BANGKOK, 21 April 2025: Thailand’s sun-kissed beaches, misty northern hills and vibrant cities are best known through digital postcards and travel blogs — but to truly feel the rhythm of the country, hop aboard a train.
In a land where modernity meets tradition, Thailand’s railways offer a unique, nostalgic, and surprisingly luxurious way to traverse its diverse landscapes.
Rail travel in Thailand is not only affordable and practical — it’s an experience in itself. With colonial-era stations, panoramic countryside views, and local life on full display, the journey is often just as rewarding as the destination. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or a luxury seeker, there’s something magical about the chug of the engine, the rattle of the tracks, and the wide-open windows offering glimpses of rice paddies, mountain passes, and fishing villages.
Thailand’s Rail Network: A Snapshot
Operated primarily by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the country’s rail system spans over 4,345 kilometres, with four main lines — Northern, Northeastern, Eastern, and Southern — radiating from Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong Station, a heritage gem in its own right.
• Network length: 4,345 km
• Number of main lines: 4
• Longest route: Bangkok to Sungai Kolok (over 1,100 km)
• Popular train types: Ordinary, Rapid, Express and Special Express (including overnight sleepers)
• Luxury trains: Yes — most notably the SRT Royal Blossom
• Electrified rail: Limited (expanding via the urban SRT Red Line and upcoming high-speed projects)
• Average ticket cost: From THB15 (UKP0.36) to THB6,000+ (UKP144.50+)
Key features of the SRT Royal Blossom:
• Design: The exterior is bright red with gold accents, while the interior features comfortable seating and scenic viewing areas.
• Facilities: Equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and private restrooms.
• Services: Offers meals, beverages, and a café car.
• Routes: Operates on short-haul routes, including day trips to destinations like Hua Hin.
• Schedule: Runs every Saturday and Sunday in April and May 2025.
• Purpose: Aim to promote domestic tourism and provide unique travel experiences.
Currently operating as part of the State Railway’s tourism promotion initiative. As of April 2025, the Royal Blossom offers weekend journeys to various destinations, including Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin, Lopburi, and Phetchaburi. These trips provide passengers with a luxurious experience, featuring refurbished carriages originally from Japan’s Hokkaido Railway Company. The train’s interior boasts plush velvet seats, cedar wood accents, and large panoramic windows for scenic views. Tickets for these excursions can be booked through SRT’s D-Ticket online platform or at train stations nationwide.
Bangkok’s Central Rail Terminal
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (often shortened to Krung Thep Aphiwat or Bangkok Central Station), also known by its former name Bang Sue Grand Station, is the central station of Thailand and the capital’s primary rail hub.
Location: In the Chatuchak district, about 10 km north of Hua Lamphong Station, adjacent to the former Bang Sue Junction it replaced in 2023.
How to Get There
• MRT (Subway): Take the MRT Blue Line to Bang Sue Station, then a short walk or escalator.
• Taxi/Grab: Readily accessible by car or ride-share apps.
• Bus: Multiple city bus routes stop nearby.
Quick Facts
• The largest railway station in Southeast Asia
• 26 platforms serving long-distance, commuter and future high-speed lines
• Connects most northern, northeastern and southern intercity routes
Photo: Thailand’s railways offer a unique, nostalgic and surprisingly luxurious way to traverse its diverse landscapes
Top Five Rail Journeys in Thailand
Here are five must-do routes that promise unforgettable scenery, cultural immersion, and a touch of rail romance.
1. SRT Royal Blossom: Bangkok → Kanchanaburi (Luxury Day Journey)
• Start/Finish: Bangkok (Hua Lamphong Station) → Kanchanaburi
• How to get there: Board at Hua Lamphong Station
• Duration/Distance: Day trip / ~220 km round trip
• USP: Thailand’s most luxurious current train journey
Highlights
• Artfully restored Japanese Hamanasu carriages with velvet seats and cedar interiors
• Lounge car with bar service
• Scenic ride along the River Kwai and the Wampo Viaduct
• Stops at historic sites like the Bridge over the River Kwai and Tham Krasae Cave
• Price: Tour packages from THB5,000 (UKP120+) depending on route and inclusions
• Popularity: A favourite for those seeking an elegant day experience with historical and cultural appeal
2. Bangkok → Chiang Mai (Northern Line Overnight Sleeper)
• Start/Finish: Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal) → Chiang Mai
• How to get there: Depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat
• Duration/Distance: 12 to 14 hours / ~750 km
• USP: The quintessential overnight Thai rail journey
Highlights
• Comfortable air-conditioned sleeper cabins
• Scenic vistas through Lopburi, Phitsanulok and Lamphun
• Wake up to rolling hills and misty forests
• Price: THB1,000 (UKP24.10) – THB1,500 (UKP36.15)
• Popularity: Hugely popular with backpackers and families; often sells out during holidays
3. The Death Railway: Kanchanaburi → Nam Tok
• Start/Finish: Kanchanaburi → Nam Tok
• How to get there: Local train or bus from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
• Duration/Distance: 2 hours / ~77 km
• USP: Historic WWII railway with dramatic cliffside views
Highlights
• Crossing the Bridge over the River Kwai
• The spectacular Wampo Viaduct
• Nearby Hellfire Pass Museum (separate access)
• Price: THB100 (UKP2.41)
• Popularity: A poignant journey popular with both Thai and international tourists
4. Bangkok → Surat Thani (Gateway to the Southern Islands)
• Start/Finish: Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat) → Surat Thani
• How to get there: Direct overnight trains from Krung Thep Aphiwat
• Duration/Distance: 8–11 hours / ~650 km
• USP: Seamless link to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao
Highlights
• Lush southern countryside
• Direct connection to ferry services
• Comfortable overnight sleepers
• Price: THB1,000 (UKP24.10) – THB1,800 (UKP43.40)
• Popularity: Favoured by island-hoppers avoiding domestic flights
5. The Isan Line: Bangkok → Nong Khai (via Udon Thani)
• Start/Finish: Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat) → Nong Khai
• How to get there: Board at Krung Thep Aphiwat
• Duration/Distance: 10–12 hours / ~620 km
• USP: Cross into Laos via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge
Highlights
• Sunrise over the rice fields of Isan
• Cultural stops in Udon Thani and Nong Khai
• Border crossing to Vientiane, Laos’s capital
• Price: 1,200 THB (£28.90) – 1,600 THB (£38.56)
• Popularity: Loved by backpackers, expats and off-the-beaten-track explorers
The Allure of Exploring Thailand by Train
• Authentic Encounters: Share cabins with locals, sample Thai street food on station platforms, and watch landscapes evolve in real time
• Budget-Friendly: One of the most economical ways to cover vast distances in comfort
• Spectacular Scenery: From tropical beaches and dense jungles to golden rice paddies and sheer mountain gorges
• Greener Footprint: Trains emit far less carbon than planes or long-haul coaches
• Rich Heritage: Many stations date back over a century, and some lines carry profound historical significance
Thailand’s railways don’t just take you to your destination—they invite you to experience the very soul of the kingdom. Pack light, keep your camera close, and let the rails lead you on an unforgettable adventure.
Insider Tips for Rail Travel in Thailand
• Book early for overnight and luxury trains — especially during festivals and long weekends
• Pack layers: Trains can be surprisingly cold when the air-con is on full blast
• Tuck into local fare: Vendors at each stop serve fresh, inexpensive Thai dishes
• Use the SRT app or website for live timetables and online bookings
• Savour the pace: In Thailand, the journey is every bit as rewarding as the destination
About the author
Andrew J Wood is a respected travel writer, hotelier, and tourism lecturer with over four decades of experience in Southeast Asia’s hospitality and tourism sectors. A former general manager of several leading hotels in Thailand and a regular speaker at international tourism forums, he is widely recognised for his insight into emerging travel trends and his passionate advocacy for Thailand as a world-class destination.
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