Cocooned in my sleeper berth



Sunrise in the Gulf



I woke up a couple of times through the night but were generally well-rested. With around two hours out, the train attendant came around to convert the sleeper berths back to seats. Those who wanted breakfast could also either go to the restaurant car or order with the cafe staff who was roaming the carriages.

Previously, the same trip would take more than 20 hours but it is shortened to 16 hours due to the completion of double-tracking project between Nakhon Pathom and Chumphon back in August 2024. Trains traveling in opposite directions on this stretch travel on dedicated tracks and no longer need to wait to pass each other.

Despite the late departure from Padang Besar, we managed to catch up and roll into Krung Thep Aphiwat station on time at 9.05am.

Since January 2023, Krung Thep Aphiwat became the terminus of long distance trains in Thailand (except for Eastern line), replacing this historic and iconic Hua Lamphong station. It's now the largest train terminal in Southeast Asia with 26 platforms and plans for high-speed rail links in the future.

Sleeper carriage originating from Sungai Kolok



Long distance train arrivals



Distance travelled so far: ~ 1,921km

The next train wouldn't be until later in the evening; while traveling, I realised that it's actually possible to take the earlier Rapid 172 from Hat Yai to Bangkok arriving at 7.30am and connect to DRC 75 departing at 8.45am for Nong Khai. It means that I would need an earlier start from Kuala Lumpur and make my own way between Padang Besar and Hat Yai. Both of which are easily doable.

Since it's not my first time in Bangkok, I decided to book myself a day room to rest and charge my electronic items for another overnight journey ahead.

Due to Bangkok's notorious traffic, I decided to look for hotel along its MRT line and found Modena by Fraser at Queen Sirikit Convention Center.



I paid 1500 THB (~44 USD) for use between 10am and 5pm.



Almost forgot my Scrabble set



With the help of Google Maps, I managed to find a local shop nearby and had a yummy bowl of yentafo (60 THB).



After checking out at 5pm, I took MRT to Thai Cultural Center and I had my dinner inside one of the malls.



Yummy crab fried rice



Thai fish cake with squid



The total bill came up to be 420 THB (~12 USD).

I walked around the mall for a bit before venturing out. There was a night market behind the mall but it was really quiet on a Monday evening.



Felt like there were more vendors than customers



Another short MRT ride brought me back to Krung Thep Aphiwat Station.

Not boarding yet



Queue has formed up


Uniquely, I got to take JR West Red Sleeper carriage which is used on Rapid 133. Unlike the other sleeper trains in Thailand where the sleeping berths are oriented in the direction of travel, those here are across the cabin instead.

Since we were leaving past dinner time, the sleepers were already set up by the time we boarded. I fall asleep in no time again.