How to Travel in Thailand by Train
Thailand has had a rail network since 1890. The most recent additions are the subway in Bangkok and the airport connection. There are four main lines that go to the south, southeast, northwest and northeast. There are also several smaller spurs. The rail network is used for both passenger and freight transport, and connects to the railroads of Laos in the north and Malaysia in the south. The northwest line ends in Chang Mai in the north. The southwest line passes the beach resort of Pattaya. Tickets are easy to buy and relatively cheap. There is at least one train per day on all tracks, with more between the major stations.
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Instructions
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Prepare for the Trip
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Identify your destination. The State Railway of Thailand website shows the line network and provides time tables.
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Check the price. There are three different classes with very different prices and rates of comfort.
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Check the time table. As a rule, tickets should be bought at least an hour before the departure, and even longer ahead of time for trips to popular destinations. For the more expensive classes, consider purchasing a seat ticket.
Buy the Ticket
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Show the note with the destination at the ticket office.
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Point out which time you want to go in the time table.
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Show whether you want a third class, second class or first class ticket.
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Check the ticket. Even if you cannot read it, you will be able to understand the numbers.
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Pay the requested fee.
Boarding the Train
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Arrive early at the station. Trains in Thailand are very popular, and if you are traveling third class on lines where there are only one or two trains per day, you will risk being without a seat if you arrive late. For third class, it is recommended that you arrive an hour before departure.
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Check the departure platform. These are signposted in the departure hall of the station. Platforms are often changed at the last minute. Show the ticket to the staff in the station. They will show you the right platform, even if they cannot speak English.
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Check that you are about to board the right train and car. The destination is written on the side of the car, together with the departure station. The first and second class cars are numbered, as are the seats in the cars. Take your reserved seat.
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Tips & Warnings
If you intend to travel more than a couple of times, or intend to go to the end of the line, buy a rail pass. These are available at discounted rates from the pre-order ticket office in the Bangkok Central Station.
Buy a first or second class ticket if you want to sit in an air-conditioned car. Third class does not have air conditioning or guaranteed seating.
Get a seat by the window. Part of the purpose of the trip is to see the Thai countryside, which is hard if you are not near the window. If you pre-reserved a ticket, make sure it is a window seat.
Buy a ticket in advance. Tickets can be bought up to 30 days in advance of departure.
Outside Bangkok, a working knowledge of the Thai language is required.
Keep track of your luggage, especially if you are not using a porter.
If you are using porters, or the hotel staff helped you, make sure to pay them before you leave.
Beware of false information intended to sell you unnecessary additional tickets or even bus fare. Always ask uniformed staff in the ticket offices.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit train, thailande image by J-F Perigois from Fotolia.com
