Thailand Train Travel
Train over the River Kwai
Thailand Train TravelHua Lamphong StationThis Thailand Train Travel Guide provides you with all the best information you may ever need for many a memorable train journey across all corners of Thailand and beyond. You get to see some of the most scenic countryside there is here. Imagine what tremendous fun it can be to travel the entire length and breadthof the country by rail. I have personally taken a few of these train trips myself. Thailand has an extremely efficient railroad system with the main station being at Hua Lamphong in Bangkok. This station serves four major lines connecting you with the north, northeast, east and the south of the country. The first line runs all the way to Chiang Mai in the north via the central plains. A second line which later divides into two, runs to
Nong Khai
and Ubon Ratchathani in the northeast.
Thon Buri Station in Bangkok
Thailand Train TravelThon Buri StationA third connects Bangkok to the eastern seaboard and the border to Cambodia. The fourth line runs down the peninsular as far as Malaysia. Thon Buri Stationis the principal departure point of the of Bangkok Transit System (BTS). All trains are very safe and comfortable as well as being a great way to see the country. Before I continue, I would greatly appreciate it you could let me know if you find the information here of value to you and furthermore should you have any issues, questions, suggestions or any other solutions regarding the subject matter on this page that you would like to ask or inform me about, please don't hesitate to contact me. I will do my best to answer any questions or queries you might have.
Scenic View on the Thai-Burma Railway
Thailand Train TravelThe Thai-Burma Railway LineApart from several train trips on the Bangkok Underground Metro System and the Bangkok Sky Train, the only other memorable train journey I had ever experienced was on on the infamous Thai-Burma railway which takes you across the river Kwai and through some of Thailand's most scenic countryside around Kanchanaburi.Even if trains are not quite your scene, this particular train journey is an absolute must and you should definitely give it a try should you be in the area. Apart from the horrific events that paved the way for the Japanese to construct the railway during World War II, you will no doubt be transported through this historic period. It's only a short journey and can easily be incorporated as part of any tour. The only down side about the ride is that there is no air-conditioning on the train but the encounter will more than make up for it. Go on, take a ride on the wild side.
Thai-Burma Railway Station
Thailand Train TravelThe Bangkok Transit SystemThe Bangkok Transit System is also commonly known as the (BTS) Sky Train. It's an elevated rapid transit system and is definitely the perfect way to beat the heat and the city's traffic congested streets. The trains are frequent, fast, clean and safe. The only problem I did notice is that there were not nearly enough lifts or escalators for the disabled and elderly, only lots of stairs going up from street level. This seems to be the only real access to the ticket booths provided at the station. The best time to use the service is anytime except during peak hours.The Sky Train network consists of twenty three stations in all and travels along only two lines. One is the Sukhumvit Line which runs northwards and eastwards and terminates at Mo Chit Station and On Nut Station respectively. The other is the Silom Line linked to Silom and Sathon Roads in the central business district of Bangkok and terminates at the National Stadium and Wongwian Yai Station. The lines interchange at Siam Central and have a combined distance of 55 kilometers. All the stations are elevated and constructed on three levels. The first level is where you will find the ticket booths, some small kiosk-like shops and the access control gates. The second and third levels contain all the platforms and rail links. The Sky Train is best way to travel to the
Chatuchak Weekend Market
as the train stops practically right on the door-step of the market at Mo Chit Station. Now because this market is held on weekends, the trains are not that full at all. Please just remember that not all the stations are near hotels so you may have to take a taxi or walk to the nearest entry point. I wish you all a safe journey.
Thailand Train Travel on the Sky Train
Thailand Train TravelBangkok Mass Rapid Transit SystemBangkok Mass Rapid Transit System (MRT) is an underground metro system often referred to as the Bangkok Metro. It is also known in Thai as rotfai taidin which simply translates to underground train or rotfaifah mahanakhon which means metropolitan electric train. The line has a total fleet of nineteen trains.The Bangkok Metro is a twenty one kilometer track with eighteen stations. This Blue Line presently runs from Hua Lamphong Station to Bang Sue Station and has a capacity to carry up of 40,000 people in each direction per hour. You can also conveniently connect to the Skytrain at Si Lom, Sukhumvit and Mo Chit stations. Entrances to the Metro stations are raised approximately one metre above ground level due to low-lying plains prone to flooding during Thailand's rainy season They are well equipped with built-in-flood-gates to avoid water inundating the system. There are ample lifts and ramps at stations providing you with easy access should you be a disabled person and have to rely on a wheelchair. Maps describing the local area and exit points are posted on all walls showing you the way out. There are uniformed security personnel on hand should you need additional assistance. Map of the Metro and Sky Train Routes
Thailand Train TravelThe National Rail SystemThailand's National Rail System is operated by the State Railway of Thailand Trains are extremely clean, relatively inexpensive and surprisingly reliable albeit a little on the slow side. There are only two entry points into Thailand and both are from Malaysia on the southern Thai border. I do believe the trip north to Bangkok serves as a great scenic introduction to Thailand. I have yet to experience this.There is a train leaving the port of Butterworth opposite Malaysia's Penang Island at 1:40 pm. crossing the border into Thailand and arriving in Bangkok at 11:30 am the following day. There is also a more adventurous train journey, albeit on a less convenient route that travels from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia up the east coast to the north-eastern town of Kota Bharu. You need to take a taxi from there before crossing the border into Thailand to catch the SRT Train from the southern Thai town of Sungai Kolok. Trains leave from Sungai Kolok at 11:00 am and 2:05 pm before arriving in Bangkok at 9:05 am and 11:10 am respectfully, the next day. All trains depart from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station at 2:00 pm daily for the return journey to Malaysia. There are second-class carriages with seats that fold into upper and lower sleeping berths at night. For that little bit of extra comfort, first-class sleeper carriages are air-conditioned and dining cars serve Thai food.
Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok
Thailand Train TravelThe Eastern and Orient ExpressIf you would really like to travel in style then you may want to try one of Asia's most exclusive travel experience. The Eastern and Orient Express is the Asian equivalent to Europe's finest. This luxurious twenty two carriage train with it's distinctive green and cream livery, passes through spectacular scenery several times every month between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Chiang Mai.The journey between Singapore and Bangkok takes three days and two nights including stops at Butterworth in Penang and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Should irresistable elegance be your comfort, then the world-renowned Eastern Orient Express may just be the ultimate self-indulgent present you could ever wish for. All the carriages are bedecked with rich fabrics and fittings evocative of 1930's rail travel. The double and single cabins come in private and presidential classes. There are two restaurants, a salon car, a bar and a marvelous observation deck. This has never been a better time to experience superb Asian luxury and style.
The Eastern and Orient Express
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