Although it is feasible to fly throughout Thailand in a short time, taking the train is far more enjoyable, thrilling, and cost-effective. Traveling by train in Thailand is relatively simple and convenient, and it is an excellent option for moving between large and smaller cities due to the fact that four separate train lines cover a significant portion of the nation. Bangkok, the nation’s capital, acts as the central hub for the country’s rail transportation network, which spans around 4,180 kilometers from end to end. The north line, the southern line, the eastern line, and the northeast line all converge in Bangkok. We highly recommend using the train when you’re in Thailand since it’s the finest way to take in the breathtaking scenery of this Asian nation, and it also provides an opportunity to learn about the local culture. Tourists do not only utilize trains, but they are also popular with residents since they are so inexpensive.
So traveling by train in Thailand will allow you to immerse yourself in the nation’s culture fully.
Is it safe to travel by train in Thailand?
In contrast to the situation in some other countries, where private companies hold the railway lines, the State Railway of Thailand is the only owner of all of Thailand’s railway tracks, which are all of the meter gauge kind. Because the state runs the trains and the lines, you can be confident that they adhere to the requirements set out by the standards. Travelers have said that Thailand has one of the greatest metro rail systems in the world. Not only is it a secure method of transportation, but you will also get the impression that you are safe while riding it.
The fact that no train in Thailand is capable of reaching high speeds is the most significant disadvantage of traveling by rail there. In point of fact, the average pace at which they go is 40 kilometers per hour; nevertheless, this also makes them even safer and gives you the opportunity to appreciate the scenery and the cities that they travel through without disturbance.
Where to buy tickets to travel by train in Thailand
Train travel in Thailand offers passengers a unique and exciting experience as they traverse the country. As a result of this, it is often a very well-liked pastime among tourists from both the United States and other countries. The busiest roads are those that travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and even those that go to the border with Laos. This is especially true for the issuing of renewing visas, but it is not the sole reason for the high volume of traffic along these routes.
It is a good idea to buy your tickets a few days in advance, especially if you are going to be traveling at a popular time of year, such as Thai New Year, which occurs around the middle of April each year, or during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
After deciding where you wish to go, you will be able to purchase your ticket at any of the many windows that are spread around the stations themselves. Remember to have a picture identification with you, ideally a passport, because you will be asked to validate the reservation as well as the information that is associated with the ticket.
There is also the option to order tickets over the phone by using the following numbers: 1690 022233673, 022247788, or 022250300. This last choice, on the other hand, is only available to people who are already in Thailand.
If you are calling from outside of the United States, the number to use is +6622233762.
Purchasing tickets directly from the official website of the Thailand train is an additional option worth considering. After selecting the day and the route that are of most interest to you, you will be able to pay for the ticket and then print it right at your own house.
Going to the station in person allows you to purchase tickets up to two months in advance, whereas purchasing them online only allows you to do so one month in advance. The box offices are open every day from 8:30 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon.
Remember that you may only buy tickets for journeys that start in Bangkok or Chiang Mai; this is a very significant restriction that must be adhered to.
Train in Thailand: Bangkok to Maeklong
Have you ever thought of taking one of the trains that moves the slowest in the world? Now, though, such a thing is feasible. When we talk about this line, we’re referring to the one that runs between Bangkok and Mae Klong. The tour begins in Wongwian Yai, often known as Bangkok, and it is a 2.5-hour excursion that takes travellers through both the city and the countryside.
It is precisely owing to the reason that makes this train so sluggish that its popularity has grown: it traverses the Maklong market, which is one of the most popular sites for tourists to visit while they are in Thailand. In order for the train to traverse the market that is located on both sides of the tracks, it is required to halt and go very slowly. Their speed is slowed down to the point that it is even feasible to bump hands with market merchants and customers as they go across the space.
Read More: Thailand in December: Complete Travel Guide
Train in Thailand: Bangkok to Chiang Mai
There is a journey that you should not skip if you take pleasure in viewing different kinds of scenery. Chiang Mai, located in the northern part of Thailand, is considered by many to be the spiritual centre of the Land of Smiles.
The train journey will begin in the early hours of the morning in Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station, and as it travels north, it will take passengers through the historic cities of Lopburi and Ayutthaya, as well as expansive areas of jungle. Before stepping off the train to see the magnificent temples in the north of the country, you will have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking panoramas of the interior of Thailand, which are a highlight of this route.
Train in Thailand: Bangkok to the Gulf of Thailand
What do you think of taking a train to travel to an island? Technically speaking, you won’t be able to do that, eye. But you are really close to doing so. You may take trains from Bangkok that will take you to Chumphon or Surat Thani, and these trains will take you to the coast. From the coast, it is quite simple to board a ferry that will take you to the islands.
Because of this technique, you will be able to take in breathtaking vistas both on land and at sea. You will be amazed by the views as you cruise through the beautiful turquoise waters to Ko Phaluai, Ko Pha Ngam, and other stunning islands in the Gulf of Thailand while you are on the train ride to Ko Phaluai, Ko Pha Ngam, and other stunning islands in the Gulf of Thailand. You will see sights as beautiful as Hua Hin.
Train in Thailand: Bangkok to Nong Khai
Isan is home to the lovely town of Nong Khai, which is located not far from the Laotian border. You may take a train from Bangkok to get there, and one of the things that makes it interesting is that it is one of the regions that visitors least frequent. As a result, it is perfect for going on self-exploration vacations or going on romantic trips with a significant other.
The breathtaking view of the broad green plains that reach all the way to Isan may be had from the cosiness of a train window, illuminating a particularly charming element of Thailand.
Read More: Solo Travel in Thailand: Guide & Practical Tips
Types of classes and trains in Thailand
There are several different kinds of trains that run on a regular basis in Thailand. Depending on which one you select, the speed of the train will change, it will either make more or fewer stops along the way, it will take longer to get to its destination, and you will only be able to purchase tickets for certain classes rather than others. In order to assist you in making your reservation, we have compiled a list of the various classes of trains that you will need to take into consideration. We provide you with the train numbers so that it is less of a guessing game for you to determine the service you are purchasing.
Conventional trains: Conventional trains travel at a very sluggish pace, and passengers may only ride in third-class carriages. They never travel during the night and never go more than 500 kilometers in a single direction. These trains have anything from 298 to 300 passengers on board.
Commuter trains: As their name implies, commuter trains, sometimes known simply as commuter trains, are the kind of trains that are utilised by residents travelling on suburban lines. They have numbers ranging from 301 all the way up to 398, and they are remarkably identical to regular trains.
Local trains: Local trains are similar to regular trains; however, they travel shorter distances and are denoted by the numbers 401 to 498.
Special express trains: The prices for Thailand’s Special Express Trains are the highest since these trains travel the quickest distances. These trains are able to go from one city to another with few or no stops in between, and all of them (with the exception of number 37, which travels from Bangkok to Sungai Kolok) only contain first and second class carriages. Special Express train in Thailand have numbers from 1 to 48.
Express trains: As their names imply, express trains may travel at a high rate of speed; nevertheless, they are not quite as quick as special express trains. The express trains make more stops along the way, which causes the journey to be longer; however, if you are looking to save some money, the express trains are a fantastic alternative because they are less expensive than the Special Express. Express train in Thailand have first, second and third class cars and operate numbers 51 to 98.
Trains classified as “fast” are not actually that quick. They will often stop at practically all of the stations they travel through, which can add a significant amount of time to the journey. These trains have numbers ranging from 101 to 198, and their cars are often classified as second or third class; however, they do not typically have air conditioning. These are the most frequent train in Thailand, and there are always a great number of them available.
Is an overnight train in Thailand safe?
When you are travelling in Thailand, it is possible that making advantage of the large train network that the country possesses can provide you with the most value for your money. Even though they travel at a snail’s speed, the overall service is good, and passengers’ safety is not compromised. It is essential to bear in mind that the times of arrival that are indicated in the itinerary are only estimates and not promises, particularly for journeys that cover a great distance.
High-speed train in Thailand
As you may have noted from our previous discussion of the many trains available for travel in Thailand, none of them—not even the special express trains—are very quick. The good news is that a high-speed rail network is being built in Thailand, so this will soon change. The parliament gave the network permission in 2010 to run five distinct lines out of Bangkok. The ability of the trains to travel at speeds of up to 250 km/h (156 mph) would significantly alter Thailand’s transportation options and its links to its neighbours.
Although more expensive than a regular train service, high-speed train in Thailand should be very affordable when compared to airfare. Additionally, doing it this way will give you more chances to take in the scenery as you go.
But for the time being, you will have to select one of the sluggish choices if you decide to travel by rail in Thailand. In any case, taking the train is a memorable experience that we encourage you to have. You will get the chance to become fully immersed in Thai culture, interact with the populace, and take in the scenery. Additionally, the process would be easier and safer if you purchase the tickets through websites.
Final Tips
Although Thailand is not a dangerous place, much like the rest of Southeast Asia, you should exercise caution whenever you go outside of your own country. Do not bring valuables with you, or at the very least, do not let them out of your sight.
If you are given the opportunity to select the bunks, it is recommended that you select the ones that are located in the centre of the car. The first and final ones are the worst since they are the noisiest, which is especially problematic when one considers the significant number of stops.
If you find yourself in one of the last berths (those that are literally close to the door), you run the risk of not being able to get any sleep due to the noise of the train braking, the lights being on, and the continuous shouting of the service personnel who are coordinating with the restart of the journey.
In conclusion, I recommend that you bring something to eat and drink with you. They do provide food, but it is either canned food that is easily accessible at any 7/11 or food that has been sitting out for many days. Despite the fact that they do serve food, the pricing is often quite high in comparison to the norms of Thailand.
- My Caffeinated Journey: The Top 8 Best Coffee Shops in Bangkok - September 11, 2023
- My Encounter with Thailand’s Black and White Striped Snakes - September 2, 2023
- The Koh Samui Island Tour - July 24, 2023
