Train From Bkk To Samui

[suegha]

Hello all, We usually fly from Bangkok to Samui, however, we would like to use the train travelling first class. Any advice please regarding dos and don'ts etc.

[sriracha john]

One bit of advice might be DO NOT forget to change over to a ferry boat once the train arrives in Surat Thani...

and oh yes... you'll need to catch a bus or taxi from the train station to the ferry pier prior to catching that ferry boat...

seriously though... it's a nice train ride down from BKK..

Edited September 20, 2005 by sriracha john

[gisele]

We've done the train bit a few times.

The train ride is quite nice in a first class sleeper car, but long.

I never like the food especially the breakfast so I bring my own food and drinks.

[udon]

1st class is good and I agree with Giselle, take your own sammos or tucker.

[sbk]

Usually there are buses that belong to the ferries parked outside the train station. Also, you can buy a joint ticket in bangkok when you buy your train ticket, includes the bus and boat as well as train.

[meyerbkk]

Usually there are buses that belong to the ferries parked outside the train station. Also, you can buy a joint ticket in bangkok when you buy your train ticket, includes the bus and boat as well as train.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Please, what is the estimated cost of the entire trip. One way and round trip.

Thanks.

Steve

[udon]

State Railway of Thailand (02) 2237010 - 2237020

If the link doesn't work, Google it.

[lopburi3]

I will be odd man out here and vote against 1st class. The across track beds roll you every time there is a start/stop and there are a lot of them. So no sleep if that was ever part of the plan. The carriages are old and noisy (unless they have recently been upgraded - have not used in years). Second class a/c has new cars on the main routes that are much more quiet and beds are along the tracks rather than across. And at half the price much better value.

[udon]

I will be odd man out here and vote against 1st class.  The across track beds roll you every time there is a start/stop and there are a lot of them.  So no sleep if that was ever part of the plan.  The carriages are old and noisy (unless they have recently been upgraded - have not used in years).  Second class a/c has new cars on the main routes that are much more quiet and beds are along the tracks rather than across.  And at half the price much better value.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Time you took another ride Lop.

In 2002 october they were modern sleepers.

No probs sleeping.....

[lopburi3]

I will be odd man out here and vote against 1st class.  The across track beds roll you every time there is a start/stop and there are a lot of them.  So no sleep if that was ever part of the plan.  The carriages are old and noisy (unless they have recently been upgraded - have not used in years).  Second class a/c has new cars on the main routes that are much more quiet and beds are along the tracks rather than across.  And at half the price much better value.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Time you took another ride Lop.

In 2002 october they were modern sleepers.

No probs sleeping.....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What I see on the web site look like the old boogies to me but perhaps the new cars were made the same. You did not find yourself rolling into the safety straps on every stop? In no case would I recommend 1st for one person for security reasons but for couples it may be ok.

[limbos]

Had new cars and old cars being used in 1st class. The new cars are nicer indeed.

Did not have a problem at all with the stopping bit.

[nagasaki]

Hi

I am contemplating doing something similar midwwek in late Oct, but from Hua Hin to however I want to travel during the day as i would like to see some countryside, and I have time, the one during the day leaves Hui Hin 11 am and gets to Surat Thani at 16:20, nice and civilised

is 16:20 to late to catch a ferry that day, and will I therefore need to stay in Surat Thani for the night, This aint a problem just want to know if its my only option if I take the day train

[udon]

Hi

I am contemplating doing something similar midwwek in late Oct, but from Hua Hin to however I want to travel during the day as i would like to see some countryside, and I have time, the one during the day leaves Hui Hin 11 am and gets to Surat Thani at 16:20, nice and civilised

is 16:20 to late to catch a ferry that day, and will I therefore need to stay in Surat Thani for the night, This aint a problem just want to know if its my only option if I take the day train

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

From Surat Thani to Ko Samui

1. Express boat

1.1 An express ferry boat of Songserm Travel departs from Tha Thong pier in Surat Thani at 08.00 a.m. and arrives at Na Thon pier in Samui at 10.30 a.m. every day. For the return trip, the boat leaves Na Thon at 02.00 p.m. and reaches Tha Thong at 04.30 p.m.

1.2 Express boats of Seatran Express operate three times a day between Ban Don - Ko Samui. Departure times are 07.00 a.m., 12.30 p.m. and 02.30 p.m. The trip takes two hours.

2. Ferry boats

Ferry boats, each accommodating 60 cars and 400 passengers, sail from Don Sak pier (Surat Thani) to Ko Samui, one per hour, from 05.00 to 19.00 hours, and from Ko Samui to Don Sak pier (Surat Thani), also one per hour, from 06.00 to 18.00 hours. Each trip takes about 1.30 hours.

3. Night ferry

A slow night ferry leaves Ban Don pier nightly at 11 p.m. and reaches Na Thon at Samui around 5 a.m. (6 hours). For the return trip, the boat leaves Na Thon at 09.00 p.m. and arrives at Ban Don at 04.00 a.m. (7 hours).

http://www.thaiwaysmagazine.com/samui/samu..._get_there.html

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Try google. & http://sawadee.com/

http://www.samui.org/airport/train.html seems more up to date but I wouldn't trust any of this info, just use it as a GUIDE. and make a few phonecalls.

Edited September 22, 2005 by udon

[gisele]

I will be odd man out here and vote against 1st class.  The across track beds roll you every time there is a start/stop and there are a lot of them.  So no sleep if that was ever part of the plan.  The carriages are old and noisy (unless they have recently been upgraded - have not used in years).  Second class a/c has new cars on the main routes that are much more quiet and beds are along the tracks rather than across.  And at half the price much better value.

Time you took another ride Lop.

In 2002 october they were modern sleepers.

No probs sleeping.....

I agree with Udon. I have had no problem sleeping (though some very very happy Germans boarding at 1AM did wake us up last time) the cars are modern and clean. It's cool that the attendants come to make your bed and give you water.

I had friends come to visit me in Nakhon (same train that goes through Surat) they did not listen to my advice about first class and took 2nd class, they took first class on their way back to BKK and had a much more relaxing voyage.