Recommendations for local train travel in Thailand

Hello, this is Macchan.

Thailand, like Japan, has a wide range of domestic flights, and
you can fly to anywhere in Thailand in about an hour and a half.

However, if you have time, what you should do is travel by local train.
The journey along dilapidated railroad tracks across the countryside is sure to be peaceful and scenic.
You can enjoy your trip from the same perspective as a local.

Advantages of train travel

Although train travel is relaxing and comfortable, there is no doubt that train travel is the most time-consuming of all transportation methods.

Although it's a slower mode of transport than a long-distance bus, it's definitely a safe and interesting journey. Advantages of comparing long-distance bus and train travel are

: - You can walk around the train if you get tired


- You can stretch your legs as much as you like
- You can easily go to the toilet
- You can enjoy the changing scenery from the train window
- Traffic volume
that allows you to avoid rough roads and roads with lots of traffic , you'll find yourself at your destination while you're sleeping!
What an efficient way to travel. This is because, as the data below shows, Thailand has one of the highest death rates from traffic accidents in the world.

1st place


in traffic accident fatality rate per 100,000 population 2nd Dominican Republic 41.7 people
3rd place Thailand 38.1 people
4th place Venezuela 37.2 people
5th place Iran 34.1 people

<WHO World Health Organization research>

Bus accidents are a more familiar problem in Thailand than in Japan.
In 2017, a tragic accident occurred in which four Japanese tourists died in a minibus (Lottu) accident.

Although delays and even occasional breakdowns occur, traveling by train is safer than traveling by bus.
My impression is that buses and taxis take a lot longer than they do in Japan.

Points to note when purchasing tickets

Please purchase as early as possible before the event.

Before big events like Songkran or Loy Krathong, train tickets are sold out weeks in advance.

If you are traveling during your holiday in Thailand, please book as early as possible.

Direct reservations from Thai Railways are not possible.

Timetables and ticket fares can be found on the official website of the State Railways of Thailand (here) , but you will need to book your tickets through a travel agent (their partners usually link to their website).

About Thai train car types and seat classes

Car model

There are many different types of railway cars in Thailand, which often confuses tourists, so I'll try to sort them out.

・Special Express
→ So-called sleeper express (locomotive + passenger car).

Major routes such as Bangkok ⇔ Chiang Mai (northern line) and Bangkok ⇔ Sungai Kolok (southern line) are in service. ・Special Express Diesel Railcar
→ Diesel car-type limited express train consisting of all air-conditioned second-class seats (2 to 6 cars).
Basically, it operates during the day, but on the Northern and Southern Lines, it may also operate late at night.

・Express
→ A popular car model that connects Bangkok and local cities.

・Rapid
→ A type of vehicle that runs long distances and stops at stations where limited express trains and express trains do not stop.
The main type is a locomotive and a passenger car without air conditioning.

・Ordinary
→ Locomotive + passenger car type without air conditioner or diesel car type.
In most trains, there are only third-class cars without air conditioning, and as a general rule, Thai nationals can ride for free.
It is sometimes treated as a commuter train or a local train, but basically it is a local train that stops at every station.

seat class

First Class

First class is only available on air-conditioned sleeper trains.
It is a private room for two people and has a small washbasin. One person cannot occupy one private room, so if you want to have the private room all to yourself, you will need to purchase two seats.

Second Class

Second class is the most popular class for train travel in Thailand.

Second class tickets for night trains may sell out, so if you have a confirmed itinerary, we recommend purchasing them early. Some of the vehicles are air-conditioned and closed, but others only have a fan and the windows can be opened and closed. However, the natural air and smells are also the real pleasure of traveling. Leaving the windows open and enjoying the night breeze is sure to spice up your trip.

Third Class

Third class only offers hard seats.
Most are padded, but older counterparts with wooden seats are still in service. However, third class is sufficient for daytime travel. It's tough for long distances, but it's the best value for money when it comes to medium-distance travel. For example, for medium distances (about 1.5 hours) between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, third class would be sufficient.

Sleeper train

For those who don't like flying or who like traveling by land, sleeping trains are a must.
Unlike traveling during the day, you won't waste your precious time during the day.
You can reach your destination in the morning while saving money on hotel accommodations!

How nice! When purchasing a sleeper ticket, you can choose between the upper or lower berth.
The upper berth is a little cheaper than the lower berth, and I think it provides more privacy than the lower berth, but it
is a little narrower than the lower berth, so if you are tall, I think it would be better to choose the lower berth.

Stops at your destination are not announced publicly, so
pack your bags early.

Although it is safer than in the city, be sure not to leave valuables or cell phones unattended at your seat. I can't say that there aren't criminals out there aiming for that.

4 tips to make your train travel more enjoyable

To make your train journey in Thailand even more enjoyable! Please note the following points:

・Reserve your tickets several days in advance.
Tickets, especially for weekends and holidays, can sell out weeks in advance, especially in second class.

・Air-conditioned cars will be very cold, so please bring something to wear over your head or a blanket.

・As a general rule, smoking is not allowed on Thai trains.

Some people secretly smoke between cars, but please don't imitate them. ・Second and third class may be crowded with locals.

Please respect manners when riding, such as placing large luggage on the loading platform.

summary

It is often said that time is money, but a relaxing journey on a slow train is priceless.

Please enjoy a scenic train journey while feeling the natural air of Thailand's subtropics.