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 mindful travellers in recent years. You can even track your train in real-time with the SRT Train Tracking System—how cool is that?
Here are a few routes I’ve personally taken and loved:
📍 Bangkok – Hua Hin
My first ever train journey.
My grandfather loved Hua Hin so much, he built a holiday home there. We used to go every few months—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.
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.
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 every year when I was young. We’d stop at temples, markets, and roadside towns. But I know now that my dad must’ve been so tired driving the whole way (with three daughters chatting along the way).
Flying is quick, but all the waiting at the gate, the security queues, another waiting at the luggage carousel 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 five departures daily, including three overnight sleepers. I always recommend those—you fall asleep in Bangkok and wake up in Chiang Mai with the whole day ahead of you. There’s also a daytime express for those who want to take in the scenery.
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. All northern and northeastern line trains stop here, so there are plenty of options throughout the day. Best time to travel is the early morning so you can beat the heat and the crowds.
The station itself is a bit of a walk from the historical park, but there are plenty of tuk-tuks waiting at the exit of the station. 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.
Tips:
- Departure: Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
- Duration: ~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, 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.