Don’t Miss These 6 Train Journeys When in Thailand

When in Thailand, forget the crowds of airports and the high rental charges for making a car arrangement. Rather, use train rides instead. A ride by train within Thailand can be used to learn about the peaceful landscape, interact with locals, and experience the spirit of the kingdom.

Unfortunately, if you are planning to visit the most popular island of Phuket after your stay in the bustling city of Bangkok, there’s no direct train from Bangkok to Phuket. There is, however, an overland journey combining a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then a bus to the island paradise. This is the most affordable way to reach Phuket.

However, there are some direct train journeys you shouldn’t miss if you have enough time on your hands. Take a look.

Bangkok to Ayutthaya

Take a short but important trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, the old capital of Siam and UNESCO World Heritage. This route offers a fascinating look into Thailand’s rich history. Several trains leave Bangkok Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, Don Mueang, and the older Hua Lamphong station daily, with varying travel times from slower local trains to more comfortable rapid and express services.

The trip itself is not very long, from a little over one hour to two hours, depending on the type of train. Departing the metropolitan area of Bangkok, the scenery slowly changes into the countryside views of the plains of the interior, with periodic glimpses of rice fields and small villages.

This train ride is ideal for a day trip, and you can immerse yourself in history before heading back to Bangkok in the evening.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Connecting the capital to northern Thailand’s center, the Bangkok to Chiang Mai trip is popular among tourists. Sleeper trains provide a comfortable way of traveling the 751 kilometers, from first-class individual cabins to second-class sleepers. As the dawn breaks, travelers are treated to scenes of mist-shrouded mountains, lush jungles, and rural villages, summing up the spirit of northern Thailand. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, a culturally rich and historic city lies in wait to be explored.

Bangkok to Kanchanaburi (via Thonburi): The Death Railway

The road from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, known as the Death Railway, is full of history and offers harrowing reminders of World War II. Constructed by Japanese POWs and laborers, the railway traverses the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai and the wooden trestle bridge at Wang Pho Viaduct. Traveling by this route provides not just the river scenery of River Kwai but also a glimpse of the toughness and sacrifices of its builders. Trains travel regularly from Bangkok’s Thonburi station to Nam Tok, making various stops along the way at these ancient monuments.

Bangkok to Hua Hin

Leave the city chaos behind with a ride on a train from Bangkok to the friendly beachside town of Hua Hin. Multiple trains leave Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal daily, providing an easy and picturesque way to visit this beachside town. The travel time is about three to four hours, depending on the kind of train, with choices from rapid to special express trains.

Since the train is moving south, the scenery progresses from suburbanization to less densely populated landscapes. Though less scenery-striking than on the northern journey, you still have views of Thai countryside life and varying plant cover.

Hua Hin station itself is a historic and picturesque landmark. When you arrive, you’ll be in close walking distance or a short taxi ride to the town center, beaches, and other attractions, such as lively night markets, golf courses, and historic sites. This train trip is perfect for a weekend break or a leisurely seaside holiday.

Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat)

Travel into the Northeast (Isaan) of Thailand on a train trip from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, commonly known as Khorat. This city is the gateway to the distinctive culture and scenery of Isaan. There are a number of trains daily from Bangkok’s central station, with travel times between four and six hours, depending on the train.

The ride from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima provides a smooth introduction to the unique landscape of the Northeast, with drier conditions and alternative agricultural methods in comparison to the central plains. Although not perhaps as scenically impressive as other paths, it presents a real window into another side of Thailand.

Bangkok to Hat Yai

Heading south, the train journey from Bangkok to Hat Yai is a very instructive tour of Thailand’s ethnically rich southern provinces. First- and second-class journeys on special express trains such as the “Thaksin Rat” make the trip possible. The scenery along the way changed between coastal stretches and rubber estates before reaching Hat Yai, which isa thriving city renowned for bustling bazaars and cultural influences.

So, are you ready to see the nation’s culture, scenery, and history in a fresh and memorable manner? Go to the train station or book your tickets online, and don’t miss out on the chance to get on board!

Featured Image Credit: Freepik

The post Don’t Miss These 6 Train Journeys When in Thailand first appeared on Passing Thru.