bangkok train
Flying is one way to travel to different cities in Thailand. But if you want an epic journey, winding through magnificent valleys, forests and mountains, then you should hit the rails.
From excursions to cross-country trips, here’s 7 Scenic Trains in Bangkok Let you enjoy the slow travel. We’ve even included helpful train travel tips, since you’ll most likely want to book your trip after visiting the shops.
Ticket Pricing and Reservation Information
The best way to buy tour tickets is through official channels D-ticket website or through its app.
Local trains and some long-distance routes (such as Bangkok to Vientiane) depart from Hua Lamphong Bangkok Station.However, if you are going to Samut Sakhon, you need to board the train from Wong Yai Station and go through a travel agency (eg 12go.Asia or at the ticket counter.
The price of the train ticket is from 20 THB (~0.78 SGD). Depending on the class of travel you choose, you can take a maximum of 60 kg of luggage on board. As with all types of travel, remember to lock your luggage to prevent any accidents.
1. Death Railway from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
Nothing beats the historic splendor of crossing the Atlantic Ocean by train death railway.
While the steam engine roamed the forests and mountains, its railway lines hugged the rugged cliffs that straddled the mountains. The 415-kilometer trail was built with the blood and sweat of hundreds of prisoners of war during World War II, connecting Bangkok and Kanchanaburi, and has since become a memorial site for tourists to remember the fallen.
On the way, you’ll pass the famous century-old Hell’s Crater railway section and the cast-iron Bridge over the River Kwai before reaching Kanchanaburi – home to Thailand’s longest wooden bridge.
address
19, 394 Rim Klong Bang Kho Road, Khwaeng Bang Kho, Khet Chom Thong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10150, Thailand
| on Monday | 08:30AM-05:00PM |
| Tuesday | 08:30AM-05:00PM |
| Wednesday | 08:30AM-05:00PM |
| Thursday | 08:30AM-05:00PM |
| Friday | 08:30AM-05:00PM |
| Saturday | 08:30AM-05:00PM |
| Sunday | 08:30AM-05:00PM |
2. Bangkok to Chiang Mai 1 night sleeper train ride
in all visits Chiang MaiSleeper trains from Bangkok are probably the most stylish and scenic.
Enjoy sweeping views of mountains, sparkling lakes and rice fields on a 1-night journey through 9 provinces. The train departs in the late afternoon, so you can sleep overnight in a bunk bed or cabin before waking up in Chiang Mai.
If you need some privacy, opt for First Class with a private single bed, sink, wardrobe and TV. Otherwise, choose a shared room in 2nd class. Food and drink can be purchased on board, but it’s best to bring extra.
3. Bangkok to Pasak Chonlasit Dam On the “floating train”
the scenery Basak Chunlashi Dam Simply spectacular, and the best way to see it is by train.
The route starts from Bangkok and passes through several village stations before reaching the dam. Disembark at this point to enjoy the stunning scenery before continuing to Khok Salung station. The train operates between November and January and is popular with locals. So, book your tickets in advance.
3. Bangkok to Ayutthaya on a steam engine
last time someone complained about travel Ayutthaya Probably… never.
The old city is full of ancient temples and palace ruins, which was once the center of the Kingdom of Thailand. Today, it’s a must-see city, just a 1.5-hour train ride from Bangkok. Trains depart from Hua Lamphong Station every day of the year, but if you want a unique travel experience, you can choose to take a steam locomotive.
Image Credit: Cloud
This vintage train, which runs three times a year in March, July and October, exudes a vintage vibe and quickly gets booked up by locals and tourists alike.
address
196 สัววัด 4 Khlong Tho Rd, Pratu Chai Subdivision, Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
4. Bangkok to Hua Hin, with the iconic railway station built in the 1920s
Assuming you have 4 hours to spare, take the train from Bangkok winding north to Hua Hin.
Image credit: @thailandinsider via Instagram
The journey winds through lush forests and around sparkling coastlines, allowing you to peek through the leaves while breathing in the fresh sea breeze. When the ride is over, you’ll find yourself in one of Thailand’s coziest beach towns.
Hua Hin’s iconic Red and White Railway Station, built in 1926 in the style of a gingerbread house, is a reason to visit the city in itself. But other popular spots, such as the Phetchaburi salt pans and the mysterious mounds inside the Phayana cave, are also worth a look.
5. From Bangkok to Samut Sakhon and Railway Market
go to Mekong Railway Market It takes 2 train rides and a ferry ride to Samut Sakhon, but it’s worth it.
Image credit: @cam_shn66 via Instagram
The 2.5-hour tour includes a drive through a secret, tranquil green tunnel before taking you into the buzz of hundreds of stalls alongside the railway. You can find everything from food and drink to souvenirs and clothing here. Just be sure to keep an eye out for the rattling engine that runs 8 times a day.
address
Mae Klong Market, Mae Klong, Mueang Samut Songkhram, Chang Wat Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand
| on Monday | 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM |
| Thursday | 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM |
| Friday | 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM |
| Saturday | 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM |
| Sunday | 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM |
6. Bangkok to Vientiane on the night train
If you’re short on time, you can catch a sleeper train from: Bangkok to Vientiane Visit some of the most spectacular sites in Laos.
Image credit: @rom_sama6 via Instagram
As with most sleeper trains, you will spend most of your time sleeping as you will be boarding in the late afternoon. But your day will be filled with adventure and breathtaking scenery as the train travels along farmland, villages and mountains before reaching Nong Khai, where the Laos border is located.
Clear immigration from here before embarking on another shorter journey to Thanaleng station before arriving in Vientiane.
Bonus: Chiang Mai to Lam Pang Through the longest tunnel in Thailand
A lively but underrated exhibit along the railway linking Chiang Mai to Chiang Mai Lin Peng.
This 2-hour cruise takes you along the Doi Khuntan National Park through the Khuntan Tunnel, the longest tunnel in Thailand, and across the White Bridge. The route winds through miles of typical Thai rural scenery and towering mountain peaks. There is no air conditioning on board, but you can feel the wind on your skin.
Tips for traveling by train in Thailand
The beauty of train travel is that it’s often more about the journey than the destination. In the case of Thailand, this happens to be true. Just make sure to organize your tickets ahead of time.
On a ticketing website or app, Simply enter your destination and dates, and choose the option that best suits your itinerary. You can book tickets up to 30 days in advance. Some popular routes, such as the steam train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and to Ayutthaya, may require you to set your alarm and get your tickets as soon as they are released.
Thai trains are divided into 3 classes. In general, first and second class seats are more modern than third class seats. The first two cars also have air conditioning and seat assignments, while the latter requires you to fight over your seat and dry off with the help of fans.
Rail travel is probably one of the last things that comes to mind when you think of a vacation in Thailand. But these unique train journeys promise to change that and give you the chance to see the country through a different lens.
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Cover image adapted from: @bangkok, @shennanhkhuong, @cam_shn66 via Instagram
