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Best Trips To Do By Train?

stefaanfernande

By stefaanfernande
in Thailand Travel Forum

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stefaanfernande Newbie

stefaanfernande

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Hi, we'll be in Thailand mid Januari for 18 days. We'll be in Bangkok for 4 days but afterworths we'd like to explore the country by train. What's more interesting, the North line going to Chang Mai or the North-Eastern line, via Khon Kaen to the border of Laos? We're not fond of too touristic area's but of course we also want to see something.

Afterworths we'll be heading South to Hua Hin.

Thanks for any advice.

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Baloo22 Silver Member

Baloo22

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I traveled from Bangkok to Chiang Mai via one of the overnight sleeper trains. They have "first class" cabins, some with two beds, and some with only one bed. If you want one of those, you need to book early. You can book up to 60 days before your trip. I traveled "second class" and still found it a pretty decent way to travel. A good website for info on train travel in Thailand is "The Man in Seat 61" If I'm facing the choice of traveling by train or bus, I would definitely choose traveling by train.

I also took a regular train from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok and then song-theaw to Hellfire Pass. The train trip was enjoyable and some nice river scenery.

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lomatopo Star Member

lomatopo

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What month/days, approximately, are you planning on traveling?

If during any sort of holiday period it can be challenging to purchase any sort of 1st/2nd class sleepers - and for Songkhran, impossible.

During rainy season it is not unusual for trains to the north to not be able to pass, either due to the tracks being under water, or due to mud slides.

It is also not unusual for longer distance trains to be delayed on the order of 3+ hours, or for air con to fail. As long as you prepare, and are prepared, chances are good you may eventually make it to your destination.

There is a decent express to Hua Hin in the AM, but it still has to wind north through Bangkok, before turning west and then south. Maybe 3-ish hours on a good day.

Tickets can be purchased up to 60 days in advance of travel.

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Nisa Ruby Member

Nisa

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Take a train ride to Kanchanaburi. Trains in Thailand are great fun.

Then get around some other way.

After about 3hrs, trains in Thailand are painful, mentally and physically.

Agree, good trip and you will enjoy it. Take the train to the waterfall and see bridge over the river kwai. You can get tickets the day you depart but probably better to get them the day before to be safe. You can get to the main train station at Hua Lampong using the MRT / Subway. You might also want to consider taking the train from Bang Sue instead of Hua Lampong as a good amount of time taken is for the train to get out of the city but once you are out then it is really a nice trip. I prefer the non air conditions 2nd class seats. They have fans but with the windows open it is a very cool trip where the air conditioned trains the windows are closed and not all that nice to see out of. Plus you can actually sit outside in between the cars on the 2nd class trains. I forget the price but I think it is 150 baht round trip for farangs and either free or close to it for Thais. They also have folks selling food and drinks on the train.

I didn't review this link but it appears to give much information on the trip ... http://www.seat61.co...tm#.UM6fIm80WSo

Not sure if the above link talks about it but there is a special train that stops a couple times along the way for you to do site seeing and actually goes all the way to the end of the tracks at the waterfall then waits a few hours before bring you back ... again, I think the price is about 150 baht round trip (leave in morning and get back around 7pm ish I think.

Have a good time!

Edited by Nisa
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Nisa Ruby Member

Nisa

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found this ... http://www.seat61.co...er-Kwai.htm#The Bridge on the River Kwai

Special tourist railcar on Saturdays, Sundays & holidays

Thailand-kwai-railcar.jpg

Weekend excursion railcar: The weekend excursion train from Bangkok crosses the Bridge on the River Kwai...

In addition to these regular daily passenger trains, there is a special tourist railcar for day trippers on Saturdays, Sundays & holidays. It has 3rd class non-air-con seats, although some seats have more padding than others as they were originally classified 2nd class. As you can imagine from the amazingly cheap price, it's mainly aimed at Thai tourists and day trippers rather than rich westerners, but anyone can use it, either for the whole itinerary or as a useful extra early train from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi & the Bridge on the River Kwai. The itinerary looks like this (please double check exact times locally - you'll be given a photocopied sheet showing the itinerary after you board):

06.30 depart Bangkok Hualamphong station, Saturdays & Sundays only.

07:40 arrive Nakon Pathom, 40 minute stop to visit the great Chedi (cone-shaped temple).

09.26 arrive Kanchanaburi, very short stop.

09.35 arrive River Kwai Bridge station & stop for 25 minutes.

10.00 depart River Kwai Bridge station, cross the Bridge & head along the River Kwae via the impressive Wampo Viaduct.

11.30 arrive Nam Tok station.

11:30 arrive Nam Tok Sai Yok Noi. This is the only train to run beyond Nam Tok to the end of the operational line. Time to see the scenic waterfall.

14:20 leave Nam Tok Sai Yok Noi.

14.25 leave Nam Tok station heading back south.

15.53 arrive at Kanchanaburi station and stop for 60 minutes for a visit to the war graves.

16.53 leave Kanchanaburi.

19.30 arrive back in Bangkok Hualamphong station.

The round trip fare is 120 baht 3rd class non-air-con, reservation required before departure although it's reported that in practice you can just get on and pay on the train. You may well find plenty of seats available between Bangkok and Kanchanaburi & River Kwae Bridge station, but all seats fully-booked from River Kwae onwards. For information, see www.railway.co.th/English/Travel.asp (look for the Sai Yok Waterfall trip). If you've limited time, this might be a good option, though you won't get to see Hellfire Pass & its museum.

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xen Gold Member

xen

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I don't mind the trains at all (better than the buses) but for enjoyable train travel one must be in Thai Time mode and just be able to go into that "mai pen rai " trance state . If you are just new to Thailand ,or the tropics in general, then don't have a tight schedule where you have to be somewhere on time.

I like second class ,sleeper with fan for Chiang Mai line. By the end of the journey you will have met a few fellow passenger ranging from expats, backpackers and everyday Thais .Remember to bring a picnic lunch if you are a fussy eater , but do try the ice cream they sell on the platform just past Nakkon Sawan and remember to have a good time ,

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Lancelot Platinum Member

Lancelot

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I love traveling by train in Thailand. Bangkok to Chiang Mai overnight sleeper is 12 to 14 hours, but its fun to meet people and I enjoy the clackety clack sounds as i drift off to sleep. There is a day time "Sprinter" and its a good way to enjoy the scenary.

Another good trip is the overnight sleeper from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchatani. Might even be a bit cool this time of year :)

post-2362-0-95656000-1355997411_thumb.jp

Edited by Lancelot
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tjhorner Senior Member

tjhorner

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Took the overnight train from Nong Khai to BKK. Two of us did the 2nd Class sleeper. Exceptional value, very clean, and comfortable. Small dining car that sound good Thai meals and cold beer. Wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

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Dancealot Platinum Member

Dancealot

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Thanks Briggsythumbsup.gif You rest assured me.

I only when up north a few times by train and i am romanticized by travelling this way. I prefer the train because i dont feel like i am 'canned up' so much as i experience on an airplane or bus. I have more freedom to move around on a train.wai.gif

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saakura Gold Member

saakura

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Just did a trip by train to Chiang Mai & back from Bangkok by the overnight express sprinter last month. We had booked a first class coupe and was very comfortable. Going up, the train was 2hrs late but return trip was on time. Food served was average, toilets were clean. Surely would recommend.

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NoshowJones Star Member

NoshowJones

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Travelling by train you'll need about 18 weeks to travel that far.

Enjoy.

I would give travelling by train a miss, they are always very late, and very slow.

You're not really enjoying Thailand ... are you?

I've been in Thailand for seven years David, I'm happily married and I love it here, but I wouldn't if I ever had to depend on the trains.
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Dancealot Platinum Member

Dancealot

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Travelling by train you'll need about 18 weeks to travel that far.

Enjoy.

I would give travelling by train a miss, they are always very late, and very slow.

You're not really enjoying Thailand ... are you?

I've been in Thailand for seven years David, I'm happily married and I love it here, but I wouldn't if I ever had to depend on the trains.

Dave meant being late and slow is actually something that can be liked. :-)

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xen Gold Member

xen

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With train travel , it is not the destination but the journey itself that should be enjoyed.

Give yourself time to experience .

Otherwise fly, bus,drive or molecular transportation (beam me to Chiang Mai Scotty).

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pinfold Advanced Member

pinfold

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I love traveling by train in Thailand. Bangkok to Chiang Mai overnight sleeper is 12 to 14 hours, but its fun to meet people and I enjoy the clackety clack sounds as i drift off to sleep. There is a day time "Sprinter" and its a good way to enjoy the scenary.

Another good trip is the overnight sleeper from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchatani. Might even be a bit cool this time of year smile.png

post-2362-0-95656000-1355997411_thumb.jp

There is another line to Chiang Mai from BKK,there must be,the one I took was the worst one ever,clackety bloody clack,what a shit hole of a train
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pinfold Advanced Member

pinfold

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Bangkok - Penang (Butterworth) train does not pass through insurgency area. That is a different line.

Bring a good book.

The jungle line,probably one of the best sightseeing trains in SE asia

Only an hour or so from ,if that by taxi,from the other border rail crossing,jungle line down to Gervis ,then back up to Butterworth. If booked in Malaysia think its 30% off the fare if over a certain age,not in Thailand tho Cheap hotels too in Malaysia

Edited by pinfold
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