You want to visit Thailand by train and are looking for an itinerary that allows you to discover the most beautiful places in the country. So, here are my practical tips for choosing the best itinerary, organizing your trip and making your reservations.
It's true that the train is ideal for discovering the mountains of the north, the most beautiful historic cities or the beaches of southern Thailand. Ecological, economical and practical, traveling by train in Thailand also allows you to enjoy the spectacular landscapes while immersing yourself in the local culture.
In this article, I provide you with all the information you need to organize your train trip. In addition, I also share with you the train route that allows you to visit the most beautiful places in Thailand. It is a combination of train journeys which forms an ideal tourist circuit to discover all the facets of this very touristy country.
Is it safe to travel to Thailand by train?
Train safety is the first concern you may have when planning to visit the country with this mode of transport.
However, I learned that Thailand has a safe and reliable rail system. The trains and network are well maintained, the drivers experienced and safety standards strict.
Train Thailand official website to book
It is easy to buy train tickets in Thailand. In fact, you can buy train tickets directly at train station ticket offices or in local travel agencies. You can also book directly with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) which is the official site for booking the train in Thailand.
But the most practical thing is to use the online reservation platform 12Go very easy to use because it is secure and in all languages. In addition, it allows you to compare prices, times and journey times.
The main train lines in Thailand
With its 4000 km of tracks, Thailand has one of the most extensive railway networks in Southeast Asia. The train is operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and connects the capital Bangkok to various destinations across the country.
The main train lines in Thailand are:
- The North line : This line connects Bangkok to Chiang Mai, passing through historic cities like Ayutthaya, Lop Buri and Lampang. It is in red on the map below.
- The North-East line : This line (in yellow on the map) connects Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani and Nong Khai, on the border with Laos.
- The Eastern line : This line connects Bangkok to Aranyaprathet, on the border with Cambodia. See the green line on the map.
- And the South line : This line (in purple) connects Bangkok to Padang Besar, on the border with Malaysia. It serves popular destinations like Hua Hin, Surat Thani (starting point for islands like Phuket et Koh Samui) and Hat Yai.
Thailand train map
Here is a map that allows you to identify the 4 main train lines in Thailand:
What type of train to book?
There are seven types of trains in Thailand: Express trains, special express trains, fast trains, ordinary trains, local convoy trains, commuter trains and tourist trains.
Among them, the preferred trains are the special express trains (numbers 1 to 48), the express trains (numbers 51 to 98) and the fast trains (numbers 101 to 198) which are the slowest and which offer the possibility of traveling at night by sleeper train.
Concerning the different classes, you will have the choice between:
- 3rd class carriages are equipped with seats and fans, with windows that can be opened, ideal for admiring the scenery and taking photos.
- 2nd class trains which have air conditioning and offer berths,
- And 1st class carriages with private cabins with more comfortable berths.
Train prices in Thailand
Train ticket prices in Thailand are fixed and vary depending on the class chosen and the distance traveled. For journeys between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, as well as journeys to the south of the country, berth prices are around €30, while private cabins cost around €50 per person. If you are traveling alone in a private cabin, the price can vary between €60 and €80.
The most touristy train routes in Thailand
If you want to visit Thailand by train, you will need to combine several routes to get to the main tourist sites. Here are the most popular train routes to visit Thailand:
Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in the north
The journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is one of the most popular train routes in Thailand. 751 km long, the journey takes between 11 and 14 hours depending on the type of train you choose.
Indeed, you can connect Bangkok to Chiang Mai with special express trains No. 7/8, No. 9/10 and No. 13/14, express trains No. 51/52 and trains No. 109/102.
It is recommended to choose from the 2 express trains or the 3 special express trains that connect the North Rose (Chiang Mai) to the Big Mango (Bangkok). Night trains take a little longer, but their seats transform into comfortable berths after dark.
Train from Bangkok to the Southern Islands
The islands are not accessible by train alone, but there is a combo ticket (train + bus + ferry). The train usually arrives at Surat Thani station, passengers take a bus which takes them to the pier where they take a ferry.
Train from Bangkok to Phuket
There are three trains per day from Bangkok to Surat Thani, the closest station to Phuket. The train journey takes approximately 8 hours. Then you have to take a bus which will take around 5 hours to arrive in Phuket.
Train from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi
To go by train from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi one of the most beautiful paradise islands of thailand, we leave from Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok and arrive south of Surat Thani (closest station to Koh Phi Phi). This journey takes approximately 12 hours and there are night train options. Once in Surat Thani, a bus takes you to the pier to take the ferry to Koh Phi Phi. The crossing takes approximately 4 hours between Surat Thani and Koh Phi Phi.
Train from Bangkok to the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao
From Bangkok, trains to Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani will allow you to reach the Gulf of Thailand Islands : Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
On arrival at the station, you will board a ferry for the islands.
Train from Bangkok to Pattaya
Finally, if you want to go to the famous seaside town of Pattaya from Bangkok, you can take the train. Although it is the cheapest method of transportation, it is also the slowest and prone to delays.
The journey from Bangkok to Pattaya takes approximately 2 hours and will allow you to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Thailand. Pattaya is known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches.
Train from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani in the east
For an off-the-beaten-path rail adventure, take the night train from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani. This city is located in the east of Thailand, near the borders of Laos and Cambodia. The train ride will allow you to enjoy the comfort of 2nd class and wake up in the “royal lotus city”.
Around Ubon Ratchathani, you can discover magnificent national parks and visit the city during the lantern festival which takes place in early July. This trip will allow you to discover a less touristy region of Thailand and immerse yourself in the local culture.
How long to visit Thailand by train?
My train tour is done in 2 weeks:
- Week 1 to discover Bangkok and northern Thailand including Chiang Mai
- Week 2 to enjoy the most beautiful sites in Southern Thailand (Koh Phi Phi and Krabi)
15-day Thailand train tour
Here is an idea for a train tour that allows you to visit northern Thailand in 15 days but which you can adapt to make a 3 or 4 week tour:
- Bangkok
- Kanchanaburi
- Ayutthaya
- Chiang Mai
- Phuket
- Koh Phi Phi
- Krabi
Itinerary to visit Thailand by train in 2 weeks
Days 1 to 3: Bangkok
Your flight will arrive in Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital.
You can visit the famous Grand Palace, a sacred site housing magnificent temples. Next, head to Wat Pho to admire the reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf. End the day with a boat trip on the Klongs, the canals of Bangkok, to discover another side of the city.
To visit this splendid city and its famous rooftops, I recommend that you follow my walking routes to visit Bangkok in 2 days.
If you are looking for a nice hotel, well located and with a beautiful rooftop, I recommend the Centara Grand At CentralWorld.
Day 3: From Bangkok to Kanchanaburi (Bridge over the River Kwai)
The Kanchanaburi train line is also known as the "Death Railway". This line was built during World War II under Japanese occupation by prisoners of war and forced laborers.
You will arrive in Kanchanaburi in just 5 hours. You will cross 688 bridges, including the famous steel bridge which spans the River Kwai. This bridge became famous thanks to the film “The Bridge on the River Kwai” by David Lean.
Although the trains on this line are 3rd class and a bit run down, the journey is definitely worth it.
If time permits, you can rent bikes to get out of the center a little and discover the surroundings of Kanchanaburi. The surrounding countryside and rice fields invite you to stroll, as much as the Erawan National Park. In the evening, taste the specialties by going to the Night Market.
Day 4: Return from Kanchanaburi to Bangkok
Full Day shopping in Bangkok.
Day 5: From Bangkok to Ayutthaya
On the 5th day, take the train to Ayutthaya, an ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Once you arrive, rent a bike to explore the ruins of temples and palaces that bear witness to the city's past grandeur. Don't miss Wat Mahathat, an iconic temple housing a Buddha head caught in the roots of a tree.
Return to Bangkok at the end of the day.
Days 6 to 7: Bangkok to Chiang Mai
On the 6th day, take the train to Chiang Mai, a city located in northern Thailand.
Chiang Mai is renowned for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. Explore the city's temples, such as Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Chiang Mai night market.
Here is a very good hotel with an ideal location in the center of Chiang Mai: El Barrio Lanna
Day 8: Return to Bangkok
On the 8th day, enjoy one last day in Chiang Mai and take the night train to Bangkok.
Day 9: From Bangkok to Phuket
On day 9, board the train to Phuket, Thailand's largest island, known for its sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and vibrant nightlife. Relax on idyllic beaches, explore Buddhist temples and sample fresh seafood at seaside restaurants.
Recommended hotel in Phuket: Beyond Kata
Days 10 and 11: From Phuket to Koh Phi Phi
Today you will take a ferry to Koh Phi Phi island, famous for its spectacular limestone cliffs, turquoise waters and abundant marine life. Dive into the crystal clear waters for an unforgettable snorkeling session, hike to the Phi Phi viewpoint, and savor breathtaking sunsets from Long Beach.
And if you are looking for a heavenly place to sleep in Koh Phi Phi, then here is The Cove Phi Phi
Day 12 and 13: From Koh Phi Phi to Krabi
To finish this circuit, you take the ferry from Ko Phi Phi to Krabi (2 hour crossing).
From Krabi, you can explore the iconic rock formations of Railay Beach, climb the rugged cliffs and relax in the natural hot springs. Krabi offers a perfect combination of wilderness, adventure and relaxation, giving you a complete experience of Thailand's natural wonders.
Here is a hotel well located in Krabi for a stay with your feet in the water: Villa Cha-Cha Krabi Beachfront Resort
Day 14: Return to Bangkok
On the last day, I recommend you take a flight from Krabi to Bangkok because it is the fastest transport. Otherwise, it takes 14 hours by bus.