Travelling by train remains one of the most rewarding ways to experience Thailand. Beyond being affordable and practical, rail journeys offer a slower, more immersive view of the country. Sit back and enjoy the rolling countryside, coastal towns, historic landmarks, and everyday life unfolding just beyond the carriage window. With Thailand’s rail network gradually transitioning toward high-speed lines and modern rolling stock, now is an ideal time to enjoy the character and nostalgia of classic Thai train travel.
Thailand’s rail system is currently in a period of transformation. New infrastructure projects are underway, and modern trains are steadily replacing older carriages. In Bangkok, long-distance services have moved to the expansive Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, while the historic Hua Lamphong station remains preserved as a reminder of a bygone era.
Despite these changes, the charm of train travel in Thailand is very much alive. From scenic day trips to overnight sleeper services and special excursion trains, the routes below showcase some of the most memorable journeys you can take by rail. Listed in no particular order, they represent a mix of history, scenery, and unique travel experiences.
Ayutthaya: Steam train
Thailand still operates steam train excursions several times a year, offering a rare chance to experience rail travel as it once was. Among these, the journey from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is the most popular.
Steam services usually run on significant dates, including:
• 26 March (marking the opening of Thailand’s first railway)
• 28 July (to celebrate the birthday of King Rama X)
• 23 October (commemorating King Rama V)
These trains use traditional third-class carriages with openable windows, adding to the nostalgic feel. As with other special excursions, tickets go on sale around a month in advance and are in high demand.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai: Overnight sleeper train
The overnight sleeper train between Bangkok and Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most popular long-distance services. Leaving Bangkok in the evening, the journey allows passengers to fall asleep to the rhythmic movement of the train and wake up to misty mountains and forested landscapes in northern Thailand.
As night falls, attendants convert daytime seating into sleeping berths with impressive efficiency. The atmosphere on board is relaxed and sociable, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Several sleeper services operate on this route, including newer Special Express trains with modern carriages. While the latest trains offer improved comfort, all sleeper services provide a memorable experience. In second class, lower berths are larger and come with windows, making them worth the small extra cost. Women travelling alone can also opt for female-only carriages.
First-class cabins accommodate two passengers per compartment. Solo travellers who prefer privacy can pay a supplement to occupy the cabin alone.
Hua Hin to Prachuap Khiri Khan
While the Bangkok–Hua Hin route is one of Thailand’s best-known railway journeys, a quieter and more scenic option begins further south. From Hua Hin, local trains continue along the coast to Prachuap Khiri Khan, offering sea views, fishing villages, and a relaxed pace of travel.
The ordinary daytime train only costs around 20 baht and takes roughly three hours. Open windows allow passengers to fully enjoy the coastal breeze and passing scenery.
Prachuap Khiri Khan itself is an appealing stop, with a laid-back atmosphere and easy access to beaches, viewpoints, and national parks. From here, travellers can continue south toward Chumphon and the Gulf islands or return north to Hua Hin.
Kanchanaburi: Death Railway
One of Thailand’s most historically significant rail journeys runs west from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi along the infamous Death Railway. The most striking sections of the route include the Bridge on the River Kwai and the dramatic Wang Po Viaduct, where the track clings to a cliff face above the river.
This railway was constructed during the Second World War using forced labour and prisoners of war, and travelling along it today is both visually impressive and deeply sobering. The wooden trestle bridges and river views are unforgettable, but the journey also serves as a powerful reminder of the suffering endured during its construction.
While weekend tourist trains operate on this line, regular local services run daily from Bangkok Thonburi station to Nam Tok, the end of the line. Although it’s possible to return to Bangkok the same day, staying overnight in Kanchanaburi allows time to visit museums, war cemeteries, and nearby historical sites.
Lopburi: The ‘Floating Train’
One of Thailand’s most scenic rail excursions is the so-called ‘floating train’ to Pasak Chonlasit Dam in Lopburi province. Operating on selected weekends and public holidays, this special service is particularly popular during the cooler months from November to January.
The nickname comes from the section of track that crosses the dam, where water stretches out on both sides of the train, creating the illusion of travelling across the surface of the reservoir. It’s a striking and peaceful journey, especially when water levels are high.
Tickets for this excursion are typically released 30 days in advance and often sell out quickly due to strong domestic demand. Booking is available through the State Railway of Thailand’s ticketing channels or by calling their English-language helpline.
Samut Songkhram: Mae Klong Railway Market
Few train journeys anywhere in the world pass directly through the middle of a working market, but that’s exactly what happens at Mae Klong Railway Market. Long before the railway arrived, vendors were already trading along the tracks, and rather than relocate, a uniquely Thai compromise emerged.
Several times a day, as trains slowly approach, stallholders fold back awnings and umbrellas to clear the tracks, resetting everything once the train has passed. This spectacle has earned the market its Thai name, Talad Rom Hoop (Folding Umbrella Market).
Reaching Mae Klong by train is more involved than joining a tour, but it’s far more rewarding. Local trains depart from Wongwian Yai station in Bangkok, heading to Samut Sakhon (Mahachai). From there, travellers walk through a bustling market to the pier, take a short ferry crossing, and continue by train from Ban Laem to Samut Songkhram.
Good to know
For long-distance rail travel in Bangkok, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is now the city’s primary hub. When booking tickets through the State Railway of Thailand system, selecting ‘Bangkok’ may only show local services from Hua Lamphong. To view long-distance routes, choose Krung Thep Aphiwat as your departure or arrival station.
Useful Resources:
- State Railway of Thailand (SRT) official website
- SRT online ticketing platform
- Richard Barrow’s Thai Train Guide
