສະຖານີເມືອງງາ) km 115 + 720
8. Huoi Han Nga Station (会汉河 个车站, ສະຖານີຫ້ວຍຫັນງາ)
9. Luang Prabang (琅勃拉邦个车站, ສະຖານີຫລວງພະບາງ) - km 170 + 200
10. Xieng Ngeun Station (相嫩个车站, ສະຖານີຊຽງເງີນ) - southern suburb of Luang Prabang - km 179 + 150
11. Sala Patu Station (沙拉巴土个车站, ສະຖານີສາລາພາທູ) km 211 + 620
12. Muong Kasi (孟卡西 个车站, ສະຖານີເມືອງກາສີ) - km 240 + 090
13. Ban Phatang Station(班帕当 个车站, ສະຖານີບ້ານພາຕັ້ງ) - km 268 + 250
14. Vang Vieng (万荣 个车站, ສະຖານີວັງວຽງ) - tourist spot - km 285 + 100
15. Wang Khi station (万基个车站, ສະຖານີວັງຂີ) - km 312 + 175
16. Phonh Hong (丰洪个车站, ສະຖານີໂພນໂຮງ) - Provincial Capital of Vieng Chan - km 344 + 575
17. Ban Phonh Sung (班芬送个车站, ສະຖານີບ້ານໂພນສູງ) km 374+650
18. Vientiane Neua - (万象北个车站, ສະຖານີວຽງຈັນເໜືອ) Northern Vieng Chan capital - km 390 + 050
19. Vientiane (象北 个车站, ສະຖານີວຽງຈັນໃຕ້) - km 408 + 240 - Lao National University of Laos at Ban Don Noun, Viengchan Capital
22. Vientiane Tai (万象南 个车站, ສະຖານີວຽງຈັນໃຕ້) - clearly the station near National Stadium at Lak 16 at km 412 + 300 - not in the list of starting yet since this has been terminated at km 409+000
23. Thanaleng East (塔拉能东 ท่านาแล้งตะวันออก) - clearly the station near Tha Nalaeng station at km 425+000 - not in the list of starting yet since this has been terminated at km 409+000
Maps published in an early stage of planning:
Line from border between Laos and China at Boten (Map 1)
Detail of Line at Boten (Map2)
(Map 3)
Line west of Oudomsay airport (Map 4)
Line south of Oudomsay (Map 5)
Line near Luang Prabang (Map 6)
Line south of Luang Prabang< (Map 7)br>
The line crosses N13 north of Nam Ngum Lake, south of Vang Vieng (Map 8)
The line follows N13 west of Nam Ngum Lake (Map 9)
North of Vientiane the line follows N13 national road (Map 10)
The line crosses the Mekong and the border to Thailand at Nong Khai, Vientiane and its airport at the left (Map 11)
Source of the maps: 新建铁路磨丁至万象线线路平 Boten Vientiane Railway Line
. See this map also in this video.
See also this map by designforconservation.org
. And see the line on this Youtube-Visualisation.
Planned is an electrified single track (standard track gauge) with a distance of 427,7 km. There will be 162 bridges with a total distance of 68.093 km, 72 tunnels with the distance of 183.978 km. Maximum speed for cargo will be 120 kph, maximum speed for passenger trains from Boten to Vang Vieng will be 160 kph, from Vang Vieng to Vientiane capital 200 kph. 33 stations are planned, but first only 21 stations will be built. These will allow trains passing each other. 11 stations will offer passenger services.
7 major tunnels are planned:
Lao - China Friendship tunnel (友谊隧道 and 玉磨铁路友谊隧道): 9,68 km, 2,51 km on Lao side of border while 7,17 km on Chinese side. Start of construction in June 2016 by China Railway Second Bureau.
Kong Lang tunnel (空琅村隧道, 8150 meter)
Wa Nu Mountain (努瓦山隧道, 8185 meter)
Phu Kluea (福格村隧道, 8880 meter)
Ka (卡村隧道, 8005 meter)
Sen tunnel (森村隧道, 9405 meter)
La Meng tunnel (拉孟山隧道, 8055 meter)
According to the plan, there will be 11 stations for passenger use. 3 will be built in Oudomxay's Namor, Xay and Nga districts. 2 more stations will be built in Luang Prabang and Xieng-ngeun districts in Luang Prabang province. 3 will be constructed in Kasy, Vangvieng and Phonhong districts in Vientiane province and the main station will be in Vientiane. A goods transport depot will also be built in Vientiane.
More details here.
The total project cost is estimated at 38.7 billion yuan (over USD 6 billion), which is about 90.6 million yuan (approx. USD 14 million) per kilometre. The Lao government has obtained a loan of about USD 480 million from China to pay its share of the investment cost. Somsavat Lengsavad, Laotian deputy prime minister, said the Chinese government has earlier offered Laos a loan with a three-percent interest rate, adding that Laotian government also asked the Chinese government to reduce the rate. He did not mention what the agreed-upon interest rate was. Laos will back the loan with five of its potash mines. Somsavat said after calculation, Laos has determined that it will be able to pay it back to China within five years instead of 30 years as Laos has five mines.
Construction contracts were awarded as follows:
1. Boten - Meuang Xay (Oudomxay, 88.65 km): China Railway No.5 Engineering Group (owned by China Railway Group Limited)
2. Meuang Xay (Oudomxay) - Nam Seu Bridge (68.8 km, including Mueang Xai station yard): China Railway International Group (owned by China Railway Group Limited)
3. Nam Seu Bridge - Phou Sanen Hill (65.6 km, including Bridge across Sue river): China Railway Baju Group Company (owned by China Railway Group Limited)
4. Phou Sanen Hill - Ban Pa Village (61.49 km): Sinohydro Group
5. Ban Pa Village - Phonhong (79.5 km): Power Construction Corporation of China
6. Phonhong - Vientiane (65.7 km, (including Phone Hong station yard): China Railway Erju Co., Ltd (owned by China Railway Group Limited)
See also Map China Laos Railway
See video of the line
Construction work for the railway from Chinas border in Boten (磨丁市) to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, has advanced. Follow the updates here.
Let's start with the Boten-Vientiane-Railway Google Map by #treasuresoflaos with latest updates:
A list of all planned station has been published by Wisarut. This blogger has matched it with a list published by Bounthone Sanasinh:
0. km Zero at Lao - China Border at Lao - China Friendship Tunnel (友谊隧道)
1. Boten (磨丁个车站, ສະຖານີບໍແຕນ); the Southern end of Friendship tunnels - km 3 + 020
2. Na Teuy (纳堆个车站, ສະຖານີນາເຕີຍ) km 15+400 2
3. Na Mor (纳磨个车站, ສະຖານີນາໝໍ້) km 30+940
4. Na Thong (那通个车站, ສະຖານີນາທອງ); km 40 + 675
5. Muong Xai Station (孟塞个车站, ສະຖານີເມືອງໄຊ) the provincial capital of Oudomsay province - km 69 + 550
6. Ban Na Khok Station (班纳科个车站, ສະຖານີບ້ານນາກອກ)
7. Muong Nga (孟阿火车站, ສະຖານີເມືອງງາ) km 115 + 720
8. Huoi Han Nga Station (会汉河 个车站, ສະຖານີຫ້ວຍຫັນງາ)
9. Luang Prabang (琅勃拉邦个车站, ສະຖານີຫລວງພະບາງ) - km 170 + 200
10. Xieng Ngeun Station (相嫩个车站, ສະຖານີຊຽງເງີນ) - southern suburb of Luang Prabang - km 179 + 150
11. Sala Patu Station (沙拉巴土个车站, ສະຖານີສາລາພາທູ) km 211 + 620
12. Muong Kasi (孟卡西 个车站, ສະຖານີເມືອງກາສີ) - km 240 + 090
13. Ban Phatang Station(班帕当 个车站, ສະຖານີບ້ານພາຕັ້ງ) - km 268 + 250
14. Vang Vieng (万荣 个车站, ສະຖານີວັງວຽງ) - tourist spot - km 285 + 100
15. Wang Khi station (万基个车站, ສະຖານີວັງຂີ) - km 312 + 175
16. Phonh Hong (丰洪个车站, ສະຖານີໂພນໂຮງ) - Provincial Capital of Vieng Chan - km 344 + 575
17. Ban Phonh Sung (班芬送个车站, ສະຖານີບ້ານໂພນສູງ) km 374+650
18. Vientiane Neua - (万象北个车站, ສະຖານີວຽງຈັນເໜືອ) Northern Vieng Chan capital - km 390 + 050
19. Vientiane (象北 个车站, ສະຖານີວຽງຈັນໃຕ້) - km 408 + 240 - Lao National University of Laos at Ban Don Noun, Viengchan Capital
22. Vientiane Tai (万象南 个车站, ສະຖານີວຽງຈັນໃຕ້) - clearly the station near National Stadium at Lak 16 at km 412 + 300 - not in the list of starting yet since this has been terminated at km 409+000
23. Thanaleng East (塔拉能东 ท่านาแล้งตะวันออก) - clearly the station near Tha Nalaeng station at km 425+000 - not in the list of starting yet since this has been terminated at km 409+000
Maps published in an early stage of planning:
Line from border between Laos and China at Boten (Map 1)
Detail of Line at Boten (Map2)
(Map 3)
Line west of Oudomsay airport (Map 4)
Line south of Oudomsay (Map 5)
Line near Luang Prabang (Map 6)
Line south of Luang Prabang< (Map 7)br>
The line crosses N13 north of Nam Ngum Lake, south of Vang Vieng (Map 8)
The line follows N13 west of Nam Ngum Lake (Map 9)
North of Vientiane the line follows N13 national road (Map 10)
The line crosses the Mekong and the border to Thailand at Nong Khai, Vientiane and its airport at the left (Map 11)
Source of the maps: 新建铁路磨丁至万象线线路平 Boten Vientiane Railway Line
. See this map also in this video.
See also this map by designforconservation.org
. And see the line on this Youtube-Visualisation.
Planned is an electrified single track (standard track gauge) with a distance of 427,7 km. There will be 162 bridges with a total distance of 68.093 km, 72 tunnels with the distance of 183.978 km. Maximum speed for cargo will be 120 kph, maximum speed for passenger trains from Boten to Vang Vieng will be 160 kph, from Vang Vieng to Vientiane capital 200 kph. 33 stations are planned, but first only 21 stations will be built. These will allow trains passing each other. 11 stations will offer passenger services.
7 major tunnels are planned:
Lao - China Friendship tunnel (友谊隧道 and 玉磨铁路友谊隧道): 9,68 km, 2,51 km on Lao side of border while 7,17 km on Chinese side. Start of construction in June 2016 by China Railway Second Bureau.
Kong Lang tunnel (空琅村隧道, 8150 meter)
Wa Nu Mountain (努瓦山隧道, 8185 meter)
Phu Kluea (福格村隧道, 8880 meter)
Ka (卡村隧道, 8005 meter)
Sen tunnel (森村隧道, 9405 meter)
La Meng tunnel (拉孟山隧道, 8055 meter)
According to the plan, there will be 11 stations for passenger use. 3 will be built in Oudomxay's Namor, Xay and Nga districts. 2 more stations will be built in Luang Prabang and Xieng-ngeun districts in Luang Prabang province. 3 will be constructed in Kasy, Vangvieng and Phonhong districts in Vientiane province and the main station will be in Vientiane. A goods transport depot will also be built in Vientiane.
More details here.
The total project cost is estimated at 38.7 billion yuan (over USD 6 billion), which is about 90.6 million yuan (approx. USD 14 million) per kilometre. The Lao government has obtained a loan of about USD 480 million from China to pay its share of the investment cost. Somsavat Lengsavad, Laotian deputy prime minister, said the Chinese government has earlier offered Laos a loan with a three-percent interest rate, adding that Laotian government also asked the Chinese government to reduce the rate. He did not mention what the agreed-upon interest rate was. Laos will back the loan with five of its potash mines. Somsavat said after calculation, Laos has determined that it will be able to pay it back to China within five years instead of 30 years as Laos has five mines.
Construction contracts were awarded as follows:
1. Boten - Meuang Xay (Oudomxay, 88.65 km): China Railway No.5 Engineering Group (owned by China Railway Group Limited)
2. Meuang Xay (Oudomxay) - Nam Seu Bridge (68.8 km, including Mueang Xai station yard): China Railway International Group (owned by China Railway Group Limited)
3. Nam Seu Bridge - Phou Sanen Hill (65.6 km, including Bridge across Sue river): China Railway Baju Group Company (owned by China Railway Group Limited)
4. Phou Sanen Hill - Ban Pa Village (61.49 km): Sinohydro Group
5. Ban Pa Village - Phonhong (79.5 km): Power Construction Corporation of China
6. Phonhong - Vientiane (65.7 km, (including Phone Hong station yard): China Railway Erju Co., Ltd (owned by China Railway Group Limited)
See also Map China Laos Railway
See video of the line
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Tours from Vientiane: Go tubing or
organic farming in Vang Vieng
See the locations on Vang Vieng Google Map by #treasuresoflaos
Picture by Stéphane P. ROUSSEAU
Picture by Ben and Debs Blench What Vang Vieng is famous for: tubing in Nam Song River
Picture by JonasPhoto
A lot of traffic on the river
Tubing in Vang Vieng - this is about fun among halfnaked young people, bars, drinks, bumping music, dancing, sometimes drugs, hangovers - and sometimes accidents: People jump into the river and break their bones on rocks or people drink too much, cannot swim and drown. It's about the same things as every where on the world, where young people go for fun and partying. Read how Adventurous Kate sees it. And she writes about Death and Dangers. See also the restaurant menue with opium tea and mushroom magics, documented on Blog of the Morning Calm. Then see this video on youtube.com about a broken skull. On Global Post an article asks: Vang Vieng, Laos: backpacker mecca turned disaster magnet? and offers a lot of insight. For example: The Vang Vieng region had 90 hotels/guesthouses in 2003; in 2009 there were 222. More insights on guardian.co.uk: Vang Vieng, Laos: the world's most unlikely party town
Vang Vieng: By discoveryindochina.com
Hotels and Resorts in Vang Vieng
Riverside Boutique Resort: Pool with amazing view, balconies with view of the scenery, breakfast with many options according to reviews on tripadvisor.com.
Amari Vang Vieng: Balconies with stunning view of Nam Song River and the mountains. Largest hotel in Vang Vieng with good service and also a gym and a good restaurant according to reviews on tripadvisor.com.
Diamond Gold Hotel (Formerly Thavonsouk Hotel and Resort): "One of the most beautiful locations", according to tripadvisor.com. See a video about the early morining view from the porch of a ropm by Prince Roy.
Picture by Prince Roy
View from the porch of the riverside room
Picture by madaboutasia
The Cocoon Vang Vieng Resort: Situated along the Nam Song River. With a pool. Some bad reviews until 2010, then new management, now one good review on tripadvisor.com
The Elephant Crossing: "Fabulous view of the river and mountains", according to reviews on tripadvisor.com
Picture by Simon Cast
Picture by Simon Cast
View from The Elephant Crossing Hotel
Picture by Prince Roy
Another view from the hotel
Vang Vieng Resort: From 10 USD. On the banks of Nam Song River, bungalows and lodges on both sides of the river, a bridge in between. 20 minutes to walk from the centre of Vang Vieng. "Simple but clean", comments one review on tripadvisor.com
Vansana Vang Vieng Resort: Quite good reviews on tripadvisor.com
Guesthouses in Vang Vieng
Domon River Guesthouse: Spacious rooms with balcony looking over the river towards the mountains. No breakfast. Can be noisy until early in the morning because bars are around. See pictures on tripadvisor.com
Kamphone Guesthouse: Phone (023) 511 062. "The location at the north end of town is far enough from the party that it's quiet at night, but thin walls mean you can hear your neighbours", comments travelfish.org
Malany Villa: Mixed reviews on tripadvisor.com
Mountain Riverview Guesthouse: Quite good reviews on tripadvisor.com
Picture by careybaird
Nana Guesthouse:
Pan's Place: Rooms and bungalows, run by a Lao lady and an old hippie from New Zealand. Very good reviews on tripadvisor.com, it's quiet. See view from Pan's Place on flickr.com
Phoubane Guesthouse: "If you want cheap accomodation this is what you get", notes one review von tripadvisor.com
Saphaothong Guesthouse: "Like many of the other aging guesthouses in town, Saphaothong's fixtures and fittings are fading fast compared to the shiny new developments", a guest comments on travelblog.org.
Sisavang Guesthouse: From 8 USD.
Thavisouk Guesthouse: *A clean, decent guesthouse with fairly simple rooms which are now showing signs of age", comments travelfish.org
Thavisouk Hotel & Resort: A main building and bungalows. Mixed reviews on tripadvisor.com
Viengvilay Guesthouse:
Villa Nam Song: Very good reviews on tripadvisor.com
Stay outside Vang Vieng
Indavong Guesthouse: Has a swimming pool - "not maintained and dirty", notes one guest on tripadvisors.com about the pool.
Maylyn Guesthouse: From 40 000 Kip. On the west side of Nam Song River. A twenty minutes walk from town (you have to cross a toll bridge for 4000 Kip). 15 bungalow rooms in a lush garden full of butterflies. "The slightly wild gardens, teaming with gorgeous butterflies (particularly in the early morning hours) hold charmingly basic wooden bungalows and bamboo terrace rooms", notes travelfish.org. Very good reviews on tripadvisor.com. Bicycles can be rented. See video by mrbund
Picture by Sven&Moniek
May Lyn Guesthouse
Vang Vieng Eco Lodge: From 29 USD. Ban Viengsamay. The Ecolodge is just past Viengsamy, 8 kms north of Vang Vieng and a 15 minute drive from the town centre. Basic rooms in bungalows with fan, no aircon. The restaurant on a deck overlooks the Nam Song river. Kayaks can be rented. "The staff can arrange a tuk tuk to city centre for about 40.000 kip (one way). Back the prices are a bit higher, maybe 50.000 kip", notes Bosbreur on tripadvisor.com. A quiet location for people, who want to join Lao local life. Small shop in the villahe nearby. See a video by Hennephof of youtube.com
Join the organic experience in Vang Vieng
Organic farm: 4 km north of the town in the village of Phoudindaeng. Vangvieng Organic Farm promotes the use of natural materials and traditional methods for growing its crops and raising its animals. It offers accommodation for visitors and volunteers and operates an organic food restaurant. The Farm is located in the village of Phoudindaeng, about 4 km north of Vangvieng on the banks of the Nam Song river. Organic Farm was founded by Thanongsi Sorangkoun in 1996 with the goal of introducing organic farming methods in an area where chemicals and deforestation were ruining the land. The farm produces mulberry trees, mulberry tea and mulberry vine as well as banana liquor, organic fruits, vegetables, poultry and goat cheese. The farm also offers guided tours
Picture by thomaswanhoff
Guest house at organic farn
Picture by thomaswanhoff
Mulberry plantation
Discover the limestone caves in Vang Vieng
Tham Phu Kham: About six kilometres south of the town, half an hour bei Tuk-Tuk. Climb 600ft up boulders and the rockface, to get to the entrance, then climb down into the cavern with its reclining Buddha (see picture). Read more and on laos.eegc.org. See the lagoon nearby
Picture by juliansong
Tham Chiang: Also: Tham Jiang, Tham Chang. In the Vang Vieng Resort complex. Easy to access. It was used by the local people as a bunker in defense against the Jiin Haw (Yunnanese Chinese) in the early 19th century. At the base of the cave its possible to swim 80m into the cave. Beautiful views of Vang Vieng from the entry. Read more on globaltravelmate.com and on laos.eegc.org
. See picture
Picture by Gusjer
The path towards the mountain, where Tham Chiang cave is inside
Picture by Rory OBrien
Picture Rory OBrien
Pretty river for swimming near the entrance of Tham Chiang cave
Tham Lom: About 3 km from the town. Read more and on laos.eegc.org
Tham Nam Xang (Elephant Cave): At km 48 on Route 13. Near Tham Xang village. Head towards the river, cross the bridge and about 100 m ahead is the cave. You find here an sanctuary, over 300 years older than the Lane Xang Kingdom: 5 large pink sandstone sculptures and 2 huge Buddha images. Read more and on laos.eegc.org
Picture by Pigalle
Tham Hoi: Read more on laos.eegc.org
Tham Loup: Read more on laos.eegc.org
Day tour to caves by greendiscoverylaos.com
Read more about a caving trip and tubing down a cave
Tham None: One of the biggest caves in Vang Vieng, it served as a rescue shelter during the Second Indochina War. Today it is home to a bat colony and The Magic Stone of Vang Vieng.
Climb the limestone carsts
The limestone carst landscape around Vang Vieng attracts rock climbers. Green Discovery and Adam's Climbing School offer half- and fullday courses with their instructors. More informations on summitpost.org
Go kayaking
Kayaking is offered by Green Discovery Laos and often starts at Viengsamay, a Khmu village about 10 km north of Vang Vieng and goes down Nam Song River, see video on youtube. But there is also a day trip to Nam Lik, a very scenic river. Also Vang Vieng Tours offer kayaking trips.
Go for birds on Nong Nok
Nong Nok (bird lake) at Ban Sivilay Village, a community-managed birds sanctuary with hundreds of ducks and egrets roosting here.
Read more about Vang Vieng today, the way from Vang Vieng to Kasi
See also the Vang Vieng Map by Viva Vang Vieng and the Vang Vieng Map by Fluid Sisha Bar Restaurant and Vang Vieng Area Map by Hobomaps.
Picture by Stéphane P. ROUSSEAU
Picture by Ben and Debs Blench What Vang Vieng is famous for: tubing in Nam Song River
Picture by JonasPhoto
A lot of traffic on the river
Tubing in Vang Vieng - this is about fun among halfnaked young people, bars, drinks, bumping music, dancing, sometimes drugs, hangovers - and sometimes accidents: People jump into the river and break their bones on rocks or people drink too much, cannot swim and drown. It's about the same things as every where on the world, where young people go for fun and partying. Read how Adventurous Kate sees it. And she writes about Death and Dangers. See also the restaurant menue with opium tea and mushroom magics, documented on Blog of the Morning Calm. Then see this video on youtube.com about a broken skull. On Global Post an article asks: Vang Vieng, Laos: backpacker mecca turned disaster magnet? and offers a lot of insight. For example: The Vang Vieng region had 90 hotels/guesthouses in 2003; in 2009 there were 222. More insights on guardian.co.uk: Vang Vieng, Laos: the world's most unlikely party town
Vang Vieng: By discoveryindochina.com
Hotels and Resorts in Vang Vieng
Riverside Boutique Resort: Pool with amazing view, balconies with view of the scenery, breakfast with many options according to reviews on tripadvisor.com.
Amari Vang Vieng: Balconies with stunning view of Nam Song River and the mountains. Largest hotel in Vang Vieng with good service and also a gym and a good restaurant according to reviews on tripadvisor.com.
Diamond Gold Hotel (Formerly Thavonsouk Hotel and Resort): "One of the most beautiful locations", according to tripadvisor.com. See a video about the early morining view from the porch of a ropm by Prince Roy.
Picture by Prince RoyView from the porch of the riverside room
Picture by madaboutasiaThe Cocoon Vang Vieng Resort: Situated along the Nam Song River. With a pool. Some bad reviews until 2010, then new management, now one good review on tripadvisor.com
The Elephant Crossing: "Fabulous view of the river and mountains", according to reviews on tripadvisor.com
Picture by Simon Cast
Picture by Simon CastView from The Elephant Crossing Hotel
Picture by Prince RoyAnother view from the hotel
Vang Vieng Resort: From 10 USD. On the banks of Nam Song River, bungalows and lodges on both sides of the river, a bridge in between. 20 minutes to walk from the centre of Vang Vieng. "Simple but clean", comments one review on tripadvisor.com
Vansana Vang Vieng Resort: Quite good reviews on tripadvisor.com
Guesthouses in Vang Vieng
Domon River Guesthouse: Spacious rooms with balcony looking over the river towards the mountains. No breakfast. Can be noisy until early in the morning because bars are around. See pictures on tripadvisor.com
Kamphone Guesthouse: Phone (023) 511 062. "The location at the north end of town is far enough from the party that it's quiet at night, but thin walls mean you can hear your neighbours", comments travelfish.org
Malany Villa: Mixed reviews on tripadvisor.com
Mountain Riverview Guesthouse: Quite good reviews on tripadvisor.com
Picture by careybaird
Nana Guesthouse:
Pan's Place: Rooms and bungalows, run by a Lao lady and an old hippie from New Zealand. Very good reviews on tripadvisor.com, it's quiet. See view from Pan's Place on flickr.com
Phoubane Guesthouse: "If you want cheap accomodation this is what you get", notes one review von tripadvisor.com
Saphaothong Guesthouse: "Like many of the other aging guesthouses in town, Saphaothong's fixtures and fittings are fading fast compared to the shiny new developments", a guest comments on travelblog.org.
Sisavang Guesthouse: From 8 USD.
Thavisouk Guesthouse: *A clean, decent guesthouse with fairly simple rooms which are now showing signs of age", comments travelfish.org
Thavisouk Hotel & Resort: A main building and bungalows. Mixed reviews on tripadvisor.com
Viengvilay Guesthouse:
Villa Nam Song: Very good reviews on tripadvisor.com
Stay outside Vang Vieng
Indavong Guesthouse: Has a swimming pool - "not maintained and dirty", notes one guest on tripadvisors.com about the pool.
Maylyn Guesthouse: From 40 000 Kip. On the west side of Nam Song River. A twenty minutes walk from town (you have to cross a toll bridge for 4000 Kip). 15 bungalow rooms in a lush garden full of butterflies. "The slightly wild gardens, teaming with gorgeous butterflies (particularly in the early morning hours) hold charmingly basic wooden bungalows and bamboo terrace rooms", notes travelfish.org. Very good reviews on tripadvisor.com. Bicycles can be rented. See video by mrbund
Picture by Sven&MoniekMay Lyn Guesthouse
Vang Vieng Eco Lodge: From 29 USD. Ban Viengsamay. The Ecolodge is just past Viengsamy, 8 kms north of Vang Vieng and a 15 minute drive from the town centre. Basic rooms in bungalows with fan, no aircon. The restaurant on a deck overlooks the Nam Song river. Kayaks can be rented. "The staff can arrange a tuk tuk to city centre for about 40.000 kip (one way). Back the prices are a bit higher, maybe 50.000 kip", notes Bosbreur on tripadvisor.com. A quiet location for people, who want to join Lao local life. Small shop in the villahe nearby. See a video by Hennephof of youtube.com
Join the organic experience in Vang Vieng
Organic farm: 4 km north of the town in the village of Phoudindaeng. Vangvieng Organic Farm promotes the use of natural materials and traditional methods for growing its crops and raising its animals. It offers accommodation for visitors and volunteers and operates an organic food restaurant. The Farm is located in the village of Phoudindaeng, about 4 km north of Vangvieng on the banks of the Nam Song river. Organic Farm was founded by Thanongsi Sorangkoun in 1996 with the goal of introducing organic farming methods in an area where chemicals and deforestation were ruining the land. The farm produces mulberry trees, mulberry tea and mulberry vine as well as banana liquor, organic fruits, vegetables, poultry and goat cheese. The farm also offers guided tours
Picture by thomaswanhoffGuest house at organic farn
Picture by thomaswanhoffMulberry plantation
Discover the limestone caves in Vang Vieng
Tham Phu Kham: About six kilometres south of the town, half an hour bei Tuk-Tuk. Climb 600ft up boulders and the rockface, to get to the entrance, then climb down into the cavern with its reclining Buddha (see picture). Read more and on laos.eegc.org. See the lagoon nearby
Picture by juliansong
Tham Chiang: Also: Tham Jiang, Tham Chang. In the Vang Vieng Resort complex. Easy to access. It was used by the local people as a bunker in defense against the Jiin Haw (Yunnanese Chinese) in the early 19th century. At the base of the cave its possible to swim 80m into the cave. Beautiful views of Vang Vieng from the entry. Read more on globaltravelmate.com and on laos.eegc.org
. See picture
Picture by GusjerThe path towards the mountain, where Tham Chiang cave is inside
Picture by Rory OBrien
Picture Rory OBrienPretty river for swimming near the entrance of Tham Chiang cave
Tham Lom: About 3 km from the town. Read more and on laos.eegc.org
Tham Nam Xang (Elephant Cave): At km 48 on Route 13. Near Tham Xang village. Head towards the river, cross the bridge and about 100 m ahead is the cave. You find here an sanctuary, over 300 years older than the Lane Xang Kingdom: 5 large pink sandstone sculptures and 2 huge Buddha images. Read more and on laos.eegc.org
Picture by PigalleTham Hoi: Read more on laos.eegc.org
Tham Loup: Read more on laos.eegc.org
Day tour to caves by greendiscoverylaos.com
Read more about a caving trip and tubing down a cave
Tham None: One of the biggest caves in Vang Vieng, it served as a rescue shelter during the Second Indochina War. Today it is home to a bat colony and The Magic Stone of Vang Vieng.
Climb the limestone carsts
The limestone carst landscape around Vang Vieng attracts rock climbers. Green Discovery and Adam's Climbing School offer half- and fullday courses with their instructors. More informations on summitpost.org
Go kayaking
Kayaking is offered by Green Discovery Laos and often starts at Viengsamay, a Khmu village about 10 km north of Vang Vieng and goes down Nam Song River, see video on youtube. But there is also a day trip to Nam Lik, a very scenic river. Also Vang Vieng Tours offer kayaking trips.
Go for birds on Nong Nok
Nong Nok (bird lake) at Ban Sivilay Village, a community-managed birds sanctuary with hundreds of ducks and egrets roosting here.
Read more about Vang Vieng today, the way from Vang Vieng to Kasi
See also the Vang Vieng Map by Viva Vang Vieng and the Vang Vieng Map by Fluid Sisha Bar Restaurant and Vang Vieng Area Map by Hobomaps.
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