Taking the train

Thailand actually has quite a good rail service with a fairly good network. The only problem is that some of their rolling stock is getting quite old and especially on the routes south of Bangkok, they are slow.

There are 2 departures from Nakhonsrithammarat per day

NST - BKK: dep13:00 arr04:45
NST - BKK: dep15:00 arr06:05

and

BKK - NST: dep19:30 arr10:35 (I think there is another train but not sure of the times)

For much more information on fares, routes and booking on line, see HERE

They do tend to break down here so how they can have a "fairly good system" is a wonder for me.

Yes you will get to your location, but never on time!

Snowflake wrote:They do tend to break down here so how they can have a "fairly good system" is a wonder for me.

Yes you will get to your location, but never on time!

How often have you traveled by train in Thailand "Snowflake" ?? Thailand Railway have one of the best services in the world, but since the army built the lines they are only single track which leads to short delays.

NEVER have and NEVER will... Well not true acctually...

I have been on trains, but listening to other people that has undertaken more and more rides they all come back with the same things... Rude conductors... Breaking down, High prices on all items they sell there... Uncomfortable seats..

I'm gonna jump in here ......

Snowy, you went on the Kanchanaburi train a few years ago. Actually I quite enjoy trains, even the ones here. You get a totally different perspective on the country and see things that you otherwise wouldn't see. Get a step by the door, sit down, light one up and watch life go past.

High prices on all items they sell there... Uncomfortable seats..snowy says..

Hey snowy,, this applies to all public transport not just trains..
you have flown?? yes or no?
at the airports are the prices hiked up?? yes
food ,, drinks ect... it is called supply and demand.... you have nowhere else to go to buy anything,, so they can charge the higher prices...
as for seats .. you have been on a bus?? are you telling me bus seats are comfortable?
before writting ,, try and think.
it is the system.. and i bet you have paid over the top for things when travelling.

no one likes it .. but!!!!!!
anyway as for the trains.. i agree,, when travelling by train you do see more of the counrty,, it can be pleasent.. and if you have travelled before on the train you know what to expect.. so you cater for your needs.. like bringing sandwiches, beer coke ect.. it can be fun..
does anyone know how much it is to travel to bkk.. and how long does it take?

Gold member wrote:
does anyone know how much it is to travel to bkk.. and how long does it take?

Around B750-850 2nd class sleeper. Approx 13-14 hours!

It's true, they are often late arriving in Bangkok, but that's actually a good thing. If they are on time they arrive at 6.00 am. A little early for check in a most hotels. I love train travel. It's certainly more relaxing and safer than travelling on the roads in this country, given the amount of idiots on the roads.

The Doyen of Nakhon wrote:It's certainly more relaxing and safer than travelling on the roads in this country, given the amount of idiots on the roads.

Uh, I'm in the office.

You also get all the vendors getting on at each station (prior to bed-time) and selling you fried chicken, graprao, ice cream, beer etc.. at reasonable prices (never buy from the train staff, it's expensive and low quality). I've met interesting and friendly people to talk to which helps the time to pass. The flip-down beds are far easier to sleep on than the bus seats. Sure, the train takes a long time,but it leaves earlier than the bus so you get to see some scenery along the way.
If you can't fly or drive yourself, this is the way to go.

it is good to see that some people do like travelling by train and have a good word for it..
what is the saying??
if many people are saying it is good ,, it must be ok..
it is good to hear something possitive instead of negative... i am new to the place and i would like some information and peoples thoughts.. i can see many negative attitudes on the forum.. but things seem to be changing.. thank for the good replies..