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


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Posted (edited)

Just so our viewers understand To travel on the train is ridiculously cheap! The only train journey with the inflated price is the Bangkok to Namtok ( River Kwai ) out of Thonburi station this 5 hour train journey costs 100 baht ( it is listed at 25 baht ) but the price was increased a few years ago for " farang " (Thais can travel for free on this train ) The Thai Railway seems to run at a loss but in my books its the only real way to travel around Thailand.Cheap fares,a slow ride ladies,very sociable,you can wander about,no hideous air con ( just open the window ) and very friendly railway staff on hand to help you at the stations! I quite often take the afternoon train from Pattaya to Si Racha ( 30 minute journey ) it costs 5 baht - I must admit viewers I have never felt " ripped off " ......... x

I agree! There's a great sense of camaraderie on the trains. If you speak Thai you'll have a great time with the locals and can truly feel one of them. The racial discrimination by SRT just spoils it though. Thankfully it's only on one line.

Edited by edwardandtubs
  • Like 1
  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Read another good train story from Asia Backpacker http://asia-backpackers.com/mind-the-gap/

here is the story without the pics (sorry)

Umbrella Pull down Market Thailand

Mind the gap

“Mind The Gap” is a cry many of us will recognize from travelling on the London Underground system (‘The Tube’ as it is known by Londoners), the message is broadcasted on the station and trains to warn people of the dangers of the gap between the platform and the carriage of the train, it was remembering this announcement that reminded me of a rail trip I took some while back in Thailand with family and friends.

This is my second post on travelling in the Kingdom of Thailand by a combination of train and peddle power or indeed motor bike, on my first post http://asia-backpackers.com/thailand-bike-rail/I pointed out that travelling from A-B riding a peddle cycle, in most of the populated areas of Thailand can be both mentally and physically challenging if not downright dangerous. I also added details of a short journey from Bangkok to Pattaya as an alternative to taking a bus or cab.

In this post I want to take you further afield and detail a journey to the world famous Maeklong Railway Market, nicknamed (Thai: Talad Rom Hoop), literally meaning the 'Umbrella Pull down Market' starting from Bangkok and travelling along the Maeklong Railway line. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maeklong_

'Umbrella Pull down Market'

In some ways Thailand’s markets are quite strange, they are not full of the same noises you associate with Indian or for that matter London markets, where you will hear both the bedlam of the people trying to sell their wares and the buyers trying to barter for a better deal. This I believe comes down to the Asian culture of being that bit more reserved when dealing with strangers, further more Thai’s are not familiar or comfortable with the barter system, this can be seen clearly in their faces and particularly in the older people, where you witness the almost tangible discomfort they feel when being asked for a discount, that said their markets are full of their own character and in general are protected from the both the elements of the sun and rain (well almost the rain) by a vast mass of canopies. This protection comes at a cost as the air under them can be stifling hot and very sticky.

One such market has its own way of providing a unique air flow system. The Maeklong Railway Market is a single long, narrow row of shops selling in the main fresh fish products, (it is one of the largest fish markets in Thailand). As with all Thai markets there is an abundance of different fresh and cooked foods to sample along with the obligator live hens, repeatedly screeching out for everyone to hear and for the locals to simply ignore.

The shops face each other, with each owner choosing to lay their wares on tables and the floor at the front of their premises, with so much produce on offer their goods meet their neighbours produce on each side of them and almost meet their neighbours selection opposite, the only two things stopping them meeting in the centre is the need of the customer to make their way down the middle of this long straight corridor, and the fact that there is also a small gauge railway line running down the middle of this mass of food.

The traders here will tell you that the market has been in existence for as long as the railway (since 1905) and that both go about their business without to many worries regarding the others proximity, except for the 7-8 occasions a day 7 days per week, when a siren blast from the 4 metre high, 100 ton plus locomotive, spurns the shop owners into action and they quite casually pull back their canopies which reach from their shop to the neighbours opposite. On first glance it appears the whole operation looks like a fluid, precise mechanised action with each owner waiting for their allotted turn to act.

With so much practise over so many years the vendors have gotten the need to remove specific items from the path of the train down to a fine art, with other items that are on display near the tracks left in situ, the result is that the train trudges very slowly through the market, safely past the owners and directly over the food without causing a single bruise to either the people or their goods. Once the train has passed by each shop, the shop owners return their goods and canopies to their original positions and every one goes about their business as if nothing had happened.

A bewildering almost staged performance and well worth the trip.

How to get there from Bangkok

There are two main alternatives by mini bus or by rail, with the rail route providing two further options depending if you want to be on the train as it passes through the market or witness its approach at ground level as it rattles it’s way past the shops, both rail options have a short ferry trip thrown in the middle of the journey.

By Bus

By far the easiest route: Take the BTS Skytrain to Victoria Monument and ask around for a bus going to Maeklong Market, do note the route is not that well-advertised, the trip should cost 70-80 Baht per person each way and goes direct.

By Train: The more adventurous routes: Both rail routes are in 3 parts

See the train at ground level

Part 1: Take the train from the Wongwain Yai Station http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wongwian_Yai_BTS_Station to Maha Chai- departing every hour from 05:30. The train will stop at the Samut Sankhon station where you alight and catch the ferry. Cost: 10 Baht (You can get the BTS Skytrain to Wongwain Yai and from there it is a 10 minute walk to the railway station, see google for street map)

Part 2: Walk down to the water’s edge and take the waiting ferry, which will take you across the Tha Chin River, this in turn takes but a few minutes. Cost: 4 baht per person.

Part 3: On the other side of the river and parallel with it is the train station, you jump on the next available train to Samut Songkhram (Further 10 Baht) situated on the Mae Khlong River, at the end of the line you will find the Maeklong Market. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maeklong_Railway

Travel on the train through the market

Follow Part 1 above

Part Two: From Samut Sankhon ask for the ferry to Ban Laem railway station (price of 4 baht) this route takes you a kilometre downstream to the Ban Laem station.

Part Three: From there you can board the train to watch the commotion from the safety of the carriages. Be aware the train at times gets very close to the sides of the narrow market, which means you may not have many opportunities to stick your head out of the windows to get the picture you really want, though it does travel very slowly through the market. Cost 10 baht

Of course you could always do both rail trips if you arrive by one route and depart by the other. The railway line is also known as the ‘Secret Railway’ as it is so hard to find any reliable information on train times, therefore check the schedules with the train station before planning your journey.

To get the best vantage point for a picture try to get there for the first train as it can be busy with tourists later in the day.

Why not add to your day out, and take in Bangkok’s most famous Floating Market that of Damnoen Saduak (more on this in a later post), which is nearby to the 'Umbrella Pull down Market'. Incorporating both can be draining on the body and mind as you will not be able to miss the coach loads of tourists who swam the market in the afternoons but it does save on both time and money.

‘In memory of my beautiful sister who I shared this adventure and who will be missed by us all’.

Posted

Just so our viewers understand To travel on the train is ridiculously cheap! The only train journey with the inflated price is the Bangkok to Namtok ( River Kwai ) out of Thonburi station this 5 hour train journey costs 100 baht ( it is listed at 25 baht ) but the price was increased a few years ago for " farang " (Thais can travel for free on this train ) The Thai Railway seems to run at a loss but in my books its the only real way to travel around Thailand.Cheap fares,a slow ride ladies,very sociable,you can wander about,no hideous air con ( just open the window ) and very friendly railway staff on hand to help you at the stations! I quite often take the afternoon train from Pattaya to Si Racha ( 30 minute journey ) it costs 5 baht - I must admit viewers I have never felt " ripped off " ......... x

Yeah very interesting posts!! And great photos!!! Really enjoyed them all!! Only thing is, makes me miss being back in Thailand!! lol. Keep up the good work mate.. ALL THE BEST.

  • Like 1
Posted

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766269-thailand-live-tuesday-7-oct-2014/page-2#entry8496074

AYUTTHAYA, 7 October 2014 (NNT)-The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will be launching a historical train trip to Ayutthaya province on October 23rd that also marks the passing of King Rama the fifth. The tourism campaign is expected to generate revenue for local businesses.

Each year, the TAT and other tourism organizations organize a train trip, which takes passengers through old towns between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Interestingly, the train will be pulled by a steam locomotive, bringing back nostalgic memories to the tour.

The train will leave Bangkok for Ayutthaya at 8 am. and arrive at the destination around 10.20 am. Passengers will be able to choose between a Tuk-tuk and a tram as a means of transportation going around Ayutthaya. The train will depart for Bangkok at 17.25 pm and arrive at approximately at 19.20 pm.

A similar campaign is also held on Father’s Day and the State Railway Establishment Day, in December and March respectively. For more information please call TAT Ayutthaya’s Office at 0 3524 6076 - 7

  • Like 1
Posted

Just so our viewers understand To travel on the train is ridiculously cheap! The only train journey with the inflated price is the Bangkok to Namtok ( River Kwai ) out of Thonburi station this 5 hour train journey costs 100 baht ( it is listed at 25 baht ) but the price was increased a few years ago for " farang " (Thais can travel for free on this train ) The Thai Railway seems to run at a loss but in my books its the only real way to travel around Thailand.Cheap fares,a slow ride ladies,very sociable,you can wander about,no hideous air con ( just open the window ) and very friendly railway staff on hand to help you at the stations! I quite often take the afternoon train from Pattaya to Si Racha ( 30 minute journey ) it costs 5 baht - I must admit viewers I have never felt " ripped off " ......... x

I am sorry to mention this, that it is and never has been called "River Kwai" only in English and not in Thai.

Posted

Just so our viewers understand To travel on the train is ridiculously cheap! The only train journey with the inflated price is the Bangkok to Namtok ( River Kwai ) out of Thonburi station this 5 hour train journey costs 100 baht ( it is listed at 25 baht ) but the price was increased a few years ago for " farang " (Thais can travel for free on this train ) The Thai Railway seems to run at a loss but in my books its the only real way to travel around Thailand.Cheap fares,a slow ride ladies,very sociable,you can wander about,no hideous air con ( just open the window ) and very friendly railway staff on hand to help you at the stations! I quite often take the afternoon train from Pattaya to Si Racha ( 30 minute journey ) it costs 5 baht - I must admit viewers I have never felt " ripped off " ......... x

I am sorry to mention this, that it is and never has been called "River Kwai" only in English and not in Thai.

I am sorry to mention Kan Win: it has always benn called "River Kwai" in English. Of course. We all write in English on this site. What is Your point ??

clap2.gif

Would You like to tell us the name in Thai, then please do ?!?

clap2.gif

  • Like 2
Posted

canarysun

You have created one of my favourite threads on TV.

For that, Thank Yousmile.png

Out of curiousity how do you go to the Pattaya train station from naklua? I happen to live in naklua also.

Thanks.

Hello seasia !

Thankyou for your kind words ( most kind ) From where i live in Naklua it takes about 30 minutes approx to walk to the train station ( i walk nearly everywhere! ) i try to get to the Train Station at least 20 minutes early. The Train from Bangkok can be a few minutes late as it has so many stops but it seems to run " on time " for its return journey! The train normally only stops for " 2 minutes " in each station so there is no time for messing about! lol

F.J wub.png

  • Like 2
Posted

Travelling by train in Thailand has lost its appeal ever since they stooped selling beer.

I used to love sitting in the restaurant carriage of the Nong Khai train sucking a few bottles of beer while trying to eat my splashing around Tom Yam Kung soup.

Will those days ever return???

Why should they? Do you have to have cans of beer in front of you all the time. No wonder there are so many alcoholics in the country.

Posted

Thailand train riding is slow.30 miles an hour.i get 1st class sleeper or I don't go.

My friend- upgrading to " a sleeper " won't make the train go any faster....

F.J

haha, nor does flying business/first, but it sure is easier to be able to lay down and sleep!

Posted

Pattaya - Yanasangwararam - " All Aboard Viewers! "

Hello again Viewers! I trust you are all well?

Living in Pattaya of course we have a lovely Railway Station and at least once a week i take the train towards Sattahip and stop at one of the wonderful Country Railway stations.There are loads to choose from and most really are out in " The wilderness " its great to leave behind the busy roads and head out for a few hours for some " peace and quiet " ( zzzzzzz ) The Train departs Pattaya Railway station daily at 10.35 ( Monday to Friday ) and i headed to Yanasangwararam. It's a cool 25 minute journey with your hair blowing in the morning breeze....I normally take a lovely long walk ( 45 minutes ) to the stunning lakeside situated a few Kilometers from Silverlake and enjoy a picnic lunch by the water.But remember that the train leaves Yanasangwararam Railway Station at 13.57 ( arriving back in Pattaya at 14.20 )

For those of you who live in the area and have a " Bicycle " this would be an ideal trip out for you as the area is perfect for bicycles and you can take your bicycle on the train too!

This cool train journey is " very expensive " viewers and costs 3 baht !!!

Here are some photos that i took on a recent trip!

Best wishes,

Farang Jaidee wub.png

Great photos, as always

  • Like 1
Posted

I've travelled a lot throughout Thailand on tours, visa runs etc and haven't seen many rail tracks. Those that I've seen rarely have any trains on them. For instance, there's a station near to Pattaya, but from what I understand there are only 2 trains per day running this line!!! For a country with ASEAN aspirations all I can see is that the pathetic Thai railway network has suffered badly from under-investment in the hands of previous governments. Yes, it's quaint, but outdated. If Thailand wants a fully integrated 21st century transport system big money will have to be spent very soon. Hopefully, some of the tourist attractions such as Hua Hin station can be preserved for posterity in this process.Queensland Railways are in a worse condition than most thai railways !!

Posted

I've travelled a lot throughout Thailand on tours, visa runs etc and haven't seen many rail tracks. Those that I've seen rarely have any trains on them. For instance, there's a station near to Pattaya, but from what I understand there are only 2 trains per day running this line!!! For a country with ASEAN aspirations all I can see is that the pathetic Thai railway network has suffered badly from under-investment in the hands of previous governments. Yes, it's quaint, but outdated. If Thailand wants a fully integrated 21st century transport system big money will have to be spent very soon. Hopefully, some of the tourist attractions such as Hua Hin station can be preserved for posterity in this process.Queensland Railways are in a worse condition than most thai railways !!

Yes you are absolutely correct! The Pattaya line only has 2 trains a day.I have some future projects out of Chiang Mai and it's the same there most of the surrounding area and villages only have just 2 trains a day.

It can be frustrating sometimes as i try not to use " the roads,buses etc " ( dangerous & uninteresting ) so having a train station close to where i live is " high up on my priority list" ! Remember also that the Thais have never really been brought up or educated to travel by train and some consider it to be " the poor mans form of transport " ( " kineow " ) I would also guarantee that if i stopped and asked 20 different Thai's in the street and asked them where is the " Railway Station "? most would not have a clue and a few wouldn't even know that Pattaya even has a train!

But saying all that i still love to travel by train,it's nice and slow,and the scenery and lovely country railway stations are fabulous! I personally hope that Thailand never gets a high speed train,as i like it as it is now " Cheap,lovely and slow ( i am not in a rush ) and 3rd Class is good enough for a couple of hours down the tracks!

F.J

post-193254-0-77664300-1413426383_thumb.

  • Like 1
Posted

For those travelling the Kanchanaburi line ,over the bridge etc,best not to join the gathering and waiting clan on the platform,probably japs and chinks as you will get a right battering on trying to get on the train. Walk a hundred yards or so off the platform towards the direction of the oncoming train,it slows down considerably as it comes out of the bend,jump on as it comes to the halt and grab your seat on the left side of the train,other side all you will get is a good view of rock face,throw a jacket or something to put down on the opposite seat for your partner

A treat to see the oriental faces as they are denied the best seat of the house,especially as it goes over the river

thanksfor the heads up just to clarify is that the left hand side in the direction of the train as it pulls into the station and or the same side of the train as you board it. Do not want to get on the wrong side and have the Japs laughing at me lol

Posted

For those travelling the Kanchanaburi line ,over the bridge etc,best not to join the gathering and waiting clan on the platform,probably japs and chinks as you will get a right battering on trying to get on the train. Walk a hundred yards or so off the platform towards the direction of the oncoming train,it slows down considerably as it comes out of the bend,jump on as it comes to the halt and grab your seat on the left side of the train,other side all you will get is a good view of rock face,throw a jacket or something to put down on the opposite seat for your partner

A treat to see the oriental faces as they are denied the best seat of the house,especially as it goes over the river

thanksfor the heads up just to clarify is that the left hand side in the direction of the train as it pulls into the station and or the same side of the train as you board it. Do not want to get on the wrong side and have the Japs laughing at me lol

Thats it the direction of the train as it approaches the bridge

Posted

For those travelling the Kanchanaburi line ,over the bridge etc,best not to join the gathering and waiting clan on the platform,probably japs and chinks as you will get a right battering on trying to get on the train. Walk a hundred yards or so off the platform towards the direction of the oncoming train,it slows down considerably as it comes out of the bend,jump on as it comes to the halt and grab your seat on the left side of the train,other side all you will get is a good view of rock face,throw a jacket or something to put down on the opposite seat for your partner

A treat to see the oriental faces as they are denied the best seat of the house,especially as it goes over the river

thanksfor the heads up just to clarify is that the left hand side in the direction of the train as it pulls into the station and or the same side of the train as you board it. Do not want to get on the wrong side and have the Japs laughing at me lol

Thats it the direction of the train as it approaches the bridge

sorry I still do not understand what side do I sit on if I take your advice and jump on the train before it comes to a standstill at the station in Bangkok, is it the left hand side going into the station (I assume the train does not turn around but simply travels back the way it came) or the left hand side coming out of the station.

Thanks again for your help

Posted

For Kanchanaburi remember that you have two trains running daily out of Thonburi Railway Station ( Bangkok ) 100 baht!

Actually Thonburi Railway station is very old,small and not the best looking of all railway stations in Thailand BUT it is a fabulous old station for taking photos of people! I love the place but get there nice and early as these Trains seem to leave bang on time! (and then they arrive late of course! lol ) There is a great little coffee shop just opposite that does fab coffees!

F.J x

Posted

What is this romanticisng of Train travel in Thailand?

Most of them are awful. Rundown, dirty, hot, crowded, tin boxes. The toilets stink, you could get 100 different types of food poisoining from the vendors, they are always late, the views are generally rubbish...views of actual rubbish most of the time. They are very cheap, I will give you that.

Luckily you have the internet and Thaivisa to live vicariously through....

Luckily I have standards.

I know some people consider slumming it part of their life experience.

I know some people who wouldn't know a life experience if it jumped up and bit them on the left testicle.

Do you mean that they would know if it bit their right testicle?

tongue.png

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Pattaya - Ban Phlu Ta Luang ( Sattahip ) " All Aboard Viewers " !!!

Hello Viewers!

Well today ( Friday 24th October ) I decided to go off on another little adventure! ( a solo gig ) This time to the end of the line all the way to Ban Phlu Ta Luang ( a few km away from Sattahip )

I took a short morning stroll from my home in Naklua to Pattaya Railway Station ( 30 minutes walk ) and ready nice and early to catch the 10.35 train which arrived 10 mins late ( not bad as it left Bangkok at 06.55 ) a quick chat with the station master and i was on my way. The usual " wind in my hair " ( complete with most of the Chonburi countryside also in my hair.....) The train arrived at my destination at 11.20 at a cost of just a cool 6 baht.Can you afford 6 Baht viewers?

There isn't much to see or do in the area of the train station unless you are " a Hypercondriac " and wish to visit the local Hospital ....but as usual i take a picnic lunch and watch the world go by........

The train then departs Ban Phlu Ta Luang at 13.35 and arrives back in Bangkok at 18.15 ( stopping at Pattaya at 14.20 )

The Train seemed very busy today ( Thais & Farang ) maybe they have been reading Thai Visa ( although probably not......)

I love all these train adventures and i have attached a few photos that i took today! They also include some of the scenery from the train window.

Greetings to you all viewers!

Farang Jaidee wub.png ( still on the tracks...)

Yeah it looks a nice trip, great photos again...

  • Like 2
Posted

Want to travel to Chaiyaphum from Bangkok. I have a feeling the closest the train goes is Kon Kahn.

Has anybody done this trip? Is it a nice air conditioned train or cattle class?

Posted

Want to travel to Chaiyaphum from Bangkok. I have a feeling the closest the train goes is Kon Kahn.

Has anybody done this trip? Is it a nice air conditioned train or cattle class?

Interestingly enough i was also looking at visiting that area too! As there is no train station in Chaiyaphum probably the best route would be to take the Express Train from Bangkok's Hua Lampong cool railway station and catch the 08.20 ( Udon Thani train ) and then get off at " Muang Phon " or " Ban Phai " and then catch a bus to Chaiyaphum. The Train offers an air con seat for 385 Baht or on the same train you can have a 3rd Class ( " wind in your hair " Carriage for just a cool 221 baht ( I would rather opt for the cheaper option as i love the " breeze and the idle chit chat with a few locals " ) But the choice is yours..............

Journey Time is approx 7 hours ( by train )

Farang Jaidee coffee1.gif

Posted

Hello Viewers!

Well it certainly was a most exciting train adventure today viewers! a 50 minute train journey for a cool 6 baht with " Sunshine,dark clouds,thunder and lightning and some very heavy rain all in one cool train Journey!

Greetings to all our viewers from " Pattaya Railway Station "

Farang Jaidee " - still on the tracks " .....w00t.gif

post-193254-0-46922100-1415359360_thumb.

  • Like 2

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