Travelling by train in Thailand - It's so much fun! (inc photos)

[thaibeachlovers]

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Sukhothai : ( historical park ) " All Aboard viewers! "

Hello Viewers and greetings to you all !

Here is another fab trip i went on last year i thought i would share it with you all !

From Bangkok's Hua Lampong station i caught the 07.00 train ( Rapid ) to Phitsanulok at a cool 179 baht ( ordinary trains from just 69 baht ) I chose the Rapid train as it is a long 6 hour journey!

A long train ride with some great scenery as always with some great buddha temples and interesting things all hidden away in the mountains so keep your eyes on the scenery!

On my arrival at Phitsanulok ( a big train station with friendly Railway Staff ) i then headed to the bus station and caught a nice old cheap bus to Sukhothai ( about a 1 hour journey ) which took me to " The end of the world " ( well it felt like it! ) I found a nice new room for 200 baht, a 7 eleven and a restaurant ( shack style ) offering delicious Thai meals for around 30 baht ( standard prices in Thailand ) I booked in for 2 nights ( zzzzzzzzzz )

The next morning up " with the lark " at 05.00 and caught the bus to the " Historical Park " about 35 minutes away. Sukhothai itself didn't excite me but the Historical Park was " absolutely fabulous " infact it was " stunning " free entrance and you will need at least 4 hours of walking about or you can rent a " cool bicycle " for a few baht from close by.Take a picnic lunch and enjoy this delightful location ! Don't you just love picnics viewers???

All in all it was well worth the long journey and i came back with some nice photos too! Here are just a few of my photos from my adventure! i hope you like them !

see you on another train adventure soon viewers.......

Farang Jaidee ( " on the tracks " ) alt=wub.png>

Thanks for the promo. I hope to be going to Sukhothai myself soon ( never been before ).

Do you have a name for the guest house, please?

Hello Viewer!

From memory ( which isn't good...) when you catch the bus to Sukhothai you have the option of the " old town " and the " new town " I think the historical park was in the old town and i stayed in the new town.The bus station was the " end of the line " and there were a few guest houses within a 2 minute stroll from the bus station I don't remember the name sorry.When travelling about on my train adventures nearly everywhere (apart from Hua Hin) you can find a clean basic rooms from 200 to 220 baht per night it seems to be the standard Thai rate.

Mr Jaidee

Thanks.

[Kan Win]

Could be more fun and viewable without the folks in your photos, by the way.

Travelling by train in Thailand - It's so much fun!

Most boring to see you wasted your posting of folks/people and not the real photos of this Country, of the Landscape, that is what we would all like to see.

Sad

Kan Win

[Goshawk]

^ Oh my Gosh!

[Thai Chi]

Give him a break Win

The guy is obviously having fun and enjoying his travels.

I, for one, am really enjoying this thread (pics and all)

p.s. ... i like yours as well

[canarysun]

Pattaya to Ayutthaya " All Aboard Viewers! "

Hello Viewers!

Another great little adventure is to Ayutthaya! many people visit for the day but i would recommend at least 2 full days as there really is so much to see and do!

Take the 14.35 train from Pattaya ( 3rd class ordinary train ) at a cost of 31 baht and it will take you ( eventually...) to Hua Lampong station in Bangkok by 18.15 then its time for a " fresh n up " for a cool 3 baht. ( Your hair will probably look like one of the " Hair bear bunch " after 4 hours on the 3rd class train....) Then its time to buy your ticket to Ayutthaya! now the journey time is approx 1 hour and 20 mins at a cost of 15 baht ( express train 20 baht ).When you arrive in Ayutthaya you can find rooms opposite the railway station from as little as 150 baht a night.( do not expect the " Raffles Hotel Singapore " for 150 baht viewers...)

The next day you have a 7 eleven opposite the train station for a delicious cup of coffee ( Birdy 3 in 1 ) to kick start your day!

Take the boat/ferry over the river for 3 baht and there i would recommend to hire a bicycle for the day. You can " nail a deal down " for 30 baht! but take plenty of water with you! Loads of fab temples and buddha things to keep you busy! i would recommend the afternoon 2 hour river cruise for 200 baht - It's fab!

Ayutthaya is also great place to stay if you wish to stay overnight and visit Bangkok the next day - remember it's only 15 baht!

See you all soon Viewers !

Farang Jaidee ( " on the tracks " )

[smo]

Thank you thank you thank you for sharing your train mini-adventures. They are glorious reminders to (at least some of us) that:

a) The earth is best viewed at eye-level (as opposed to say, from 30,000 ft. above)

Earth creatures that we are, we’re more connected to our natural habitat when we have our feet set on the ground (through railways tracks or train platforms) and get a chance to mingle (and wiggle like worms as in a 3^rd class wagon at peak time) with our fellow creatures (thai or farang, we’re all of the same species. Though we might not speak the same language, we can’t help but share the laughter – and more often than we'd like to, the farts.)

c) The journey (through life – and that we all must pass) branches out to more vista if we don’t see it simply as a distance between point A and point B. But to those who commend that view, life must feel very short - and at the same time, interminable.

d) Last but not least: the humble toilet, no matter what state of filth it might come to at some point, in many instances of its existence (and ours) is regarded a heaven-sent salvation to those in needs.

Oh wait wait, erhhhh….That was my bottom end popping a very loud balloon of densely durian-scented gas - a totally natural and regrettably unavoidable reaction to reading some of the really sad comments on this thread (while eating fruit in season) Where in fact all I wanted to do was thank canarysun from the bottom of my heart.

To Gandhi, the ultimate slacker, who once said "there's more to life than hurrying its speed -" my response is "Ayutthaya, ayutthaya…. "

[Riverman63]

Thanks very much Canarysun, I love your posts. You present the real Thailand without all the nonsense. Keep it up

Edited August 25, 2014 by Riverman63

[craigt3365]

Give him a break Win

The guy is obviously having fun and enjoying his travels.

I, for one, am really enjoying this thread (pics and all)

p.s. ... i like yours as well

Pictures of the locals really brings home the whole travel experience. Some of my best shots from my travels around the world have been of the locals. Normally with big smiles. These are ones I cherish. Though I do love my scenery shots also!

Great post. Thanks so much for sharing.

[canarysun]

Pattaya - Si Racha " All Aboard Viewers ! "

Hello Viewers! Well here is " a simple mini half day adventure " for you all !

Take the 14.35 Train from Pattaya Railway Station ( please note viewers that this train normally leaves on time and will wait in the station for 2 mins max! ) and 30 mins later you will be arriving in Si Racha Junction for a cost of a cool 5 baht ( start saving viewers!) The station is nice 30 minute stroll to the coastline and Si Racha offers loads of " hidden gems " but you will need to be " on foot " in and out of these lovely streets and keep your eyes peeled viewers! Nice Temples,very friendly people who will greet you with a smile and a lovely coast to take an afternoon stroll.( with your hands in your pockets..) Wait until dark viewers and explore the fabulous night market and the amazing food market outside " Robinsons " (department store) before returning home after a " delightful afternoon " out.....

Farang Jaidee

[thaibeachlovers]

If they are all TGFs in the photos, someone is a very lucky guy .

[craigt3365]

Due to some family health issues, my travel days are now severely limited. I really enjoy looking at your posts. Truly makes my day.

[canarysun]

Hello Viewers!

Well that's all for now viewers! I hope some of my " train adventures " have given you a few ideas! I shall share any new adventures with you all in the future.If some of you have also been on " the trains " here in Thailand please share with us your experiences!

I shall leave you with a few old photos of my first " Train Adventure " here in Thailand (a few years ago) Which was when i caught the " over night sleeper " train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok ( First Class ) and it was " a cool experience " ..........

" All Aboard Viewers ! "

Farang Jaidee ( " on the tracks " )

[loppylugs1]

Hello Viewers!

Well that's all for now viewers! I hope some of my " train adventures " have given you a few ideas! I shall share any new adventures with you all in the future.If some of you have also been on " the trains " here in Thailand please share with us your experiences!

I shall leave you with a few old photos of my first " Train Adventure " here in Thailand (a few years ago) Which was when i caught the " over night sleeper " train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok ( First Class ) and it was " a cool experience " ..........

" All Aboard Viewers ! "

Farang Jaidee ( " on the tracks " )

I would say bloody freezing

[canarysun]

Yes I have to agree with you ( for once..) I don't like air con anywhere! shopping malls,trains & buses are freezing! But if you travel in the 3rd class carriage it's lovely! A delightful breeze all the way! F.J

[harrry]

Anyone know if a service dog can travel on a Thai train?

http://www.blind.or.th/en

will be able to tell you.

I would be very surprised if they are not. As allways the blind association is one of the best disabled lobby groups there is.

[thaibeachlovers]

Anyone know if a service dog can travel on a Thai train?

http://www.blind.or.th/en

will be able to tell you.

I would be very surprised if they are not. As allways the blind association is one of the best disabled lobby groups there is.

I thought I already answered that ( but I'm not going through 6 pages to check ). A dog can be taken in first class. Happened on the train when I came back from Bkk to Chiang Mai. Guy was booked ( with his GF and her dog ) in second class, and dog not allowed, so he upgraded to first class where it was.

[harrry]

Anyone know if a service dog can travel on a Thai train?

http://www.blind.or.th/en

will be able to tell you.

I would be very surprised if they are not. As allways the blind association is one of the best disabled lobby groups there is.

I thought I already answered that ( but I'm not going through 6 pages to check ). A dog can be taken in first class. Happened on the train when I came back from Bkk to Chiang Mai. Guy was booked ( with his GF and her dog ) in second class, and dog not allowed, so he upgraded to first class where it was.

Your answer does not have anything to do with this as we are talking about an assistance dog which is covered by seperate rules.

[Kan Win]

craigt3365, on 26 Aug 2014 - 10:13, said:

Thai Chi, on 25 Aug 2014 - 19:15, said:

Give him a break Win

The guy is obviously having fun and enjoying his travels.

I, for one, am really enjoying this thread (pics and all)

p.s. ... i like yours as well

Pictures of the locals really brings home the whole travel experience. Some of my best shots from my travels around the world have been of the locals. Normally with big smiles. These are ones I cherish. Though I do love my scenery shots also!

Great post. Thanks so much for sharing.

Hi Folks,

A very big Thank You to canarysun the Original Poster (OP)

I have to say I am very sorry for my post above, without reflecting on your views, dear members.

As a landscape photo person I do try to (well ! get folks out of the way) get me shots in as this is "Travelling by train in Thailand - It's so much fun!"

Or am I Damrong once again? me nick name in Thai.

Lettuce see the Tracks, Trains, Plains and Stations of this Great Country and sorry once again (you Kan take a photo of Folks anywhere in Thailand ) so what is the big deal with my post I ask you both?

Win

[NYGuy816]

I agree, I love how laid back the trains are in Thailand, dunno but even if they're crowded and a bit filthy, there's just something special about those train rides! But if it's a long trip we're talking about then it's another thing. Wow, those are cool photos you got there canarysun!

[Cuppa]

Having only spent a very short time in Thailand I have little to offer that most of you more experienced can.

Just wanted to add that we flew from Bangkok to Surat Thani to visit Khao Sok National Park for a few days, & decided to return on the train as a bit of an adventure. It was the closest we got to a ‘non-tourist’ experience & loved it. No one had told us about the stops where the food vendors ply their wares. It was such a nice surprise. We were totally lacking in Thai language, but still managed to have a sociable time. All in all it was one of the highlights of our brief stopover on our way back to Australia from the UK.

[brain1]

Found this post that goes along the same lines as this thread and not a bad read pictures are on the link http://asia-backpackers.com/thailand-bike-rail/

Thailand by Bike and Rail

There are numerous ways to travel within the Kingdom, from the healthy option of a push bike to the far speedier use of domestic flights, while the first option can keep you keep fit and it does not add to the issue of climate change, the risks to both your physical and mental wellbeing can be very significant.

Unlike some of its poorer neighbors riding peddle cycles in the Thailand is not that common and therefore drivers show little awareness of cyclists, add this to the poor driving skills you find throughout Thailand and you have all the ingredients for a disaster.

Driving on the wrong side of the road is the norm here, and further more having a Thai driving license is no guarantee of good driving skills, for you can take a driving test in the Kingdom and have a friend walk beside the vehicle giving instruction via an open window, while the examiner shouts out his instructions via a loud speaker and from the safety and comfort of his office.

You can see the option of peddle power can be detrimental to both your Psyche http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psyche_(psychology) and physical state add to this the time involved in travelling great distances and it can appear that travelling by bike is almost unworkable, or is it?

One of the great achievements of the Thai people over the last century and something that is vastly under used by backpackers and tourists alike is the Railway systems of this magical kingdom (excluding the inhumane and barbaric use of slave labor by the Japanese and her allies, during the 2^nd World War, to produce the 'Thailand-Burma Railway' or as it is also known the 'Death Railway'. http://www.thairailways.com/history.intro.html

The Thai railway system crisscrosses this vast country, it can deliver you to most of its major attractions, cities and to its neighboring countries. You can in fact travel the whole breadth of Thailand for a few hundred Baht. By ‘letting the train take the strain’ you can watch the miles drift past through an open window in 3^rd class, with the smells and wind blowing your hair and sending your mind back in history, to a point where you can almost hear Yul Brenner singing a song from the ‘King and I.’ (1956_film) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_King_and_I_

For those longer trips why not try out 1^st or 2^nd class berths or an overnight sleeper train (this saves on accommodation costs in a hostel or hotel for the night), or really splash out and travel in an air conditioned sleeper cabin, whichever way chose to spend your money, just let the rhythm and hypnotic clatter of the wheels over the tracks take over your sense’s and let it gently rock you to sleep.

Travelling by train is a great and inexpensive way of seeing the real Thailand, at the same time you get to know more about its people, from those that are sharing the same train journey. Travelling by rail also allows you the opportunity to see how food plays such a large part in Thai culture, when you witness firsthand the vast amount food and drink that is consumed by your fellow travelers, the majority of which is purchased from a vast array of street vendors who ply their goods on and off the train at every stop on the way, and how the business of eating and drinking takes priority over everything and how it can and does delay trains from leaving railway stations on time.

A good tip: stay away from the buffet car as these can be expensive buy lots of snacks and drinks from the nearest mini market before boarding the train and while on the train ask your new found Thai friends to buy food from the vendors for you (normally 30 baht per meal) and let luck guide their choice, this can be a great way of savoring food you would have never chosen yourself.

Whatever class of ticket you chose to travel by, you can almost always take your peddle cycle with you, so yes you can travel throughout the kingdom of Thailand on your bike (or motor bike for that matter) and once away from the populated cities you are at less risk of injury as there are simply fewer vehicles to worry about and rural life runs at a far slower pace.

Train Journeys to try.

Bangkok- Hua Lampong Station to Pattaya Station and back

Pattaya Railway station is immaculately kept with a multitude of brightly colored flowering baskets placed everywhere, it reminds me of a throwback to the early days of steam where all the picture postcards you see of train stations were of a well-manicured pretty oasis of color, where it seemed that they were managed by the same families for years and who in turn put their sole into the job of maintaining the appearance of order and calm. The same I am afraid to say cannot be said of the train which looks as if it has been in continues service since the day the line opened, that aside I found the staff at the station to be very helpful, polite and they speak good English.

The station is just out of the city limits and the service is limited to the same old, tired train http://www.railway.co.th/Ticket/TrainStopStation_Time_All.asp?IdTrain=283&Leg=en running from Hua Lampong station in Bangkok leaving 06.55, Monday-Friday only, stopping thereafter at 25 different stations before arriving at Pattaya at 10:34, from there it proceeds on to a further 6 stops before it reaches the end of the line at Ban Plu Ta Luang, returning (after it gets its breath back) to Pattaya at 14:20, and arriving back to Bangkok 18:15, where I assume it collapses from exhaustion.

While compared to road travel this mode of transport is slow at approx. 3:40 minutes, the scenery and the feeling of being closer to the real Thailand, is something you just don’t get when travelling by road or air, if this was not a good enough reason to use the railways then the cherry on the cake is the cost of the journey…..at only 31 baht. Combined these two facts more than make up for the snail’s pace of this rickety old train.

I will add details of other journeys at a later date: Bangkok to Udon Thani and Chaing Mai, to the south-Penang-Kuala Lumpur-Singapore and shorter trips to the likes of Maeklong Railway Market, nicknamed (Thai: Talad Rom Hoop), meaning the 'Umbrella Pull down Market'. And more

More use full Thai railway info can be found at: http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm#.U_r9efm1Zgl

http://asia-backpackers.com/thailand-bike-rail/

[canarysun]

Dear Viewers,

Those of you who wish to start out on " train adventures around Thailand " I have attached a map of the various " train routes "

It was passed on to me by another " friendly viewer " I would advise you to copy it and keep it on your mobile phones.Ideal for when you are away on an adventure! ( to be honest it's the only time when i actually take a phone outside with me! )

Greetings to you all Viewers!

Farang Jaidee x

[Treebeard]

Really enjoyed this.

Thank you

[robertthebruce]

Yesterday I took the train from Bangkok to the "bridge over the River Kwai" , after that we carried on up the line, nd even crossed the said bridge, and we stopped at some waterfalls, which was nice too..

Left about 0630 in the morning and retuned 8pm.... Excellent day, 120 baht return... Amazing or what...

Great day out, well recommended ...

[canarysun]

Yesterday I took the train from Bangkok to the "bridge over the River Kwai" , after that we carried on up the line, nd even crossed the said bridge, and we stopped at some waterfalls, which was nice too..

Left about 0630 in the morning and retuned 8pm.... Excellent day, 120 baht return... Amazing or what...

Great day out, well recommended ...

Glad you enjoyed the trip! it's a fabulous train journey and great way to see the real Thailand!

F.J

[cooked]

Anyone know if a service dog can travel on a Thai train?

Maybe somebody answered already. You can take a dog, you have to pay something, but only on non air conditioned trains. We bought a dog in Chatuchak and brought him backlike that.

[cooked]

I'm getting quite prolific... we occasionally take the train from our tiny village (yes, we have a railway station) into Buriram on a Sunday. There will be many women from the surrounding villages taking farm produce into Buriram to sell, so a small market develops around the station. Much flirting occurs as they know me. In the train, baskets, chickens, food sellers, an unbelievable collection of noise, smells and colours. They travel for free on this train, as does my wife, I think I pay ฿8.- return, but the conductor doesn't look for tickets anyway. He does enjoy a good clipclipclip though, if I motivate him. Two hours in Buriram, market plus beer then take the Surin - Bangkok train back. Some of the ladies coming back won't have sold anything but they never miss a trip.

Yes, really boring, and most of the fotos I take are of people on the train.

[songhklasid]

I can remember catching the O/nite 2nd class sleeper BKK-CNX to meet the parents of my now wife of 26years, so it would have been 1987, +A few cleansing ales before tea,nice but simple meal, then fussed over by the steward when time to sleep, wake up in chiang-mai,I been meaning to do others, but with the cheap flights nowadays, wait till semi- retirement.

regards songhklasid.

[canarysun]

I'm getting quite prolific... we occasionally take the train from our tiny village (yes, we have a railway station) into Buriram on a Sunday. There will be many women from the surrounding villages taking farm produce into Buriram to sell, so a small market develops around the station. Much flirting occurs as they know me. In the train, baskets, chickens, food sellers, an unbelievable collection of noise, smells and colours. They travel for free on this train, as does my wife, I think I pay ฿8.- return, but the conductor doesn't look for tickets anyway. He does enjoy a good clipclipclip though, if I motivate him. Two hours in Buriram, market plus beer then take the Surin - Bangkok train back. Some of the ladies coming back won't have sold anything but they never miss a trip.

Yes, really boring, and most of the fotos I take are of people on the train.

Buriram and the whole surrounding area is fantastic for Train Journeys! and yes there are some wonderful country villages with lovely old train stations.I am planning on returning to Buriram soon to just explore a few of these surrounding villages and as you say for only 5 baht you can travel for about 45 minutes on a train! If you have any photos to post - would be great to see! There seems to be quite a lot of people out there reading this thread with great interest and excitement about " The great train journeys of Thailand "

regards,

Farang Jaidee ( " Casey Jones " )

[thaibeachlovers]

Anyone know if a service dog can travel on a Thai train?

Maybe somebody answered already. You can take a dog, you have to pay something, but only on non air conditioned trains. We bought a dog in Chatuchak and brought him backlike that.

please excuse lack of capitals- i am typing with one finger due to fractured hand.

that is incorrect. can take a dog in first class.

yes, has been answered already.