Trains

Thailand's railway network radiates star-shaped from Bangkok and offers one of the most romantic train routes in Southeast Asia. Slower than flying, but an experience in itself.

Train Stations in Bangkok

• Krung Thep Aphiwat (Bang Sue Grand Station) — Thailand's new main station. Coordinates: [13.8525, 100.5250]. All long-distance trains to the north, northeast, and south start here.
• Hua Lamphong — The historic terminus from 1916. Coordinates: [13.7381, 100.5173]. Since 2023, only used for some local trains, but architecturally worth seeing.

The Main Routes

Route	Duration	Class	Price
Bangkok → Chiang Mai	11–14h	2nd Class Seat	431 ฿ (11 €)
		2nd Class Sleeper (AC)	791 ฿ (21 €)
		1st Class Sleeper (AC)	1,453 ฿ (38 €)
Bangkok → Surat Thani	8–11h	2nd Class Sleeper	640 ฿ (17 €)
Bangkok → Nong Khai	10–12h	2nd Class Sleeper	658 ฿ (17 €)
Bangkok → Ayutthaya	1.5–2h	3rd Class	20 ฿ (0.52 €)
Bangkok → Kanchanaburi	2.5–3h	3rd Class	100 ฿ (2.60 €)

Night Train Bangkok → Chiang Mai

The classic among Thailand's train journeys. Departure in the evening at 18:00–19:30, arrival in the morning at 7:00–8:30. In the 2nd class sleeper (upper berth cheaper than lower) including freshly made beds and curtains. The dining car serves acceptable Thai food. Book in advance — especially on weekends and holidays, sold out weeks in advance!

Booking: Online via 12go.asia (surcharge ~50 ฿) or directly at the station (in person only, max. 60 days in advance).

Death Railway (Kanchanaburi)

The historic "Death Railway" over the Bridge on the River Kwai — built by prisoners of war in World War II. The route Bangkok (Thon Buri) → Nam Tok leads through jungle-covered mountains and over dramatic viaducts. The journey itself is the destination. 3rd Class: 100 ฿ (2.60 €).