Phuket Thailand

ancientmariner · #1 21-12-2004, 21:01

I've always been fascinated by the romance and the solitary way of traveling on a train through the country, and to have the opportunity to observe and experience the populous way of living in a culture unique to mine. And so in the coming visit to Thailand I'm considering flying to Chiang Mai, then take the northern line and travel south via train to Ayutthaya, and onto Bangkok, while staying a day or two at each stop to visit nearby attractions. Has anyone ever done such a trip and what is your advice on partaking such a journey? What is the condition like in different classes? Is it difficult for someone to travel who doesn't understand Thai? Also, has anyone ever purchased a 'Visit Thailand Rail Pass' which allows unlimited travel within 20 days?

Grateful for any information you may provide.

ancientmariner · #2 23-12-2004, 23:26

Does no one take trains anymore?

steve w · #3 24-12-2004, 00:29

train travel in thailand is both very cheap and comfortable ,you can go 1st class if you like (individual cabin) but i used to prefer 2nd as you get to meet more people.it doesn't matter about lack of thai ,the staff are used to farang.tickets are so cheap i dont think a thai rail pass would be worth it.

Whazzzup · #4 24-12-2004, 01:07

One time I took the overnight express train from Bangkok to Chiaing Mai, which was very quiet and comfortable. I arrived in Chiaing Mai as a re-born man after a few nights of heavy drinking. A second time however I booked a cheap day ticket. I sat between two train compartments on the floor with some cans of beer as I was allowed to smoke there and met lots of interesting Thai locals. I shared some beers with them and every stop one of the locals jumped out of the train to buy me more cans. It turned out to be a most entertaining journey.

ancientmariner · #5 24-12-2004, 02:30

sounds like a fun, economical, and adventurous way to travel the country as well as meeting and seeing local culture. I'll be sure to consider it when I plan for my next vacation. many thanks for the share experience and advice!

baz3338 · #6 15-08-2005, 09:40

Apologies for resurrecting an old thread, however next time I'm in LOS I'll be using the railway quite a lot. It's dirt cheap too, having been on the BKK-Kanchanaburi route (Kwai Bridge) I recall a 3hr journey costing about ฿50...

This is an excellent site for rail travel in Thailand, or just about anywhere worldwide really- http://www.seat61.com/

Give it a go ! I certainly found the Rot Fai Thai service very pleasant, and at very little cost.

floppy · #7 15-08-2005, 17:34

now thats a good idea ,,something different(think I will fit in a seat?)

mars · #8 24-08-2005, 02:03

I work on the railway and use free passes all around europe.

I've just done Czech republic, Slovakia, Hungary & Romania last week.

TIP for anyone using an internet cafe in Czech republic the @ key is (alt + v) took me ages trying to figure it out and had to ask the receptionist.

Anyway back to the subject I'll think i'll try a trip around LOS on the train next year Be diferent to flying around and i'll see a bit more of the countryside instead of inside bars etc

mars · #9 24-08-2005, 02:06

http://www.seat61.com/

Good site Baz thanks that will come in handy planning my future trips.

Now all i need is a good bar guide for when i get to my destinations.