Apr 8, 2015, 11:53 am
Last edit by: aBroadAbroad
This consolidated thread is for discussing general rail travel throughout Thailand via State Railway of Thailand (SRT) train routes.
For information on the Bangkok Airport Rail Link (ARL), please see the dedicated Bangkok Airport Rail Link (ARL): Updates, Advice, Discussion thread.
For information on the Bangkok Airport Rail Link (ARL), please see the dedicated Bangkok Airport Rail Link (ARL): Updates, Advice, Discussion thread.
Thailand Train/Rail Travel: News and Advice (excluding BKK ARL)
May 3, 2012, 8:42 pm
#61
Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: LAN, AA, SPG
Posts: 1,965
I am going to do BKK to Koh Samui by the train-ferry combo this fall. Going down I will be a single in a full compartment (paying the solo traveler supplemental charge) and going back we will be two people in two adjoining compartments (both paying the solo charge). I am hoping this will be a really good way to go (We are a train lovers!). My only concern is reports that the stops can be so frequent that sleeping through the night can be problematic. My other concern (and hopefully some of you who have done the Thai trains can chime in: Will I be OK charging my laptop with the train electric power as long as I have a surge protector? We like to watch movies on long train trips. 
Jul 7, 2012, 10:09 pm
#62
Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: LAN, AA, SPG
Posts: 1,965
After reading a lot about this trip I decided to book a private car to pick us up at the train station in Suratthani and then take us to the ferry. Hopefully this will make the whole experience a little smoother and less stressful. Any thoughts?
Jul 8, 2012, 12:46 am
#63
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 143
Bus awaits you at train station. Bus delivers you at ferry port. Ferry takes you to the island.
Jul 8, 2012, 9:28 am
#64
Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: LAN, AA, SPG
Posts: 1,965
Well, I have read about theft from bags after they are handed over to be loaded on to the buses and I would just as soon not let my bags leave my possession. I also prefer the idea of a driver waiting for me in Suratthani and I don't really want to take a bus. Since we want adjoining compartments in the train I am not going to wait until I am in Bangkok to buy the tickets (there is no flexibility in the dates we have to travel) so buying at the station is not a good option; we are going to arrange everything with an agent in advance.
Jul 18, 2012, 6:33 pm
#66
Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: LAN, AA, SPG
Posts: 1,965
Guide to help at train station?
Just wanted to get some feedback on how things are at Bangkok's Hualamphong Station for first-timers who do not speak or read Thai. We have the chance to have our driver stay and act as guide until we are boarded onto the train for a small additional fee. Is this a complete waste or will it actually be useful to have a local escort? It's worth noting that this is the kind of thing I have arranged in other countries at busy stations and I have always been glad I did it.
Last edited by phlashba; Jul 18, 2012 at 7:07 pm Reason: clarification
Jul 18, 2012, 8:36 pm
#67
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,263
Just wanted to get some feedback on how things are at Bangkok's Hualamphong Station for first-timers who do not speak or read Thai. We have the chance to have our driver stay and act as guide until we are boarded onto the train for a small additional fee. Is this a complete waste or will it actually be useful to have a local escort? It's worth noting that this is the kind of thing I have arranged in other countries at busy stations and I have always been glad I did it.
The trains themselves are labled in Thai and English.
Jul 18, 2012, 9:02 pm
#68
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 87
Its pretty straightforward.
Go pay for your ticket. Goto your indicated train. Like dsquared37 said they speak both english & thai at the counter booths.
You might want your drivers assistance if you have a lot of baggage or if you have other things you need to take care of.
Even then, they have people to help you with baggage for a fee.
Go pay for your ticket. Goto your indicated train. Like dsquared37 said they speak both english & thai at the counter booths.
You might want your drivers assistance if you have a lot of baggage or if you have other things you need to take care of.
Even then, they have people to help you with baggage for a fee.
Jul 18, 2012, 11:05 pm
#69
Join Date: May 2008
Location: BOS/SIN
Programs: SQ
Posts: 2,704
This isn't difficult at all. I have a much harder time in Europe figuring that stuff out than at HL Station. It's almost funny when you realize that most of the people taking the trains are foreign backpackers. All the long-distance trains I've taken have been 80% foreigners.
There's a luggage storage place in the back - the guys will try to tell you that your bag costs more than it should - 50-100B/bag depending on its size.
There's a luggage storage place in the back - the guys will try to tell you that your bag costs more than it should - 50-100B/bag depending on its size.
Jul 21, 2012, 4:43 am
#71
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Will you have previously purchased a ticket? Will you have a lot of bags?
In many cases it may be advisable to purchase a ticket in advance of your travel date(s) especially if you want first or 2nd class/sleepers say to Chiang Mai.
The advanced purchase ticket office is off to the right side if facing the main status board, it is a little hard to find. You can purchase tickets up to 60 days before travel. The ticket windows in the main lobby, under the train status board, are for that day's travel.
Finding the right train/platform is not at all challenging but boarding the train with bags can sometimes be difficult as there are a lot of people jostling onto the train and the aisle is quite narrow. Having someone help with bags might be a good idea.
For trains to the North and Northeast they do also pass through Bang Sue and Don Meuang so in some cases it may be easier to board the train there.
You should expect the train to depart on average 30 - 60 minutes late, and while I wouldn't plan on that for boarding purposes I offer it as more of a way to set expectations. You should also expect the air-con to malfunction ~ 50% of the time, and to arrive at Chiang Mai at least 2 hours later than the schedule. During peak rainy season the tracks do become impassable at many points.
In many cases it may be advisable to purchase a ticket in advance of your travel date(s) especially if you want first or 2nd class/sleepers say to Chiang Mai.
The advanced purchase ticket office is off to the right side if facing the main status board, it is a little hard to find. You can purchase tickets up to 60 days before travel. The ticket windows in the main lobby, under the train status board, are for that day's travel.
Finding the right train/platform is not at all challenging but boarding the train with bags can sometimes be difficult as there are a lot of people jostling onto the train and the aisle is quite narrow. Having someone help with bags might be a good idea.
For trains to the North and Northeast they do also pass through Bang Sue and Don Meuang so in some cases it may be easier to board the train there.
You should expect the train to depart on average 30 - 60 minutes late, and while I wouldn't plan on that for boarding purposes I offer it as more of a way to set expectations. You should also expect the air-con to malfunction ~ 50% of the time, and to arrive at Chiang Mai at least 2 hours later than the schedule. During peak rainy season the tracks do become impassable at many points.
Jul 21, 2012, 11:58 am
#72
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 87
Will you have previously purchased a ticket? Will you have a lot of bags?
In many cases it may be advisable to purchase a ticket in advance of your travel date(s) especially if you want first or 2nd class/sleepers say to Chiang Mai.
The advanced purchase ticket office is off to the right side if facing the main status board, it is a little hard to find. You can purchase tickets up to 60 days before travel. The ticket windows in the main lobby, under the train status board, are for that day's travel.
Finding the right train/platform is not at all challenging but boarding the train with bags can sometimes be difficult as there are a lot of people jostling onto the train and the aisle is quite narrow. Having someone help with bags might be a good idea.
For trains to the North and Northeast they do also pass through Bang Sue and Don Meuang so in some cases it may be easier to board the train there.
You should expect the train to depart on average 30 - 60 minutes late, and while I wouldn't plan on that for boarding purposes I offer it as more of a way to set expectations. You should also expect the air-con to malfunction ~ 50% of the time, and to arrive at Chiang Mai at least 2 hours later than the schedule. During peak rainy season the tracks do become impassable at many points.
In many cases it may be advisable to purchase a ticket in advance of your travel date(s) especially if you want first or 2nd class/sleepers say to Chiang Mai.
The advanced purchase ticket office is off to the right side if facing the main status board, it is a little hard to find. You can purchase tickets up to 60 days before travel. The ticket windows in the main lobby, under the train status board, are for that day's travel.
Finding the right train/platform is not at all challenging but boarding the train with bags can sometimes be difficult as there are a lot of people jostling onto the train and the aisle is quite narrow. Having someone help with bags might be a good idea.
For trains to the North and Northeast they do also pass through Bang Sue and Don Meuang so in some cases it may be easier to board the train there.
You should expect the train to depart on average 30 - 60 minutes late, and while I wouldn't plan on that for boarding purposes I offer it as more of a way to set expectations. You should also expect the air-con to malfunction ~ 50% of the time, and to arrive at Chiang Mai at least 2 hours later than the schedule. During peak rainy season the tracks do become impassable at many points.
.
Jul 21, 2012, 12:39 pm
#73
Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: LAN, AA, SPG
Posts: 1,965
Will you have previously purchased a ticket? Will you have a lot of bags?
In many cases it may be advisable to purchase a ticket in advance of your travel date(s) especially if you want first or 2nd class/sleepers say to Chiang Mai.
The advanced purchase ticket office is off to the right side if facing the main status board, it is a little hard to find. You can purchase tickets up to 60 days before travel. The ticket windows in the main lobby, under the train status board, are for that day's travel.
Finding the right train/platform is not at all challenging but boarding the train with bags can sometimes be difficult as there are a lot of people jostling onto the train and the aisle is quite narrow. Having someone help with bags might be a good idea.
For trains to the North and Northeast they do also pass through Bang Sue and Don Meuang so in some cases it may be easier to board the train there.
You should expect the train to depart on average 30 - 60 minutes late, and while I wouldn't plan on that for boarding purposes I offer it as more of a way to set expectations. You should also expect the air-con to malfunction ~ 50% of the time, and to arrive at Chiang Mai at least 2 hours later than the schedule. During peak rainy season the tracks do become impassable at many points.
In many cases it may be advisable to purchase a ticket in advance of your travel date(s) especially if you want first or 2nd class/sleepers say to Chiang Mai.
The advanced purchase ticket office is off to the right side if facing the main status board, it is a little hard to find. You can purchase tickets up to 60 days before travel. The ticket windows in the main lobby, under the train status board, are for that day's travel.
Finding the right train/platform is not at all challenging but boarding the train with bags can sometimes be difficult as there are a lot of people jostling onto the train and the aisle is quite narrow. Having someone help with bags might be a good idea.
For trains to the North and Northeast they do also pass through Bang Sue and Don Meuang so in some cases it may be easier to board the train there.
You should expect the train to depart on average 30 - 60 minutes late, and while I wouldn't plan on that for boarding purposes I offer it as more of a way to set expectations. You should also expect the air-con to malfunction ~ 50% of the time, and to arrive at Chiang Mai at least 2 hours later than the schedule. During peak rainy season the tracks do become impassable at many points.
Jan 15, 2013, 4:57 am
#74
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
State Railway Cancels Internet Ticketing Service
http://www.thairailticket.com/esrt/D...spx?language=1
"Please be informed that the State Railway of Thailand has decided not to continue the Internet Ticketing Service from January 14, 2013."
"Please be informed that the State Railway of Thailand has decided not to continue the Internet Ticketing Service from January 14, 2013."
Jan 16, 2013, 6:58 am
#75
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: DEN
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Titanium, CX DM, SQ Gold
Posts: 1,607
http://www.thairailticket.com/esrt/D...spx?language=1
"Please be informed that the State Railway of Thailand has decided not to continue the Internet Ticketing Service from January 14, 2013."
"Please be informed that the State Railway of Thailand has decided not to continue the Internet Ticketing Service from January 14, 2013."
