English
French
Spanish
Italian
Thailand train journeys reveal the country in a way no bus or plane ever could. From beaches to mountains, the rhythm of rails carries you through landscapes that blend with everyday Thai life. Read on Asia King Travel’s article to see which Thailand scenic train rides you shouldn’t miss.
Train journeys in Thailand showcase the country in a way that buses or planes simply can’t match
You have two easy options to get your train tickets in Thailand: booking online in advance or simply buying them at the station once you arrive. Each has its own advantages, depending on your travel style and schedule.
In terms of booking online, there are several reliable platforms for you to choose from. To cite an example, we have websites like 12Go and Baolau that connect directly to the State Railway of Thailand’s booking system.
With 12Go, you can reserve tickets months ahead and, in many cases, receive an e-ticket by email. For some train routes in Thailand, a paper ticket may be required. You can collect it at designated counters or even have it delivered to a local Thai address.
Booking train tickets in Thailand is simple and convenient
On the other hand, Baolau offers the convenience of selecting your exact seat from a digital seating plan, and you simply print your ticket at home. You can also book directly through the official SRT website. However, it can be less user-friendly and often rejects foreign credit cards.
Moving on, buying in person if you like to keep things flexible. Just bring your passport and head to the booking office at any major station. For short journeys on local trains, such as Bangkok to Ayutthaya or Kanchanaburi, no reservation is necessary. You simply turn up, buy your ticket at the counter, and hop aboard.
Read more: Thailand Tour 11 days: Nice Off-the-beaten-track Experience
When you set out on Thailand train journeys, be prepared for a few unexpected turns. You might board a train expecting to arrive in five hours, only to find yourself pulling in 45 minutes later. With that being said, Thailand by train is about savoring the journey itself, so you might love it most when you’re not in a rush.
If you ever wonder where your train really is, you can check real-time updates on your phone at ttsview.railway.co.th. This handy tool lets you see whether your train is on track or delayed, so you can adjust your plans if needed.
A train journey in Thailand is meant to be savored, especially when you have time
When you choose to travel in Thailand by train, you can rest assured that the railway system is both reliable and safe. Since the lines are state-owned, maintenance of both tracks and trains is carefully prioritized. Serious incidents are extremely rare, thanks to those efforts in strict monitoring and consistent upkeep.
One thing you’ll notice is that trains in Thailand move at a relaxed pace, averaging around 40 km/h. While this may sound slow, it’s actually a blessing as it reduces risks while giving you more time to take in the scenery outside your window. In fact, many travelers consider this unhurried rhythm among the best parts of Thailand train journeys.
You can count on Thailand’s trains for safety
Route: Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Total Distance: 751 km
If there’s one Thailand train journey that truly deserves to be called a classic, it must be the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Your adventure usually begins in the late afternoon when the train gets out of Bangkok.
As sun sets, you’ll settle into your seat and watch the city fade behind. Before long, railway staff would come around to perform an interesting task: With some swift movements, they would fold down your seats and transform them into cozy sleep beds. Not gonna lie, the whole process will be really satisfying to watch, and before you even notice, your train trips have already transformed into a moving hostel.
Your day begins with views of Doi Khun Tan’s green forests and gentle hills
By morning, you’ll wake up to the soft light of northern Thailand shining through windows. Outside, lush forests and rolling hills in Doi Khun Tan National Park will be the first scenery you take in for the day.
There is only one thing you should acknowledge: while trains in Thailand often don’t require advanced booking, this route is an exception. As it’s so popular among travelers, you should reserve your spot well ahead of time in order to make sure everything goes according to your plan.
Read more: Thailand Tour 14 Days 13 Nights: Discover the highlights of Thailand
Route: Bangkok to Hua Hin
Total Distance: 212 km
As you board the train from Bangkok to Hua Hin, the scenery shifts gracefully along the way. Your train would pass through salt fields that look like thousands of mini white mountains laid across the land. Further along, the landscape turns into a coconut tree plantation area. Their palms would sway as the train glides past.
Your final stop, Hua Hin, greets you with its iconic train station. This is an ornate red-and-white wooden structure dating back to 1926. With Victorian-style design and intricate wooden details, Hua Hin’s Station becomes a symbol of the town’s history and pride. No wonder this route is mentioned among the best train journeys in Thailand.
Hua Hin Railway Station
Route: Thonburi to Nam Tok
Total Distance: 415 km
Moving on, we have the historic Thai-Burma Railway, also known as Death Railway. This ominous name dates back to its construction during 1942 and 1943, when the Japanese Imperial Army forced Allied prisoners of war and Asian laborers to work under brutal conditions.
As a result of endless working hours and unsafe environments, thousands of lives have been claimed. There is even a myth that if all victims were laid end to end, their bodies would stretch across the railway’s full length.
The Thai-Burma Railway is a historic line built during World War II
During your journey on Thai-Burma Railway, you might be surprised by how simple this train’s furniture is. Wooden benches, open windows, and the steady clatter of the tracks set an ideal background for a ride that brings you back to days in the past.
Breathtaking views are then present in front of your eyes. After passing through jungle and cliffs, you will skim past quiet villages nestled next to the hill’s foot. Along the way, your train trip crosses a total of 688 bridges built during the railway’s construction. Each of them is a reminder of human effort that took to carve a route through such wild terrain.
On this route, the train passes over 688 bridges
Talking about some famous bridges, you might have heard or watched the 1957 film “Bridge on the River Kwai”, but did you know that you can actually visit the real one in Thailand today? This famous crossing is one of the 688 bridges built along Thai-Burma Railway.
A stop here also allows you to explore the JEATH War Museum and the Commonwealth War Cemeteries. At these venues, you’ll find exhibits and memorials dedicated to the memory of those who sacrificed while building the railway.
Not long after, the train halts near Hellfire Pass. It is another worth visiting historic site on your Thai-Burma train trip. Once illuminated only by the torches of prisoners, the pass has now been transformed into another solemn memorial among a tranquil forest.
Route: Thonburi to Samut Songkhram
Total Distance: 212 km
In regard to the uncommon side of Thailand train journeys, Mahachai Line is a great route to take. Leaving from Wongwian Yai station in Bangkok, you’ll sit on hard seats and share the ride with vendors, workers, and families going about their day.
As the train moves out of the city, Bangkok’s backstreets are no longer in your sight; instead, they change to endless rice paddies. At times, you’ll pass so close to shopfronts and temples that you feel you could almost reach out and touch them. What’s more, your train also goes past open marshes with lilies and palm trees.
Mae Klong Railway Market
After about an hour, you finally reach Samut Sakhon’s fresh market. Here, the smell of seafood as well as spices lingers in the atmosphere. Then a quick ferry trip would take you across the river to continue the second leg of the journey toward Samut Songkhram.
That’s where you’ll reach the famous Mae Klong Railway Market. One fascinating thing you can witness here is how vendors set up their stalls directly on the tracks and, in a matter of seconds, pack everything away as the train rolls through. All contribute to such authentic railway experiences that you can only have in Thailand.
Traveling by train in Thailand is more than a typical way to commute; it gives you a chance to slow down and see the country from an unusual perspective. If you’re ready to add a special touch to your adventure, let Asia King Travel help you plan the perfect Thailand train journeys tailored to your style. Moreover, enjoy unforgettable travel moments with our selected Thailand tours.
Read more: Thailand Excursions
