There’s something magical about travelling by train in Thailand. It’s unhurried and deeply immersive. Shifting landscapes, from Bangkok city to paddy fields, sleepy towns, lakes, forested hills and more. It’s not just a way to get from A to B; it’s a journey in itself.
Thanks to upgraded carriages and easier online bookings, train travel has become more popular with travellers in recent years. You can even track your train in real-time with the SRT Train Tracking System—how cool is that?
These are the routes I’ve personally taken and loved:
📍 Bangkok – Hua Hin
My first ever train journey.
My grandfather loved Hua Hin so much that he built a holiday home there. We used to go every school holiday—sometimes by car, sometimes by train. I was small, and the novelty of it all fascinated me.
I remember the thrill of vendors selling ready-to-eat meals through the train windows whenever we stopped. Some even hopped aboard with baskets of grilled chicken and sticky rice, some with noodles, then jumped off at the next station. The rhythm of the train, the chatter of passengers, the scent of food—it was all part of the adventure.
The journey took us through towns, fields, and stretches of countryside. And then, Hua Hin. We’d step off at the original railway station, built in 1911 for the royal family. It was (and still is) the most beautiful train station in Thailand, with its elegant wooden structure and the regal Phramongkutklao Pavilion.
Today, trains stop at a new elevated station next door, opened in December 2023. But the old station remains a cherished landmark and a popular photo spot for visitors. From the station, you can walk to the market in less than 10 minutes or to the main beach in less than 15 minutes. Otherwise, there are usually some taxis or Songtaew nearby.
Find out more how to enjoy Hua Hin without a car here.
Tips:
- Departure: Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
- Duration: ~4 hours
📍 Bangkok – Kanchanaburi
A ride through history.
This is one of the most popular routes for tourists. The line, known as the Death Railway, was built during WWII under harrowing conditions.
The first half of the journey isn’t particularly scenic—but once the train crosses the Bridge on the River Kwai and continues toward Nam Tok, the views open up. You ride past rivers, limestone hills, and forested valleys. Tham Krasae station marks the start of the long viaduct by the cliff built by the Prisoners of War during WWII, part of the infamous Death Railway. Most tourists get off here to explore the Krasae Cave and take in the stunning view of the landscape. You can walk from the train station to the cave. The path leads you by the most beautiful part of Death Railway. Inside the cave lies a small shrine with several Buddha images. The stalactites and stalagmites hanging from the cave ceiling or rising up from the cave floor, create a spectacular sight. This site played an important role during WWII as a shelter for Allied Prisoners of War who were forced to build the Death Railway.
Read more about Kanchanaburi here.
Tips:
- Departure: Thonburi Station
- Duration: ~2.5 hours
📍 Bangkok – Chiang Mai
The mindful way north.
There are three main ways to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: by plane, car, or train. I’ve tried them all. And honestly …
Road trips can be fun—I remember my family doing one almost every year when I was young. We’d stop at temples, markets, and roadside towns. In 2025 I did it again with my sister. On the way from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, we stopped in Sukhothai for a night. On the way back, we stopped in Phitsanulok for a night. The drive was easy. Roads were in good conditioned, well-signed with places to stop to stretch our legs. (If I’m going to do it again, I would spend an extra night along each way.) But someone has to drive and doing it alone can be tiring and boring.
Flying is quick, but all the waiting at the gates, the security queues, another waiting at the luggage carousels on arrival and another waiting for a pickup, it’s not fun.
Train travel, on the other hand, lets you slow down. You can sit back, enjoy your snacks, observe the local way of life and watch the shifting landscapes. It’s travel without the stress.
The Bangkok–Chiang Mai trains are modern and surprisingly comfy. There are several departures daily, including a few overnight sleepers. While overnight train travel saves cost of accommodation, day train travel lets you take in the scenery along the way.
To get from Chiang Mai Train Station to other parts of the city you can take tuk-tuk, taxi, or Songtaew (the red pick up truck). Normally you will find them waiting nearby.
Read more about Chiang Mai here.
In November 2025, the air-conditioned luxurious Blue Jasmine Train, operated by DTH Travel, offers a nine-day Bangkok–Chiang Mai loop, with two nights on board and the rest in different provinces along the way. The excursion includes temple hopping in Ayutthaya, almsgiving in Uthai Thani, pottery in Sukhothai and an ethical elephant sanctuary visit in Chiang Mai.
Tips:
- Departure: Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
- Duration: ~11–13 hours
📍 Bangkok – Ayutthaya
A perfect day excursion from Bangkok.
Just over an hour from Bangkok, Ayutthaya makes a brilliant day trip. There are several Bangkok – Ayutthaya trains running daily. In addition to that, all northern and northeastern line trains stop here, so there are plenty of options throughout the day.
From 1 August 2026, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has launched its upgraded air-conditioned daily rail service, “SRT BANGKOK CONNEX (BNEX)”, linking Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and Ayutthaya with fares starting at 30 baht. The trains provide more comfortable seating and spacious interiors.
The Ayutthaya station is a bit of a walk from the historical park, but there are plenty of tuk-tuks waiting at the exit. Expect to pay about 100 bath for a 10 minutes’ ride to get to the historical park and most attractions in the old city. Once there, you can wander the ancient temple ruins, soak up the history, or rent a bicycle for a more relaxed pace. Here‘s more about what to see and do in Ayutthaya.
Tips:
- Departure: Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
- Duration: ~1-1.5 hours
💡 General Train Travel Tips
- Book ahead: Especially for sleeper trains, public holidays and popular routes such as the Death Railway and Ayutthaya
- Pack smart: Bring water, snacks, wet wipes and a light jacket for chilly overnight rides
- Be courteous: Keep voices low, especially at night
- Stay safe: Keep valuables in sight
For detailed schedules and bookings, visit the State Railway of Thailand or check out Thai Train Guide, a more user-friendly resource created by expat Richard Barrow.