Train Trips In Thailand

Most people are familiar with the River Kwaigreen peaks in the backdrop give it a special
Death Railway as being Thailand's scenic rail tripfeeling, especially when experienced in the
option. However it is really the infamy of the lineatmosphere of  Lanna's cool morning air. The
that escalates this trip in the eyes of the visitor.tunnel itself claimed many lives during its
Admittedly spectacular in parts and with beautifulconstruction over a century ago and a plaque in
scenery along the Kwai Noi River to Namtok atrespect of those workers can be seen at the
the end of the line, it is but a small segment ofsouthern portal.  Many will argue the point that
the SRT system and by no means the onlyHua Hin, with its Royal waiting room, is the more
memorable sector to be found.pleasant (and certainly more photographed)
The River Kwai services leave from Thonburistation, but Doi Khun Tan, with its inaccessibility, is
station with additional services from the maina credit to the people that created it and those
Hualom-phong station during the Novemberwho currently man it. It really is only visited by
festival time. The Thonburi station affords splendidthose hiking into the National Park and for that
views of the river and is close to the Royal Bargereason alone has far fewer visitors than the Hua
sheds as well as being an architectural wonderHin version.
with its clock tower facade.Sprinter train travellers on the Chiangmai day
Whether you have an interest in railways or not,service from Bangkok will see Doi Khun Tan in
trains are still an immensely pleasurable way tothe evening twilight, which can be almost as
view the Thai countryside and are also cheap. Therewarding. The Sprinter service has become
rail fare to Nam Tok, at the end of the Kwai linepopular since its introduction, allowing train
is still only 60 baht for a one way ticket and thetravellers to see all of the countryside between
Wongwian Yai service can still be found at aroundthe two major cities during daylight. A similar
20 baht round trip.situation exists with the Surat Thani to Bangkok
On local trains and many of the long distancesprinter service where travellers are able to view
expresses, vendors still ply their wares at thethe coastal section from the south in daylight,
various stops along the line and many will bepreviously missed with only the overnight sleeper
already aware of the new Korean -manufacturedservices available. Sprinter trains, with their large
sleeper carriages available on most routes. Sleeperviewing windows and airline-style reclining seats
fares are still a real deal and more comfortableare a comfortable and affordable way to view
than ever and all first class carriages now have athe countryside. There are no traffic jams and
shower area at the end of each carriage.one isn't constantly watching for oncoming traffic!
The Korean rolling stock is but the latestThe only criticism of the international express, and
progressive foreign intervention into the Stateindeed all sleeper trains within the kingdom is the
Railway with Japanese Kawasaki train units andfact that first class sleepers have berths situated
British Rail "Sprinter" trains having upgraded theacross the car. As trains tend to rock from side
quality of train services within the last 10 years.to side, actual sleep is only usually achieved in
Of course, the whole system was German-built,second class where berths are
being a dream of King Chulalungkorn to link theconfigured lengthways along side the carriage
hinterland to Bangkok and create a united "Thai windows. The result in first class, despite the
Land" as well as fortifying links to the weakprivacy of a double cabin, is one of being shunted
border points. It has recently celebrated itsup and down the bed in a traditional railroad
operational centennial with services duplicating themanner. Check out the disembarking sleeper
original public service to Korat.passengers when you are at journey's end. The
The climb to the Korat Plateau, after the linesideupperclass travellers always seem to have that
temple views at Ayutthaya and especially Lopburi,extra jaded style to their morning arrival.
is another of the lesser-noticed scenic sectors ofFirst class berths on the E & O Express are
the system. Here the route skirts Khao Yaiconfigured correctly i.e. lengthways and the luxury
National Park and the slow ascent affordsof this service far surpasses the SRT public trains
excellent views of the lush central plainsand perhaps most other services in the world.
disappearing into the distance to be replaced byThe train is not a remnant of a bygone age, as
the comparatively flat and bare Isaan  rice bowl.are the sister trains in Europe, but a converted
For scenic mountain ascents the Doi Khun Tanversion of New Zealand's Silver Streak,
National Park has by far the best to offer. MostChristchurch to Greymouth train of the 1980's. It
travellers will see it at its best if being an earlyblends well as a replica, but the minimum $1400
riser (0600-0700) on the Express Sleeper fromfor the one way 2 night trip to and from
Bangkok to Chiangmai.Singapore is, to most, still expensive. Far easier to
The morning light hits the deep forested valleys inexperience the train on the frequent Saturday
an array of color that is difficult to find elsewherenight 5 hour dinner specials from both Bangkok
in the region and the basically uninhabited area and Singapore at $150 (6,450 baht) per head.
adds to the slow switchback trundle of the trainLook out in the local press for departure dates.
up the mountain.  The climax of the ride is theFor those looking for the alternative experience
final ascent to Doi Khun Tan station through aand not requiring E & O luxury, steam
2km tunnel, finally arriving at, in this writer'sexcursions ply the local Bangkok routes on the
opinion, the most beautiful, well kept station in theKing's Birthday and Chulalungkorn Day as well as
Kingdom. Basketed blossoms on the platform andduring the Kwai festival.