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Traveling by train in Thailand: The complete guide

Although it is feasible to fly throughout Thailand in a short time, taking the train is far more enjoyable, thrilling, and cost-effective. Traveling by train in Thailand is relatively simple and convenient, and it is an excellent option for moving between large and smaller cities due to the fact that four separate train lines cover a significant portion of the nation. Bangkok, the nation’s capital, acts as the central hub for the country’s rail transportation network, which spans around 4,180 kilometers from end to end. The north line, the southern line, the eastern line, and the northeast line all converge in Bangkok . We highly recommend using the train when you’re in Thailand since it’s the finest way to take in the breathtaking scenery of this Asian nation, and it also provides an opportunity to learn about the local culture. Tourists do not only utilize trains, but they are also popular with residents since they are so inexpensive.

So traveling by train in Thailand will allow you to immerse yourself in the nation’s culture fully.

Is it safe to travel by train in Thailand?

In contrast to the situation in some other countries, where private companies hold the railway lines, the State Railway of Thailand is the only owner of all of Thailand’s railway tracks, which are all of the meter gauge kind. Because the state runs the trains and the lines, you can be confident that they adhere to the requirements set out by the standards. Travelers have said that Thailand has one of the greatest metro rail systems in the world. Not only is it a secure method of transportation, but you will also get the impression that you are safe while riding it.

The fact that no train in Thailand is capable of reaching high speeds is the most significant disadvantage of traveling by rail there. In point of fact, the average pace at which they go is 40 kilometers per hour; nevertheless, this also makes them even safer and gives you the opportunity to appreciate the scenery and the cities that they travel through without disturbance.

Where to buy tickets to travel by train in Thailand

Train travel in Thailand offers passengers a unique and exciting experience as they traverse the country. As a result of this, it is often a very well-liked pastime among tourists from both the United States and other countries. The busiest roads are those that travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and even those that go to the border with Laos. This is especially true for the issuing of renewing visas, but it is not the sole reason for the high volume of traffic along these routes.

It is a good idea to buy your tickets a few days in advance, especially if you are going to be traveling at a popular time of year, such as Thai New Year, which occurs around the middle of April each year, or during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

After deciding where you wish to go, you will be able to purchase your ticket at any of the many windows that are spread around the stations themselves. Remember to have a picture identification with you, ideally a passport, because you will be asked to validate the reservation as well as the information that is associated with the ticket.

There is also the option to order tickets over the phone by using the following numbers: 1690 022233673 , 022247788 , or 022250300 . This last choice, on the other hand, is only available to people who are already in Thailand .

If you are calling from outside of the United States, the number to use is +6622233762 .

Purchasing tickets directly from the official website of the Thailand train is an additional option worth considering. After selecting the day and the route that are of most interest to you, you will be able to pay for the ticket and then print it right at your own house.

Going to the station in person allows you to purchase tickets up to two months in advance, whereas purchasing them online only allows you to do so one month in advance. The box offices are open every day from 8:30 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon.

Remember that you may only buy tickets for journeys that start in Bangkok or Chiang Mai; this is a very significant restriction that must be adhered to.

Train in Thailand: Bangkok to Maeklong

Have you ever thought of taking one of the trains that moves the slowest in the world? Now, though, such a thing is feasible. When we talk about this line, we’re referring to the one that runs between Bangkok and Mae Klong. The tour begins in Wongwian Yai, often known as Bangkok, and it is a 2.5-hour excursion that takes travellers through both the city and the countryside.

It is precisely owing to the reason that makes this train so sluggish that its popularity has grown: it traverses the Maklong market, which is one of the most popular sites for tourists to visit while they are in Thailand. In order for the train to traverse the market that is located on both sides of the tracks, it is required to halt and go very slowly. Their speed is slowed down to the point that it is even feasible to bump hands with market merchants and customers as they go across the space.

Read More: Thailand in December: Complete Travel Guide

Train in Thailand: Bangkok to Chiang Mai

There is a journey that you should not skip if you take pleasure in viewing different kinds of scenery. Chiang Mai, located in the northern part of Thailand, is considered by many to be the spiritual centre of the Land of Smiles.

The train journey will begin in the early hours of the morning in Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station, and as it travels north, it will take passengers through the historic cities of Lopburi and Ayutthaya, as well as expansive areas of jungle. Before stepping off the train to see the magnificent temples in the north of the country, you will have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking panoramas of the interior of Thailand, which are a highlight of this route.

Train in Thailand: Bangkok to the Gulf of Thailand

What do you think of taking a train to travel to an island? Technically speaking, you won’t be able to do that, eye. But you are really close to doing so. You may take trains from Bangkok that will take you to Chumphon or Surat Thani, and these trains will take you to the coast. From the coast, it is quite simple to board a ferry that will take you to the islands.

Because of this technique, you will be able to take in breathtaking vistas both on land and at sea. You will be amazed by the views as you cruise through the beautiful turquoise waters to Ko Phaluai, Ko Pha Ngam, and other stunning islands in the Gulf of Thailand while you are on the train ride to Ko Phaluai, Ko Pha Ngam, and other stunning islands in the Gulf of Thailand. You will see sights as beautiful as Hua Hin.

Train in Thailand: Bangkok to Nong Khai

Isan is home to the lovely town of Nong Khai, which is located not far from the Laotian border. You may take a train from Bangkok to get there, and one of the things that makes it interesting is that it is one of the regions that visitors least frequent. As a result, it is perfect for going on self-exploration vacations or going on romantic trips with a significant other.

The breathtaking view of the broad green plains that reach all the way to Isan may be had from the cosiness of a train window, illuminating a particularly charming element of Thailand.

Read More: Solo Travel in Thailand: Guide & Practical Tips

Types of classes and trains in Thailand

There are several different kinds of trains that run on a regular basis in Thailand. Depending on which one you select, the speed of the train will change, it will either make more or fewer stops along the way, it will take longer to get to its destination, and you will only be able to purchase tickets for certain classes rather than others. In order to assist you in making your reservation, we have compiled a list of the various classes of trains that you will need to take into consideration. We provide you with the train numbers so that it is less of a guessing game for you to determine the service you are purchasing.

Conventional trains: Conventional trains travel at a very sluggish pace, and passengers may only ride in third-class carriages. They never travel during the night and never go more than 500 kilometers in a single direction. These trains have anything from 298 to 300 passengers on board.

Commuter trains: As their name implies, commuter trains, sometimes known simply as commuter trains, are the kind of trains that are utilised by residents travelling on suburban lines. They have numbers ranging from 301 all the way up to 398, and they are remarkably identical to regular trains.

Local trains: Local trains are similar to regular trains; however, they travel shorter distances and are denoted by the numbers 401 to 498.

Special express trains: The prices for Thailand’s Special Express Trains are the highest since these trains travel the quickest distances. These trains are able to go from one city to another with few or no stops in between, and all of them (with the exception of number 37, which travels from Bangkok to Sungai Kolok) only contain first and second class carriages. Special Express train in Thailand have numbers from 1 to 48.

Express trains: As their names imply, express trains may travel at a high rate of speed; nevertheless, they are not quite as quick as special express trains. The express trains make more stops along the way, which causes the journey to be longer; however, if you are looking to save some money, the express trains are a fantastic alternative because they are less expensive than the Special Express. Express train in Thailand have first, second and third class cars and operate numbers 51 to 98.

Trains classified as “fast” are not actually that quick. They will often stop at practically all of the stations they travel through, which can add a significant amount of time to the journey. These trains have numbers ranging from 101 to 198, and their cars are often classified as second or third class; however, they do not typically have air conditioning. These are the most frequent train in Thailand, and there are always a great number of them available.

Is an overnight train in Thailand safe?

When you are travelling in Thailand, it is possible that making advantage of the large train network that the country possesses can provide you with the most value for your money. Even though they travel at a snail’s speed, the overall service is good, and passengers’ safety is not compromised. It is essential to bear in mind that the times of arrival that are indicated in the itinerary are only estimates and not promises, particularly for journeys that cover a great distance.

High-speed train in Thailand

As you may have noted from our previous discussion of the many trains available for travel in Thailand, none of them—not even the special express trains—are very quick. The good news is that a high-speed rail network is being built in Thailand, so this will soon change. The parliament gave the network permission in 2010 to run five distinct lines out of Bangkok. The ability of the trains to travel at speeds of up to 250 km/h (156 mph) would significantly alter Thailand’s transportation options and its links to its neighbours.

Although more expensive than a regular train service, high-speed train in Thailand should be very affordable when compared to airfare. Additionally, doing it this way will give you more chances to take in the scenery as you go.

But for the time being, you will have to select one of the sluggish choices if you decide to travel by rail in Thailand. In any case, taking the train is a memorable experience that we encourage you to have. You will get the chance to become fully immersed in Thai culture, interact with the populace, and take in the scenery. Additionally, the process would be easier and safer if you purchase the tickets through websites.

Although Thailand is not a dangerous place, much like the rest of Southeast Asia, you should exercise caution whenever you go outside of your own country. Do not bring valuables with you, or at the very least, do not let them out of your sight.

If you are given the opportunity to select the bunks, it is recommended that you select the ones that are located in the centre of the car. The first and final ones are the worst since they are the noisiest, which is especially problematic when one considers the significant number of stops.

If you find yourself in one of the last berths (those that are literally close to the door), you run the risk of not being able to get any sleep due to the noise of the train braking, the lights being on, and the continuous shouting of the service personnel who are coordinating with the restart of the journey.

In conclusion, I recommend that you bring something to eat and drink with you. They do provide food, but it is either canned food that is easily accessible at any 7/11 or food that has been sitting out for many days. Despite the fact that they do serve food, the pricing is often quite high in comparison to the norms of Thailand.

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Thailand has one of the best metre-gauge rail systems in the world, taking the train is easily the best way to get around & see the country.  It's comfortable, safe, cheap, environmentally friendly, and unlike flying it's a genuine Thai experience.  Ride the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or take train+ferry or train+bus from Bangkok to Ko Samui , Phuket or Krabi .  You can travel Bangkok-Vientiane , Bangkok-Cambodia or Bangkok-Penang-Kuala Lumpur-Singapore by train, too.  The 1,200-mile journey to Singapore takes 48 hours & costs only $80/£55.  This page has schedules & fares for key train routes in Thailand and explains how to buy tickets.

Bangkok Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station now open!  The new Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station (KTW) opened on 19 January 2023 and all long-distance trains now start/terminate there instead of Bangkok's original Hualamphong station .

Timetable & fares for popular routes

Bus & ferry links, international trains & buses, other useful information, useful country information, general train travel information, how to check train times & fares.

You can check train times in Thailand at the official State Railways of Thailand website, www.railway.co.th .  Click Enter website to enter the English version and click Timetables .  Or use any of the booking systems explained here .

It can help to know that the Northern Line means the line to Chiang Mai, the Southern Line means the line south to Hua Hin, Surat Thani & Hat Yai, also the line to Kanchanaburi & the River Kwai.

To buy tickets online see here .

Map of the Thai train network

Are the trains on time.

You'll need to use buses for some routes where there are no trains, for example Phuket to Koh Samui.  There are many bus operators in Thailand, you can check times & buy tickets online for many bus, train & ferry routes throughout Thailand using 12Go.Asia or www.baolau.com .

Bangkok Airport rail link

Suvarnabhumi airport:   A modern rail link between Suvarnabhumi airport and central Bangkok opened in August 2010, see www.srtet.co.th or www.bangkokairporttrain.com .  Fast trains run about every 15 minutes 06:00-24:00 from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the City Air terminal at Makkasan (22 minutes, 35 baht) and Phaya Thai Skytrain station in the city centre (26 minutes, 45 baht).  There is interchange with the MRT (metro) at Phetchaburi station and with the Skytrain at Phaya Thai station.  It does not directly serve Bangkok's main Hualamphong station.

Don Muang airport:   State Railways of Thailand trains between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai & Nong Khai (for Vientiane in Laos) call at Don Muang station, right next to the old Bangkok Airport, about 50 minutes (22 km) from central Bangkok.  However, most long-haul flights were transferred from the original Dong Muang Bangkok Airport to the new Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport in 2006.

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How to buy train tickets online

Do you need to buy tickets in advance .

No , if all you want is a 3rd class local ticket such as Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin or Aranyaprathet as these are only sold at the station on the day.  They cannot sell out!

No , even for longer distance trains if you want to stay flexible and are prepared to risk the specific train or class you want being fully-booked.  There are often places available even on the day or a few days before, at least outside peak periods, as long as you're prepared to take an alternative train, class or date if your first choice is full.

However, sleepers on the best trains can sell out weeks ahead in the peak Thai holiday periods such as New Year (30 December to 3 January) & Songkran (Thai New Year, usually 11-16 April).  To be sure of a place, book ahead if you can.  1st class sleepers usually sell out first, as there is only one 1st class sleeping-car on those few trains which have them.  The trains with the newer Chinese-built sleeping-cars are the most popular, especially on the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route, those should ideally be booked several weeks ahead.

Yes, always book ahead if you want to be sure of a ticket in a specific class on a specific train & date for a long distance journey as Bangkok to Chiang Mai.  Booking in advance is essential at peak periods.  To buy tickets online, read the section below.

If you want tickets all the way to Kuala Lumpur & Singapore, see the advice in the Bangkok to Singapore section .

When does booking open?

Booking for most long distance journeys (for example, Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Hat Yai) opens 30 days ahead .

Booking for trips of less than 25% of a long-distance train's journey only opens 1 day ahead .

However, booking for the best Chinese-built sleeper trains now opens 90 days ahead , as of November 2023.

Booking for less than 25% of these trains' journey only opens 1 day ahead , for 25%-59% of the journey, 30 days ahead .

These Chinese-built trains are shown as CNR in booking systems, train numbers 9, 10, 23, 24, 25, 26, 31 & 32.  These trains are popular and often sell out soon after booking opens.  1st class sleepers sell out first as there's only one 1st class sleeping-car, so be prepared to accept 2nd class sleepers, which are absolutely fine.

Option 1, buy online at 12Go.Asia

You can easily order Thai train tickets online from reliable agency 12go.asia .

When to book

You must book at least 3 days ahead.  Their system shows current seat & berth availability, although they don't offer real-time online booking, their staff procure the ticket for you manually.

12go.asia will take bookings more than 30 days ahead but remember they can only buy your tickets when State Railways of Thailand open reservations, 30 days before departure.

Ticket delivery

If 12go.asia can source your tickets from SRT's online system, this produces an e-ticket which they can email you and you can board the train with it.

However, only a % of places are loaded in the online system.  When these sell out 12go use the regular SRT booking system and hard-copy tickets then need to be collected.  You can choose to collect from one of several possible collection points, at least 60 minutes before your train leaves:

(1)  Bangkok:  12go.asia 's collection counter is in the DOB building opposite Hualamphong station open 10:00-20:00 every day.  There's no added fee for collecting here.

(2)  Chiang Mai:  You can collect tickets from the 24h Bossotel hotel reception across the road from Chiang Mai station, 70 baht fee, or from the station baggage room for 150 baht fee.

(3)  Surat Thani:  You can collect tickets from the station parcels office, open 24h.

(4)  Don Muang airport:  You can collect here if heading north, open 09:00-20:30.

(5)  Nong Khai:  You can collect from the station baggage office, for a 150 baht fee.

(6)  Ayutthaya:  You can collect from the parcels office.

(7)  Bang Sue: You can collect from the parcels office for 100 baht fee, open daily 08:00-17:00.  Bang Sue junction station is adjacent to the new Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station.

Alternatively, you can choose to have tickets sent by express post to an address in Thailand (although they won't send to Thai islands after many lost tickets).  This option costs an extra 100 baht ($3).

Payment & booking fee

12go.asia charge the regular Thai Railways fare plus a pretty reasonable 250 baht ($7.50) booking fee and a small PayPal payment fee (3.4% + 11 baht).  The price they show for each train includes the 250 baht fee but not the PayPal fee.  You pay securely via PayPal, either using a credit card or your own PayPal account, or you can choose their Visa or MasterCard payment channel provided by Omise which is a bit cheaper.  There's no additional delivery fee if you collect tickets in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, and just a small ($4) fee for collection at Surat Thani.

Which trains & routes can 12go.asia sell?

Most State Railways of Thailand routes, trains & classes are loaded on the 12go.asia system, but not every class on every route between every station, so bear that in mind.  It won't sell tickets for local trains such as Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin or Aranyaprathet as you need to buy these on the day at the station.  But the most popular longer-distance trains, routes & classes are bookable online.  They can even sell the combined train+bus/ferry tickets from Bangkok to Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan & Koh Tao (although only in the outward direction in the case of Phuket & Krabi), and they can book the International Express between Bangkok and Butterworth in either direction.  12go.asia can also book buses & ferries around Thailand, and now it can also book Malaysian KTM trains too.

Tip:   If you want one whole 1st class 2-berth compartment for two people, buy two 1st class tickets, selecting one upper and one lower berth, they will then book you together in one compartment.  Make sure you select the option to book 2nd class if 1st class sleepers are full, see my advice on this here !

Feedback is always appreciated .  So far, seat61 correspondents report good & helpful service.

Option 2, buy at www.baolau.com

Option 3, order from a thai travel agency.

Alternatively, you can arrange Thai train tickets with various Thai travel agencies including www.travelconnecxion.com .  They can have tickets waiting for you at your hotel in Bangkok for a small fee.  Remember that you can't book before reservations open.

Option 4, buy from State Railways of Thailand

State Railways of Thailand has its own online booking system.  It's had a chequered history, but the current system can be found at www.dticket.railway.co.th .  It's slow to open, but it has an English version and it will accept most overseas credit cards, so you can use it to book tickets if you like.

For Bangkok, you should enter Krung Thep Aphiwat Central as your origin or destination rather than plain Bangkok if your train starts/terminates there (as most long-distance trains now do).  Trains with the latest Chinese-built sleepers are shown as Special Express CNR .

If you have any problems using SRT's D-ticket system, or if it won't accept your credit card, use www.baolau.com or 12go.asia instead.  These are quicker and easier to use, being designed for western visitors.

How to buy tickets at the station

It's easy to buy tickets yourself at the station when you get to Thailand, but remember to take your passport, as it may now be required to buy a ticket.  All long-distance express trains require a reservation, which can be made on the day of travel or up to 30 days in advance.  Reservations are computerised, and the booking office at any main station can reserve seats or berths for any journey in Thailand.  Your ticket will have the train time and your seat or berth number printed on it.  3rd class local trains such as Bangkok-Ayutthaya or Bangkok-Kanchanaburi don't require a reservation, you just turn up, buy a ticket from the ticket office and hop on.

Buying tickets at Hualamphong

Even though all long-distance trains now leave from the new Krung Thep Aphiwat Central (KTW) station 11km out of town, you can still buy tickets at the more centrally-located Hualamphong station, worth a visit in its own right.

The main ticket office are on the concourse and well organised.  TV screens above each window show what tickets each window sells.

Ticket scalping by agencies?   I've had at least one report that trains to Chiang Mai were 'full' when the traveller asked at the official booking office for a train in two days' time, but they were later directed to a travel agency on one of the upper levels inside Hualamphong station who sold them first class sleeper tickets on the train they wanted for an extra 700 baht each.  Agencies sometimes buy up blocks of tickets to re-sell, a practice known as scalping.  SRT should stop this, but in the meantime, if you find a train full it's worth asking a travel agency inside the station, if you're willing to pay the extra!  Feedback appreciated .

Busy periods

New Year (30 December to 3 January) & Songkran (Thai New Year, usually 11-16 April).   Normally there's no problem buying tickets when you get to Thailand, if you are flexible as to the exact day, train and class, although obviously if it's mission-critical that you travel on a particular train in a particular class on a particular date, you should pre-book online .  However, there are a few holiday periods when booking ahead is strongly recommended under all circumstances.  The two biggest are New Year (30 December to 3 January) and Songkran (Thai New Year, usually 11-16 April).  If you want to travel at these periods you should definitely pre-book, preferably on the very day booking opens.

Buy by phone on 1690

When in Thailand you can call State Railways of Thailand by dialling 1690 - there now seems to be no 'proper' phone number accessible from outside Thailand.  It's reported that they are very helpful and are comfortable speaking English.  You'll need to give your name, passport number and contact number.  They'll give you a 10-digit reference number to collect your ticket at the ticket office, so have pen & paper handy.  However, you must book by phone at least 5 days before travel and you have to pick up and pay for the tickets at the station within 24 hours .  Feedback appreciated .

Which station in Bangkok?   See map

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station :  From 19 January 2023, all long distance trains leave from (& arrive at) the impressive new Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station, located some 7 km north of Bangkok Hualamphong.  Normally abbreviated as KTW, this modern out-of-town airport terminal for trains can be reached from downtown Bangkok by free shuttle bus, metro or local train.  More information .

Bangkok Hualamphong station :  This is Bangkok's original station opened in 1916, located in the city centre.  Even after 19 January, some 13 local trains will continue to leave Hualamphong station.  This includes some local trains to Ayutthaya, the two daily trains to the Cambodian border at Ban Klong Luk, the trains to Pattaya and the weekend excursion train to the Bridge on the River Kwai and Nam Tok waterfall.

Thonburi station :  The two daily local trains to Kanchanaburi, the Bridge on the River Kwai & Nam Tok use the much smaller Thonburi station on the far bank of the river, also known as Bangkok Noi.  Map of Bangkok showing Hualamphong station & Thonburi (Noi) station .  Thonburi station is a 9-minute 750m walk from Bang Khun Non station on the MRT metro blue line, see walking map .  Thonburi station was formerly known as Bangkok Noi, it was the original terminus for trains to Hat Yai & Malaysia until the Rama VI Bridge opened in 1926, allowing express trains into Bangkok Hualamphong.

Wong Wian Yai station: This is the station for local trains to Samut Sakhon, better known as the Mae Khlong Market Train .

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station (KTW)

The new Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station opened on 19 January 2023 and all long-distance expresses now use it instead of Hualamphong .  Officially abbreviated as KTW , this vast new transport hub is located alongside Bang Sue junction station on the old line, 7 km north of Hualamphong station , see location map .   Krung Thep is simply Bangkok in Thai.

Overview & platforms:   The street entrance is at ground level (Level 1), use entrance gate 4 for State Railways of Thailand long-distance trains.  The trains leave from the 1st floor (Level 2), follow signs to Long distance trains .  Access to the platforms is only allowed when the train becomes ready for boarding, around 20 minutes before departure.  You'll need to listen for announcements, the departure screens show scheduled departures, but not platform numbers.

Northern & Northeastern line trains to Chiang Mai & Nong Khai leave from platforms 1 & 2 and arrive on platforms 5 & 6.  Southern line trains to Hua Hin, Surat Thani, Hat Yai & Padang Besar leave from platforms 7 & 8 and arrive on platforms 11 & 12.  The trains exit the station on a new section of elevated railway with views over the city.

Ticket office:   The station has plenty of ticket counters for State Railways of Thailand ticket sales.  You can still buy tickets at the more centrally-located Hualamphong station if you find that more convenient.

Luggage lockers:   There are left luggage lockers near the ticket office, operated using a touch screen with English language facility.  You can pay per hour or per 24 hours, reckon on around 230 baht per 24h.

Food & drink:   There are various food outlets, including burger outlets.

Toilets & showers:   There are toilets which are free to use, with baby-changing facilities.  There are also several showers which are also free to use, but you need to ask the toilet attendant to unlock one for you, you'll also need your own soap & towel.

Metro (MRT):   The red line & blue line metro (MRT) platforms are in the basement.

How to reach KTW

By free shuttle bus:  This ran for a year but has now been discontinued.  Local bus 49 links KTW with Hualamphong every 15-20 minutes 05:00-21:00, taking between 30 & 60 minutes.  The cheapest but slowest option.

By metro (MRT):   Metro trains run from Hualamphong & various other downtown MRT station to Bang Sue MRT station.  From Hualamphong, take the Blue Line to Tha Phra and change onto another Blue Line train to Bang Sue.  Trains run every few minutes, metro journey time 31 minutes, so around 50 minutes in total including walking and waiting.  Fare 43 baht.  The metro accept contactless MasterCard & Visa cards, just touch in and out at the ticket gates with a contactless card.

For Bangkok metro information see metro.bemplc.co.th

By local train from Hualamphong:   You may still want to experience a departure (or arrival) in Bangkok's classic central Hualamphong station .  Some 13 trains per day will still run the 7 km from Hualamphong to Bang Sue junction station on the original line, even after KTW opens.  The line takes you over many busy level crossings (a key reason the long-distance trains were moved out to KTW) and through the station serving Bangkok's royal palace. 

Check train times from Bangkok to Bang Sue Junction at www.railway.co.th/Station/StationList .  Fare 2 baht, buy at the station on the day, no reservation necessary.

Bang Sue junction station is across the road from the new KTW station.  On arrival at Bang Sue, walk towards the rear of the train and over the crossing at the southern end of the platform, cross the road on the nearby pedestrian crossing and you're there.  Just don't cut it fine if catching a long-distance train, these local trains can be delayed.

By taxi :  From downtown Bangkok it takes about 25 minutes and costs around 130 baht.  Ask to be dropped at Gate 4, which is the main entrance for the long distance ticket office, waiting area and food court.  Taxi fare calulator: www.worldtaximeter.com/bangkok .

Bangkok Hualamphong station

Bangkok Hualamphong is Bangkok's original central station, opened in 1916 in downtown Bangkok.  It still handles local trains to Ayutthaya, the trains to Aranyaprathet and Ban Klong Luk on the Cambodian border, and the weekend excursion train to Kanchanaburi, Bridge on the River Kwai and Nam Tok waterfall.  There are regular (roughly hourly)  departures to Ban Sue junction station, adjacent to the new Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station.

Train information counter :  In the photo above, it's on the far right-hand side of the concourse, with the white lightbox visible above it.  They can give you a simple pocket timetable in English for any of the main Thai rail lines.

Tickets for travel today:   To buy tickets for immediate travel, go to any of the ticket windows to the left of the King's picture in the concourse photo below.  In theory, the TV screens above each window say for which trains that window is selling tickets, but most screens merely say 'All trains'.

Left luggage office:   This closed during the pandemic and has not yet reopened.  Feedback appreciated .

Food & drink:   There are several food outlets and a cafe on the station, but much fewer than there were now the new KTW station has opened.  To buy supplies of drinks and snacks for the journey, there's a 'Tiffy Mart' in the far left-hand corner of the concourse towards the taxi rank.

Taxis:   The taxi rank is on the left-hand side of the station.  In the photo above, you'd head towards the King's picture then turn left.  Expect a taxi to any city centre hotel to cost around 50 baht (£1 or $1.50).  Taxi fare calculator for Bangkok .

Toilets :  The toilets are beyond the information counter in the far right-hand corner of the concourse.  They are of a reasonable standard, now free.

Luggage on Thai trains

Luggage arrangements are really simple.  You take your own luggage onto the train with you, and put it on any suitable luggage rack next to your seat or berth or inside your 1st class sleeper compartment.  It will be quite safe, although some travellers take a bike lock with them to padlock it to the rack at night, just for peace of mind.  You can put your daypack with camera, passport, and so on, in the berth alongside you at night.  A very large suitcase would simply go on the floor alongside your seat.

Luggage limits:   Officially, every passenger is allowed one big suitcase and one smaller item although this is not rigorously enforced.  Your bags won't be weighed, but in principle baggage limits are a generous 60 Kg (110 lbs) for 1st class passengers, 40 Kg (88 lbs) for 2nd class passengers and 30 Kg (66 lbs) for 3rd class passengers.

Excess baggage:   Large items in excess of the allowance such as golf clubs or additional suitcases can be carried in the baggage car if you buy a cargo ticket.  You follow exactly the same procedure as for taking a bike, see the paragraph below.

Left luggage at stations

There are left luggage offices at Bangkok Hualamphong station ( see above ), Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, Ayutthaya and most other major Thai stations where you can leave your luggage for a small fee whilst you explore the town.  The new Krung Thep Aphiwat station has left luggage lockers, see above .

Taking a bicycle or motorbike

You can take a bicycle or motorbike on most Thai trains for a small fee.  The new Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station handles bicycles, but not motorbikes.

You can't take bikes on the diesel railcar (DRC) trains, or the Chinese-built (CNR) sleeper trains which have no baggage car, or the sleeper to/from Padang Besar in Malaysia which also has no baggage car.  Nor on the on the Bangkok airport rail link.  But other Thai express trains usually have a baggage car.

First, buy your passenger ticket, either in advance or at the station on the day.  You cannot pre-book your bike, even if you pre-book your passenger ticket.

On the day of travel, go to the station with your passenger ticket, find the cargo desk and buy a cargo ticket for your bike.  The cargo desk will be a chair, a desk and a set of scales on or near the platform, the location varies and some smaller stations don't have a cargo desk.  A cargo ticket costs around 90 to 130 baht (£2.00-£2.70 or $3-$5) for a bike, but can be up to 1230 baht for a motorbike.  It's a flat fee based on where the train is going, not on where you're going, so on a train going from Bangkok to Hat Yai, the cargo price is the same to Hua Hin as to Hat Yai.  Part of the cargo ticket will be attached to your bike, the other part to your passenger ticket.  If you arrive immediately before the train departs or if there isn't a cargo desk at that station, you may be told to pay on the train. 

When the train is ready for boarding, you take you bike to the baggage car for loading.  It's a good idea to provide something to secure your bike, a couple of luggage elastics or even just some plastic string picked up from one of the vendors on the platform, don't rely on this being provided.  Ask if you can secure your bike to the inside of the baggage car yourself, which they usually allow, as otherwise they may just lean it against other cargo and it could be damaged when the train is in motion.  Some 3rd class trains don't have a baggage car, so on these you'll have to manhandle your bike into a passenger carriage and stash it in the corridor next to one of the washrooms.  Now take your seat in the train.  At your destination, go to the baggage car, show your cargo ticket and collect your bike.  There is nothing further to pay when you arrive.

Traveller David Mitchell reports on taking a bike on a train in Thailand:   "I can confirm that it is indeed possible to take bicycles on Thai trains, or at least the Bangkok to Chiang Mai route, though I’m sure it is similar for the others. You have to send the bike as cargo and it travels in the cargo/guards van.  The procedure is to buy your ticket, then locate the cargo office where they will fill out a cargo ticket.  They will attach part of the cargo ticket to the bike and part to your passenger ticket – the cost for a bike was 90 baht each way. You then have to drop off the bike in the cargo car yourself before taking your seat.  At your destination you go to the cargo car and collect the bike – you will have to show your ticket & cargo ticket before they will release it.  The cargo car sometimes gets full so it is worth turning up early to make sure that there is enough space in it to accommodate your bike."

Traveller Saibal Chatterjee took a bike from Thailand to Singapore by train:  "In April 2012 I set out to ride my bike from Chang Mai to Singapore. I managed to bike as far as Surat Thani but then fell sick due to heat & exhaustion.  So I carried on my journey towards Singapore by train.  I took the overnight Thai Railways train to Hat Yai with my bike safe in the luggage compartment. From Hat Yai I took the Malaysian Railway train to Padang Besar and on to Kuala Lumpur (same train).  I was allowed to take my bike on the Malaysian Railway train (at no extra charge). Initially I parked the bike between the space between the two toilets but the train conductor asked me to put it in the lockable luggage space on the other side of the compartment. I arrived at Kuala Lumpur station no problems.  At Kuala Lumpur station I had to talk with the station manager to be able to take my bike on the train to Singapore. After a bit of sweet talk he allowed me to take my bike on the day (chair car) train to Singapore only if I bought a first class ticket (no extra charge for bike). I boarded the train and placed my bike between the last and the second last chairs. Later the ticket checker asked me to place the bike in the generator car so that it did not cause problems for other passengers. I did place my bike in the generator car and chained it with the door handle and reached Singapore without problems.

What are Thai trains like?

Which class.

Thai trains have 3 classes, 1st, 2nd & 3rd.  1st class only exists as modern air-conditioned sleeping-cars on overnight trains.  2nd class comes in seat and sleeper versions, in air-conditioned and non-air-con varieties, and is very comfortable especially on sleeper trains and the air-conditioned express railcars.  Indeed, many experienced travellers including myself actually prefer a cosy & sociable 2nd class sleeper to a 1st class one.  Even 3rd class is surprisingly clean and acceptable by European standards, and is an enjoyable way to travel on local trains for shorter trips.  The photos below will help you decide which is best for you.  The sitting and sleeper areas of all trains are non-smoking.

Quick links:  1st class sleepers   2nd class sleepers   Restaurant cars   2nd class express railcars (DRC)    2nd class seats    3rd class seats

1st class sleepers

1st class sleeping-cars are air-conditioned with 9 lockable 2-berth compartments with washbasin opening off a side-corridor.  Clean sheets, blankets, soap & towels are provided.  There's a western-style toilet at the end of the corridor and even a shower, with hot water in the new Chinese-built cars but luke warm water in the older cars.

Berths are sold individually, so one ticket buys one bed.  Solo travellers will share with another passenger of the same gender unless they pay for two tickets.  The berths convert to a sofa for evening & morning use.  If there are 3 or 4 of you, you can book two adjacent 2-berth sleepers with an inter-connecting door (berths 1 & 2 connect with berths 3 & 4, berths 5 & 6 connect with 7 & 8, and so on).

On key routes such as Bangkok-Chiang Mai, Bangkok-Nong Khai or Bangkok-Surat Thani-Hat Yai, a steward or stewardess from the restaurant car may come round and take your food & drink order, offering you a set menu with several choices, around 180 baht for dinner and 100 baht for breakfast.  The meal will be delivered to your sleeper and if that suits you that's great, but it can be more fun and more social to go along to the restaurant car , where you'll get a wider choice - just be warned that as the attendants get commission, they have been known to deny that there's a restaurant car on the train when there is and you're free to go there if you want!

The Man in Seat 61 says :  "There's usually just one 1st class sleeping-car per train, so book early as the 1st class car often gets fully-booked several weeks ahead.  If there are two of you, select one upper berth & one lower berth when booking online to get a whole compartment to yourselves.  First-time visitors often obsess about 1st class, perhaps if I were on my honeymoon I'd go 1st class for the privacy - and the new Chinese 1st class looks very nice.  But like many experienced travellers I actually prefer the more sociable open-plan 2nd class sleepers to rattling round in a 1st class compartment, especially if I'm solo.  The 2nd class bunks have curtains for privacy at night and are fine for most travellers, even families with children.  So don't feel you have to go 1st class.  You really don't!"

High-quality 1st class sleepers on trains 9, 10, 23, 24, 25, 26, 31, 32

High-quality 1st class sleeping-cars built in China entered service in November 2016 between Bangkok & Chiang Mai on trains 9 & 10 and Bangkok & Ubon Ratchathani on trains 23 & 24.  These were joined in December by trains 25 & 25 between Bangkok & Nong Khai (for Vientiane) and trains 31 & 32 between Bangkok & Hat Yai.  Their layout is similar to the regular Thai type, with nine 2-berth compartments with washbasin opening off a side corridor.  They feature TV information screens and power sockets for laptops & mobiles.  There are toilets and a hot shower at the end of the corridor.  A slightly higher fare is charged for travel in these new cars.  See the video here or this article here .

1st class sleepers other trains

If your train has a 1st class sleeper, it will be of this regular Thai type, unless it one of the trains which have been equipped with new Chinese-built sleepers (trains 9, 10, 23, 24, 25, 26, 31, 32), or trains 51 & 52 which use a second-hand Japanese sleeping-car as shown in the next section.  These cars have nine lockable 2-berth compartments opening off a side corridor.  There are toilets are at the end of the corridor, along with a cold but still very welcome shower.

Japanese 1st class sleeper on trains 51, 52.

Train 51/52 between Bangkok & Chiang Mai is an exception.  It has an ex-Japanese 1st class sleeper, which uniquely for Thailand has single-berth compartments, see the photos below.  There are no 2-berth compartments on this train, but pairs of adjacent single-berth compartments have a connecting door, so berth 1 can be connected to berth 2, berth 3 to berth 4, and so on.  Incidentally, until 10 November 2016, these cars were used on train 13/14, but from 11 November 2016 they are reassigned to train 51/52.

2nd class sleepers

Most western visitors use 2nd class sleepers, which are comfortable, safe and great fun.  Berths are not in compartments, but are arranged 'open plan' either side of a central aisle.  During the evening and morning part of the journey, seats are arranged in cosy face-to-face pairs on each side of the aisle, see the photos below.  At night, the attendant makes up the sleeping berths by pulling together each pair of seats to form a lower berth, and folding an upper berth out from the wall above.  He then arranges a mattress, pillow and fresh clean bedding on each berth, and hooks up the curtains on each bunk for privacy - see him do this in the video below !

Luggage goes on the overhead racks or under the seats, or on the floor next to your seats.  Some people bring a bike lock to chain it up for peace of mind, but you'd normally take daypacks with any valuables into the berth with you.

2nd class sleepers come in both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned varieties, the air-con ones are usually cleaner and more modern, but the non-a/c ones have windows which open, better for taking photographs of the scenery.  The fare for an upper berth is a fraction cheaper, but the upper bunks tend to be narrower.  There's plenty of luggage room, take a bike lock if you want to chain up your luggage for peace of mind.  Security is not a problem, it's a great way to travel which saves time even compared to flying, and saves a hotel bill too.  Upper berths are fine for anyone up to 6' 2" tall, if you're taller than that you should choose a lower berth as these are significantly wider, allowing tall people to sleep comfortably on the diagonal.  On key routes such as Bangkok-Chiang Mai, Bangkok-Nong Khai or Bangkok-Surat Thani-Hat Yai, a steward or stewardess from the restaurant car may come round and take your food or drink order, offering you a set menu with several choices, around 180 baht for dinner and 100 baht for breakfast.  The meal will be delivered to your seat, and if that suits you that's great, but it can be more fun and more social to go along to the restaurant car , where you'll get a wider choice - just be warned that as the attendants get commission, they have been known to deny that there's a restaurant car on the train when there is and you're free to go there if you want!

The Man in Seat 61 says :  "The 2nd class sleepers are the best choice for most western travellers, and in fact I actually prefer them to the first class variety, especially if I'm travelling solo, and I'm not the only one who does!  The air-conditioned sleepers are more comfortable and usually newer and cleaner, but the non-air-con ones have windows which open, better for viewing the countryside and taking photographs on the daylight parts of the trip."

High-quality 2nd class sleepers on trains 9, 10, 23, 24, 25, 26, 31, 32

New high-quality Chinese-built sleepers came into service on trains 9 & 10 between Bangkok & Chiang Mai, and trains 23 & 24 between Bangkok & Ubon Ratchathani starting 11 November 2016.  These were joined on 2 December by trains 25 & 26 between Bangkok & Nong Khai (for Vientiane) and trains 31 & 32 between Bangkok & Hat Yai.  The layout of these cars is essentially the same as the previous most-modern type shown below.  See the video here .  The trains that use these modern sleepers are popular, so if you want one you should book several weeks ahead, especially on the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route.

Modern air-con 2nd class sleepers

These modern air-conditioned sleepers now operate on trains 13/14 between Bangkok & Chiang Mai and trains 45/46 between Bangkok & Padang Besar, amongst others.  There is a washing area with two sinks and western & squat toilets at the end of the coach.  Soap & toilet paper are provided.  At night, upper & lower berths fold out, each with curtains for privacy.

Watch the video:  Making up the beds

Older air-con sleepers.

These older air-conditioned sleepers operate on train 69/70 between Bangkok & Nong Khai, and on many other overnight express trains in Thailand.  The layout is the same as the newer type shown above.

Non-air-con 2nd class sleepers

These are older and a bit grubbier, but the fare is a fraction cheaper and some people prefer the ability to open a window, for example to take photographs.  There are fans on the ceiling, and window shutters to keep out the sun as well as glass panes.  Not sure about that green, though.

Restaurant cars

All the most important trains have a restaurant car, including trains 9, 10, 13, 14 Bangkok-Chiang Mai, trains 35 & 36 Bangkok-Hat Yai, trains 84 & 85 Bangkok-Surat Thani, trains 69 & 70 Bangkok-Nong Khai.  Some restaurant cars are air-conditioned like the one shown below, including those on all the Chinese-built sleeper trains.  Others are non-air-con, with opening windows such as the restaurant car on Bangkok-Chiang Mai sleeper train 13/14.

The food is remarkably cheap and good, a set meal costs around 150-200 baht (£3-£4 or $5-$6) and you choose from a leaflet with pictures & English captions.  Beer is unfortunately no longer available since 2014.

A restaurant car attendant usually walks through the train with a menu card showing pictures & English captions.  They will take meal orders and serve you at you seat if you prefer.  You may find this more convenient, but its more fun & sociable to go to the restaurant car.  Click here for sample menu & food photos .

One traveller reports "We particularly enjoyed the restaurant car, the food was better than expected and they switched on the disco lights and 70's bogie music after the sun went down!"

Food & drink vendors :  On almost all Thai trains, even 3rd class ones, you'll find vendors selling fruit & soft drinks.  Obviously, you can bring your own food and drink if you like, bought at the station or nearby supermarket.

Alcohol:   Sipping a beer on a Thai train  has always been one of the pleasures of train travel, but sale and consumption of alcohol has been banned from July 2014 as a knee-jerk reaction to a specific incident.  Restaurant cars therefore no longer sell beer.

2nd class seats

Special express drc (diesel rail car ).

The air-conditioned express diesel railcars (DRC) are an excellent option for daytime travel on routes such as Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Bangkok to Hua Hin, Chumphon & Surat Thani.  These air-conditioned trains were built by Daewoo in the mid 1990s and have comfortable 2nd class reclining seats, half of the seats in a car facing forwards and the other half backwards.  There is a hostess service of a light meal, coffee & soft drinks included in the fare.  The pre-packed rice-based lunch isn't hugely substantial, so feel free to take some other supplies with you if you're hungry.  Relax and enjoy the journey as the scenery rolls by.

2nd class seats on express trains

A pleasant and comfortable way to travel for long-distance daytime journeys, although slower than the express railcars.  There are both air-conditioned and non-air-con varieties.  The advantage of the non-air-con coaches is the open windows and unrestricted views, a breeze wafting in as the train clickety-clacks through the Thai countryside.  Each pair of seats can be rotated, seats are normally turned to face forwards.  Photos courtesy of Graeme Thorley .

3rd class seats

In spite of its name, 3rd class is a perfectly good option for short trips such as Bangkok to Kanchanaburi or Ayutthaya, as it's generally clean, not usually crowded outside the commuter peaks, unbelievably cheap, and sitting next to an open window as the train clickety-clacks through the countryside is a very pleasant experience.  Although, 2nd class would be better for long trips such as Bangkok to Nong Khai or Chiang Mai.  3rd class usually has padded seats, but some older carriages have wooden seats.  It's normally non-air-con, but air-con 3rd class exists on a few long distance routes.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai

It's Thailand's most popular train route.  Travelling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by sleeper is effectively faster than flying, far less stressful, far more fun, better for the environment and it saves you a hotel bill, too.  Think you don't see much from a night train?  The scenery on the last third of the trip up into the mountains approaching Chiang Mai is particularly good, and even on the sleeper, watching the sunrise from the train in the morning is wonderful.  The new Chinese-built high-quality sleepers on trains 9 & 10 are excellent, and of course, the sleeper train itself is the scenery, a real Thai train with a chance to meet Thai people.

*  Train 9/10 is the best train to take as it uses new high-quality Chinese-built sleeping-cars & restaurant car introduced in 2016 .

**  Train 13/14 is the next-best sleeper train using the next most modern cars, northbound it passes the best scenery near Chiang Mai in daylight.  It also has a non-air-conditioned restaurant car with opening windows, ideal for photography.

*** Train 7/8 is the best daytime option, the air-conditioned express railcar .

Train classes:

1 = 1st class sleepers .  S = 2nd class sleepers (air-conditioned) .  s = 2nd class sleepers (non-air-con) .  2 = 2nd class seats .  R = Restaurant car .

3 = 3rd class seats .  DRC = Diesel Railcar express with 2nd class air-con seats, meals included , but no sleepers so not recommended for overnight journeys).

How to buy tickets    What are Thai trains like?    Map of train routes in SE Asia    Luggage & bikes    Recommended hotels in Chiang Mai & Bangkok

Fares are in Thai baht.  £1 = 44 baht.  €1 = 35 baht.  $1 = 33 baht.

Children aged 0 to 3 and less than 100cm in height travel free, children aged 4 to 11 and under 150cm travel at reduced fare, children 12 years old and upwards (or over 150cm high) pay full fare.

Bangkok to Nong Khai for Laos

Here are trains between Bangkok & Nong Khai, near the border with Laos.  If you're travelling into Laos, see the Laos page for information on the new Bangkok-Vientiane train service & on local transport across the Friendship Bridge between Nong Khai & Vientiane.

1 = 1st class sleepers .  S = 2nd class sleepers (air-con) .  s = 2nd class sleepers (non-air-con) .  2 = 2nd class seats .  3 = 3rd class seats .  R = Restaurant car .  DRC = Diesel Railcar express with 2nd class air-conditioned seats, meals included (no sleepers).

* Recommended daytime train, air-con express diesel railcar.

** Recommended train, high-quality sleeper train with modern Chinese-built sleeping-cars introduced in December 2016 .

A train connection to Vientiane in Laos opened in 2009:  The railway was extended across the Friendship Bridge to a new station at Thanaleng on the Laos side of the Friendship Bridge some 13 km from downtown Vientiane.  Two daily local shuttle trains link Nong Khai with Thanaleng in each direction, one of them providing a connection with train 69/70 to/from Bangkok.  See the Laos page for travel between Bangkok & Vientiane .

How to buy train tickets online    Buying tickets at the station     What are Thai trains like?     Map of train routes in SE Asia      Luggage & bikes     Hotels in Thailand

Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani

1 = 1st class sleepers .  S = 2nd class air-con sleepers .  s = 2nd class sleepers (non-air-con) .  2 = 2nd class seats . 

3 = 3rd class seats .  R = Restaurant car .  DRC = Diesel Railcar express with 2nd class air-conditioned seats, meals included (no sleepers).

* Recommended train for daytime travel, air-con express diesel railcar.  Train 71/71 is an older railcar which also has 3rd class non-a/c seats.

** Recommended overnight train, train 23/24 uses new high-quality Chinese-built 1st & 2nd class air-con sleepers , introduced November 2016.

How to buy train tickets online    Buying tickets at the station     What are Thai trains like?     Map of train routes in SE Asia    Luggage & bikes     Hotels in Thailand

Fares are in Thai baht.  £1 = 44 baht.   €1 = 35 baht.  $1 = 33 baht.

Traveller Ian Craven from Sydney reports :  I recently travelled on the State Railways of Thailand on the Bangkok-Ubon run.  We took daytime train 21, the express diesel rail car, in 2nd class air conditioned seats.  We easily bought tickets the day before from a Bangkok travel agent for a very reasonable commission, about 50 baht.  The train consisted of only three cars, and predictably we were the only farang on board.  Train left just 5 minutes late, at 0550, and took at least an hour to get out of the suburbs of Bangkok, with the country eventually giving way to rice paddies as far as the eye can see; the train then climbs through some low hilly country with mainly teak plantations and orchards, and eventually gives way to a vast plain, again with rice predominate, along with sugar and banana’s, and all kinds of towns and villages, large and small.  The seating was very comfortable, the air con just right (not too cold which is often the case), and the service impeccable.  Despite a rather gruff visage, the conductor was in fact a very amiable fat controller, turned out in an immaculately pressed uniform.  The train even features a 'trolley dolly', who serves breakfast (croissant & sweet bun), water, orange juice, tea and coffee (why is railway coffee uniformly bad everywhere in the world?!) and lunch (like an airline pack featuring a small chicken curry and rice, and some kind of putrid fish that even the locals were poking at with disdain!).  All this comes included in the price of the ticket.  Train arrived in Ubon dead on time at 1410, despite some unscheduled stops along the way to let off passengers.  While it is certainly not one of the great train journeys of the world, it is not overly long and provides some excellent views of Thai rural life, and is a cheap, efficient and very effective way to get to the southern Lao PDR frontier.  I would highly recommend it to anyone. The international bus from Ubon-Pakse runs twice daily, about 3 hours, 200 baht.

Bangkok to the Cambodian border

Ban Klong Luk is located at the Cambodian border, just metres from the border post.  Trains only used to run as far as Aranyaprathet, 255 km from Bangkok and 6 km from the Cambodian border, but were extended to Ban Klong Luk in July 2019, just 200m from the Thai border post.  You can now walk through the Thai & Cambodian border posts into Poiphet on the Cambodian side from where buses run to Siem Reap & Phnom Penh.  See the Cambodia page for information about the journey from Bangkok to Siem Reap (for the Angkor Wat temples) & Phnom Penh, and about onwards bus transport to Saigon in Vietnam.  Trains 275-280 have 3rd class seats , but Thai 3rd class is clean and comfortable, a very pleasant way to travel with vendors selling food & soft drinks.  Train 279/280 is a diesel railcar.  Train 275/276 is a locomotive & coaches.  These trains continue to use Bangkok Hualamphong station.

Children aged 0 to 3 and less than 100cm in height travel free, children aged 4 to 11 and under 150cm travel at half fare, children 12 years old and upwards (or over 150cm high) pay full fare.

Bangkok to Kanchanaburi

The best way to reach Kanchanaburi & the Bridge on the River Kwai is by train, using the infamous Death Railway itself, for just 100 baht (£2 or $3), see the Bridge on the River Kwai page for details .

There is also a special railcar (2nd & 3rd class air-conditioned) for tourists at weekends, leaving Hualamphong station at 06:30 for Kanchanaburi at 09:25, Nam Tok 11:30, returning from Nam Tok at 14:40 and Kan'buri at 16:55 arriving Bangkok 19:30.  Special fares apply, reservation required, see the Bridge on the River Kwai page for details .

Bangkok to Sukhothai

Sukhothai has no rail station, but you can take a comfortable train from Bangkok to Phitsanulok on the Bangkok-Chiang Mai main line, which is about 59 km from Sukhothai by bus.  This train/bus combo avoids a nightmare 7 hours on a bus from Bangkok.  The 08:30 or 11:50 DRC express railcars from Bangkok would be a good choice to reach Phitsanulok, see here for train times .  On arrival by train at Phitsanulok, simply ask one of the tuk-tuk taxis waiting outside the station to take you to the nearby bus station.

Buses leave Phitsanulok for Sukhothai frequently between 07:00 and 19:00, fare around 40 baht or so, journey time 1 hour.

One-time capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom, the UNESCO-designated ruins are 12 km outside Sukhothai town, easily reached by local transport.

Bangkok to Chiang Rai

To reach Chiang Rai, first take a train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, see above for train times . 

Ordinary (non-air-con) buses leave Chiang Mai Arcade bus station every hour or two from 06:00 to 17:30, journey time 3 hours 50 minutes, fare around 60 baht. 

Air-conditioned buses also leave from Chiang Mai Arcade bus station every hour or so from 07:00 to 17:00, journey time 3 hours 10 minutes, fare 102 baht.

Bangkok to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is the UNESCO-listed ancient capital of Siam, with impressive ruins and temples.  It's a great day trip from Bangkok, or you can stop off on your way between Bangkok & Chiang Mai.  The start of the UNESCO-listed area is some 3.5 km from Ayutthaya station, a 44-minute walk or short hop by tuk-tuk, see map .

Option 1, by local train

There are a range of local trains from the conveniently-located Bangkok Hualamphong station to Ayutthaya with basic but clean 3rd class seats, taking a leisurely 1h45 for the 71 km (44 miles).  No reservation is necessary, just turn up, buy a ticket at the station and hop on.  3rd class isn't crowded outside peak times, as a day tripper from Bangkok you'll be going in the opposite direction from commuter crowds in any case.  It's a pleasant way to get there, sitting next to an open window with a cool breeze blowing in, as the train clickety-clacks along.

To check these train times, go to See www.railway.co.th and look for Timetables .

Option 2, by express train

You can also travel between Bangkok & Ayutthaya by express train.  These are faster (typically 1 hour), more comfortable and you get a reserved seat.  On the downside, all express trains now leave from the less-convenient Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station 7 km north of Hualamphong, and tickets need to be pre-booked. 

Book online at www.baolau.com with instant confirmation,  You print your own ticket and can board the train with the printout.

You must book at least the day before.  On the day of travel, tickets aren't sold online, only at stations.

Booking for most trains opens 30 days ahead, but there are a few long-distance express trains (including express air-con railcar SP7 on its way to Chiang Mai) for which short-hop tickets such as Bangkok to Ayutthaya are only sold the day before, to avoid short-hop passengers using up long-distance places.

Using www.baolau.com you'll see that each train number is preceded by RP (rapid), EX (express) or SP (special express).  The Bangkok-Ayutthaya fare on a rapid (RP) train is 20 baht in non-a/c 3rd class, 61 baht in non-a/c 2nd class.

Fares for EX & SP trains are significantly higher because they carry an express surcharge and they may have air-con cars or sleepers with higher fares.  A non-a/c 2nd class seat on a rapid (RP) train is a good choice if the timings suit you, the cars have opening windows making it a pleasant option.

Incidentally, if you're returning from Ayutthaya to Bangkok in the afternoon, the long gap in 3rd class local trains between lunchtime and early evening may make a seat on an express train look a good option - and it might well be!  Just remember that whilst the 18:48 local train might be more or less on time, a late afternoon express train coming from way up country could be an hour late by the time it reaches Ayutthaya.  Not a reason not to book it, but bear that in mind when deciding between the 18:48 3rd class local train or the 16:37 Rapid - though I reckon the 16:37 rapid still usually gets to Bangkok first!

Stopping off on the way to Chiang Mai

All trains between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Nong Khai & Ubon Ratchathai stop at Ayutthaya.  It's easiest to use the 3rd class local trains for the Bangkok-Ayutthaya section rather than booking a seat on an express, the local trains are cheaper, more frequent and no reservation is necessary.  Then see the Chiang Mai or Nong Khai timetable above for express train times Ayutthaya-Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya-Nong Khai.  Ayutthaya has a left luggage office (on the platform, marked 'Cloak Room') where you can stash your bags for a 10 baht fee between trains.

Bangkok to Samut Songkhram

The Market Train:   You may have heard of a little train near Bangkok that runs right through the middle of a market.  This is the Bangkok - Mahachai - Mae Khlong Line, which runs within inches of the market stalls approaching its terminus at Samut Songkhram, some 70 km (45 miles) from Bangkok and known locally as Mae Khlong after the river on which it is situated.  In fact, it's not one rail line but two, separated by a ferry across the Tha Chin river in the middle.  These two lines are part of the State Railways of Thailand, but were originally built in 1905 as private lines and they are not physically linked to the rest of the network.  A trip to Mae Khlong makes an interesting trip from Bangkok if you've a day spare.  Watch this video to see the train pass through a busy market, when the train passes the market traders replace their canopies and you'd never know a train track was there.

Bangkok ► Mae Khlong Market

Step1, first take a little silver diesel railcar from Bangkok's Wong Wian Yai station to Samut Sakhon, known locally as Mahachai.

Bangkok's Wong Wian Yai station is located on the west side of the Bangkok river, a 20 minute walk from the BTS Skytrain station at Wangwan Yai, see map of Bangkok showing stations .

Trains run from Bangkok Wong Wian Yai to Mahachai roughly every hour from 05:30 until 20:10, journey time around 59 minutes, usually 3rd class only, fare 10 baht, distance 31.2 km (19 miles).

Most trains are non-air-conditioned with opening windows (better for photography), but you'll also find some 2nd class air-con cars on the 07:00 & 10:40 departures from Bangkok, plus a couple of later trains, with fare 25 baht.

Step 2, you then cross the Tha Chin river by ferry to Ban Laem, 3 baht.  The ferry takes just a few minutes.

Step 3, on the other side, four trains a day run from Ban Laem to Mae Khlong (Samut Songkhram), departing 07:30, 10:10, 13:30, 16:40, journey time 1 hour, fare 10 baht, distance 33.6 km.

Mae Khlong Market ► Bangkok

Step 1, trains leave Mae Khlong (Samut Songkhram) at 06:20, 09:00, 11:30, 15:30 taking 1 hour to Ban Laem, 10 baht.

Step 2, cross the river by ferry from Ban Laem to Samut Sakhon (Mahachai), 3 baht, the crossing takes just a few minutes.

Step 3, trains return from Samut Sakhon (Mahachai) to Bangkok every hour from 04:30 to 19:00, journey time 59 minutes, fare 10 baht.

For more information, photos and a video, see www.nomadicnotes.comk .  The trip makes an interesting excursion from Bangkok.

Bangkok to Southern Thailand

There are plenty of good air-conditioned trains from Bangkok to Hua Hin, Chumphon, Surat Thani & Hat Yai, with connections by ferry or bus to Thailand's popular beaches and islands such as Phuket , Krabi or Ko Samui .

You can also travel to Malaysia & Singapore this way, by train from Bangkok to Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, see the Bangkok to Malaysia & Singapore page .  This takes you along the west coast main line route. 

Alternatively, you can take a train to Sungai Kolok on the eastern end of the frontier with Malaysia.  You can walk across the frontier and get a bus a few miles on to Kota Bharu.  The railway station for Kota Bharu is Wakaf Bahru (3 miles or so from Kota Bharu), from where there are daily trains to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur via the scenic Jungle Line , see the Malaysia page .  This route forms an interesting alternative to the usual mainline route via Padang Besar, although you need to be aware of the security concerns around Sungai Kolok at the eastern end of the Thai/Malay border.

Bus/ferry connections to:  Phuket    Krabi    Ko Samui & Ko Phangan    Ko Tao

The timetable below starts 15 December 2023, many trains are speeded up thanks to completion of the double-tracking project.

* Malaysian time is one hour ahead of Thai time, times shown here for Padang Besar & Butterworth are Malaysian time.  Be warned that State Railways of Thailand timetables usually show Padang Besar times in Thai time!

To/from Butterworth, you change trains at Padang Besar, hence the Butterworth time is in italics & (brackets).

1 = 1st class sleepers .  S = 2nd class sleepers (air-conditioned) .  s = 2nd class sleepers (non-air-con) . 

2 = 2nd class seats .  3 = 3rd class seats .   R = Restaurant car .

DRC = Diesel Railcar express with 2nd class air-conditioned seats , meals included, but no sleepers so not recommended for overnight journeys.

* Recommended trains - express railcar by day, air-con sleepers by night.  Train 31/32 uses high-quality Chinese-built sleeping-cars introduced December 2016

** Useful 3rd class train between Bangkok Hualamphong & Hua Hin. No reservation needed, cannot sell out, buy a ticket on the day and hop on!

*** Only two 2nd class sleeping-cars run all the way to/from Butterworth, the rest of the train only runs Bangkok-Hat Yai.

How to buy train tickets online    Buying tickets at the station      What are Thai trains like?     Map of train routes in SE Asia      Luggage & bikes      Hotels in Thailand

Fares are in Thai baht.  £1 = 44 baht.   €1 = 39 baht.  $1 = 33 baht.

Security warnings in Southern Thailand:   You may be aware of the security warnings for southern Thailand.  These primarily apply to the eastern end of the Malaysia-Thailand border around Yala & Sungai Kolok, where there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time if you were to hang around.  Bombs have gone off outside bars and police stations in Yala and Sungai Kolok, and the eastern Sungai Kolok-Yala-Hat Yai rail line has been affected on a number of occasions, so use this route with extreme care if at all.  However, the Bangkok-Hat Yai-Penang-Kuala Lumpur-Singapore main line passes through the border at the western end which isn't as badly affected.  Although I must make it clear that I'm no security expert, there are unlikely to be any problems simply passing through a small part of the less-affected area non-stop on board a train via the Singapore-KL-Penang-Hat Yai-Bangkok main rail line via Padang Besar.  Although travellers should always take advice and be aware of the current situation.  I certainly don't claim to provide current security advice!

Bangkok to Ko Tao

Option 1, via lomprayah ferry.

Book a comfy train from Bangkok to Chumphon, stay overnight - Chumphon station is in the town centre.  Next day, a Lomprayah minivan leaves from outside the station for the 26 km drive to the Lomprayah pier for the Lomprayah's fast catamaran to Ko Tao.

1 = 1st class sleepers .  S = 2nd class sleepers (air-conditioned) .  s = 2nd class sleepers (non-air-con) .  2 = 2nd class seats .   3 = 3rd class seats .

R = Restaurant car .  DRC = Diesel Railcar express with 2nd class air-conditioned seats, meals included .

The train can run an hour or two late, these schedules allow for that.  The minivan+ferry is run by www.lomprayah.com .

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets, option 2, via surat thani.

The train-ferry connections actually work just as well via Surat Thani & Ko Samui, though it's a long way round.  See the section below .

Bangkok to Ko Samui & Ko Phangan

It's easy to travel from Bangkok to Ko Samui, Ko Phangan or Ko Tao, using a train to Surat Thani then a combined minivan+ferry service operated by Lomprayah.  It's the safe, comfortable & environmentally-friendly way to travel, much better than cramped buses or short-haul flights.  The overnight sleeper option takes no more time out of your holiday than flying and is a lot more fun, and far more of an experience.  Simply take a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani.  On arrival at Surat Thani railway station (located at Phun Phin, 14 km from Surat Thani town centre), shuttle buses meet the train and take you to the Don Sak ferry terminal 60 km east of Surat Thani.  You then take the fast ferry from Don Sak to Ko Samui, Ko Phangan & Ko Tao.  Here is the recommended timetable.

The train can run an hour or two late, these schedules allow for that.  Have breakfast in Surat Thani!  The minivan+ferry is run by www.lomprayah.com .

Option 2, via Seatrans Ferry

The train can run an hour or two late, these schedules allow for that.  Have breakfast in Surat Thani!  The minivan+ferry is run by www.seatranferry.com .

Bangkok to Phuket

Taking train+bus from Bangkok to Phuket is the comfortable & environmentally-friendly way to go, avoiding a gruelling 14-16 hour overnight bus journey in a cramped bus seat or an unnecessary short-haul flight.  You simply take the comfy overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, and next morning hop on an air-conditioned bus from Surat Thani to Phuket taking around 4h30.

Bangkok  ► Phuket

Step 1, travel from Bangkok to Surat Thani by air-conditioned sleeper train.

Book any train you like, for example train 85 leaving Bangkok KTW at 19:50 & arriving Surat Thani at 05:34, with comfortable 1st & 2nd class air-conditioned sleepers, see the train timetable above .

Step 2, travel from Surat Thani to Phuket by an air-conditioned minivan.

On arrival in Surat Thani, walk out of the station, turn left and look for the Phantip Travel office across the road, see map showing office . 

They will arrange for you to be picked up from the station and taken to their main office in Surat Thani Town some 14 km away.

A Phantip Travel minivan leaves from outside their Surat Thani Town office every hour from 09:00 to 17:00, journey time 4h30.  It arrives at Phuket bus terminal 1, but they may be able to arrange drop-off at major hotels, feedback appreciated .  The Phantip Travel website is www.phantiptravel.com .

Phuket  ► Bangkok

Step 1, travel from Phuket to Surat Thani by an air-conditioned minivan.

A Phantip Travel minivan leaves from Phuket bus terminal 1 every hour from 07:00 to 15:00, journey time 4h30.

The minivan arrives at the main Phantip office in Surat Thani town, they should be able to arrange the transfer from Surat Thani town to Surat Thani station, about 14 km, or take a local taxi or tuk-tuk.

Allow plenty of time to catch your train, for example I'd leave Phuket on the 11:00 or 12:00 minivan departure to connect with train 86, or the 13:00 or 14:00 minivan departure to connect with train 84.  The Phantip Travel website is www.phantiptravel.com .

Step 2, travel from Surat Thani to Bangkok by air-conditioned sleeper train.

Book any train that suits you, for example train 86 leaving Surat Thani at 19:40 & arriving Bangkok KTW at 05:30, or train 84 leaving Surat Thani at 20:45 & arriving Bangkok KTW at 06:30, both with comfortable 1st & 2nd class air-conditioned sleepers, see the train timetable above .

Bangkok to Krabi

Krabi hasn't got a railway station, but it's easy to get there using a comfortable train to Surat Thani then an air-conditioned bus for the last leg.  Using the overnight sleeper train from Bangkok, the train+bus to Krabi takes no more time out of your holiday than flying, but is a lot more interesting, cheaper, and far more environmentally friendly.  You're likely to find a number of buses to Krabi waiting at Surat Thani station after the arrival of your train.

Bangkok  ► Krabi

Step 2, travel from Surat Thani to Krabi by an air-conditioned minivan.

A Phantip Travel minivan leaves from outside their Surat Thani Town office at 09:00, 10:30, 12:00, 13:30, 15:00 & 16:30, journey time 3 hours.

It arrives at Krabi bus terminal, but they may be able to arrange drop-off at major hotels, feedback appreciated .  The Phantip Travel website is www.phantiptravel.com .

Krabi  ► Bangkok

Step 1, travel from Krabi to Surat Thani by an air-conditioned minivan.

A Phantip Travel minivan leaves from Krabi bus terminal at 09:00, 10:30, 12:00, 13:30, 15:00, 16:30 journey time 3 hours.

Allow plenty of time to catch your train, for example I'd leave Krabi on the 12:00 or 13:30 minivan departure to connect with train 86, or the 13:30 or 15:00 minivan departure to connect with train 84.  The Phantip Travel website is www.phantiptravel.com .

Bangkok to Phi Phi islands

The Phi Phi islands can be reached by ferry from either Phuket or Krabi.

Phuket to Phi Phi by speedboat takes an hour.  Several companies operate the route, including the Andaman Wavemaster ( www.andamanwavemaster.com ), Satun Pakbara Speedboat Club ( www.spcthailand.com ) & Bundhaya Speed Boat ( www.bundhayaspeedboat.com ).

You can check times, fares & buy tickets for all of these operators at 12go.asia .

Phuket to Phi Phi by regular boat takes 2 hours with a  morning & afternoon sailing by Phi Phi Cruisers ( www.phiphi-cruisers.com ).  You can check times, fares & buy tickets at 12go.asia .

Bangkok to Pattaya

A train line links Bangkok with the popular resort of Pattaya.  A 3rd class train runs every day, comfortable enough, cheap, no reservation is necessary, just turn up, buy a ticket and hop on, see the 3rd class photos here .  At weekends State Railways of Thailand run an air-conditioned Special Express diesel railcar, with 2nd class reserved seats.  Both trains are a good and pleasant way to reach Pattaya, and they continue to use Bangkok's original Hualamphong station.  You can check these times at www.baolau.com .

Train 283/284 = local train, 3rd class only, no reservation needed, you sit where you like.

Trains SP997/998 = special express diesel railcar, 2nd class air-conditioned seats, all reserved.

On train 283/284, 3rd class = 31 baht.

On train SP 997/998, 2nd class air-con reserved seat = 170 baht.

Children aged 0 to 3 and less than 100cm in height travel free, children aged 4 to 11 and under 150cm travel at reduced fare, children 12 years old and upwards (or over 150cm high) pay full fare.  £1 = 44 Baht.   €1 = 35 Baht.  $1 = 33 Baht.

Tickets for Special Express 997 /998 can be booked online in advance at www.baolau.com .

Tickets for ordinary train 283/284 are only sold at the station an hour or less before departure, they cannot be bought in advance.

Bangkok - Kuala Lumpur - Singapore

It's easy, safe and comfortable to travel from Bangkok to Malaysia & Singapore by train, over 1,200 miles for around £50 or $80 one-way, including sleepers, a real bargain.  It's the environmentally sound way to travel, too.  Trains run daily, and if done all in one go, the complete journey from Bangkok to Singapore takes two nights, though you can stop off wherever you like for as long as you like.  I'd suggest stopping off at least in Penang and Kuala Lumpur.  Map of train routes in Southeast Asia .

Bangkok to Phnom Penh, Saigon

It's easy to travel between Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, & Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) by train & bus, see the Train travel in Cambodia page .

Bangkok to Yangon & Burma

It's possible to travel overland between Bangkok, Moulmein & Yangon in Burma (Myanmar) by train & bus, see the Train travel in Burma page .

Singapore, KL & Penang to Ko Samui

Singapore & malaysia ► ko samui, ko samui ► malaysia & singapore.

Step 1, take an afternoon or evening ferry & from Ko Samui to Surat Thani, see the ferry timetable below.  You can book integrated ferry+minivan tickets from Ko Samui to Surat Thani Train Station via Lomprayah catamarans or Seatran conventional ferries at 12go.asia .

Stay overnight in Surat Thani.

Step 2, travel from Surat Thani to Butterworth (Penang), Kuala Lumpur & Singapore by comfortable train, see the Malaysia page for full details of times & fares .

Ko Samui - Phuket

Several operators offer integrated ferry+bus options between the two holiday centres, Ko Samui & Phuket.

Journey time is between 6h15 & 7h30, fares from $18, book at 12go.asia .

Singapore, KL & Penang to Phuket

Singapore & malaysia ► phuket.

The 07:28 from Butterworth (Penang), change at Padang Besar, will get you to Hat Yai at 09:50.

Phuket ► Malaysia & Singapore

Step 1, travel from Phuket to Hat Yai by bus or minibus, you can check bus times and buy tickets online for various bus operators using 12Go.Asia .  Minibuses run regularly and take 6 hours, fare around 350 baht.  1st class air-con buses take 7½  hours, fare around 344 baht. 

For example, 1st class air-conditioned buses run by Sritrang Tour leave Phuket for Hat Yai at 07:30, 08:30, 09:30, 11:30, 12:30, 19:30 & 21:30 (check bus times locally).  On arrival at the bus terminal in Hat Yai, take a tuk-tuk to the railway station.

Step 2, travel from Hat Yai to Butterworth (Penang), Kuala Lumpur & Singapore by comfortable train, see the Malaysia page for full details of times & fares .  For example, as you can see on the timetable :

The 07:30 from Hat Yai, change at Padang Besar, will get you to Butterworth (Penang) at 12:30, change there for Kuala Lumpur arriving 18:47.

Singapore, KL & Penang to Krabi

Singapore & malaysia ► krabi, krabi ► malaysia & singapore.

Minibuses run regularly from Krabi to Hat Yai, journey time 4 hours, fare around 300 baht.  No need to pre-book, arrange locally.

Then travel by train from Hat Yai to Butterworth (Penang), KL or Singapore, see train times & info Singapore-Malaysia-Surat Thani .

London to Thailand by Trans-Siberian Railway

If you have the time (we're talking a minimum of 3 weeks one-way), you can travel from London to Bangkok overland, see the route map here .  The links below cover travel in either direction, eastbound from London to Bangkok or westbound from Bangkok to London.

Step 1, London to Moscow by train .  There are daily departures via Brussels, Berlin & Warsaw.  Trains to Russia are suspended due to Covid-19 and now sanctions .  Spend at least 1 night in Moscow.

Step 2, Moscow to Beijing by Trans-Siberian Railway .  Two direct trains every week all year round, 6 nights.  Fares from around £500 one-way with a bed in a 4-bed sleeper.  Spend at least 1 night in Beijing.  Trains to China are suspended due to Covid-19 .

Step 3, Beijing to Hanoi by train .  There are two direct trains a week, 2 nights, about $320 or £220 one-way in soft sleeper.  Alternatively, there are daily trains with a change in Nanning.  Spend at least 1 night in Hanoi.

Step 4, Hanoi to Saigon by train .  There are several comfortable air-conditioned trains every day over the Reunification Railway taking 2 nights.  Why not stop off to see Hue or Hoi An?  About $90 or £50 one-way in soft sleeper.

Step 5, Saigon-Phnom Penh by bus .  There are lots of buses every day, journey time 6 hours, $12.  Spend at least 1 night in Phnom Penh.

Step 6, Phnom Penh to Poiphet by bus or train, train to Bangkok .  Takes a day.

How to arrange this trip

There aren't any travel agencies who can arrange the whole trip, so you will need to plan it out and arrange each stage of the journey yourself.  It's an exercise in project management!  Unless time is absolutely no object, you should book the key sections in advance through various travel agencies.

Book London-Moscow as shown on the London to Russia page .

Book Moscow-Beijing & Beijing-Hanoi through a local Russian agency such as Real Russia, as shown on the Trans-Siberian page & Vietnam page .

Tickets for other parts of the trip, for example, Hanoi-Saigon-Phnom Penh-Bangkok can all be bought locally, as you go along.  You'll need to pre-arrange visas for Belarus, Russia, possibly Mongolia, China & Vietnam, and in many ways complying with the various visa requirements (which sometimes require confirmed onward tickets to be held) is actually the biggest challenge, not buying the tickets, so check this out carefully using the relevant embassy websites.

Where do you start?  First, read through the seat61 pages linked above.  Then sketch out your itinerary using a simple spreadsheet like this , deciding where and for how long you want to stop off.  Next, check out the visa situation for each country.  Finally, follow the advice on each seat61 page to buy tickets for each train journey that you want to pre-book.

Some inspiration

You won't be the first to travel between Europe and Southeast Asia overland this way, far from it.  Check out this excellent blog from Tom Woods, "Woodlands to Woking",  woodlandstowoking.wordpress.com , and Matthew Woodward's equally excellent blog from Edinburgh to Singapore www.matthew-woodward.com/edinburgh-to-singapore .

Take a good guidebook, a sound investment even in the age of free info on the internet.  Easily the best guidebooks for the independent traveller are the Lonely Planets and Rough Guides, they'll zero you in on the most important sights, with stacks of practical information plus historical and cultural background.  You won't regret buying either of these guides.

Buy at Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Hotels in Thailand

Suggested hotels in bangkok.

Consider the Shanghai Mansion (close to Hualamphong station, excellent reviews), the Centre Point Sillom (excellent reviews, river views), the Chillax Resort (free wifi, swimming pool, great reviews in spite of the name!),  Inn a Day (rave reviews, close to palace & river, balconies to all rooms, free WiFi), Shangri-La Hotel (on the river, pool, rave reviews).

Suggested hotels in Chiang Mai

Try the Sila Boutique B&B (rave reviews, free WiFi, inside old city), La Pillow (great reviews, free WiFi, inside the old city), Villa Thapae (free WiFi, swimming pool, all rooms with balcony, rave reviews), Tamarind Village (spa, pool, poolside restaurant, tour desk, free WiFi, inside the old city and great reviews), De Naga Hotel (inside the old city, free WiFi, swimming pool, spa, great reviews), Rachamankha Hotel (pool, spa, free WiFi, great reviews).

The classic choice in Bangkok :  Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Known by locals (and taxi drivers) by its original name, plain Oriental Hotel, the Mandarin Oriental is Bangkok's oldest and grandest hotel.  Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, its outdoor restaurant tables line the riverbank, where they do a great evening buffet.  Most of the rooms are now housed in two huge modern tower blocks, but hidden behind palm trees in the courtyard is the diminutive original block, today restored to within an inch of its life and housing just a few of the more expensive suites.

Other hotels in Bangkok or Chiang Mai

Click for hotels in Bangkok - Click for hotels in Chiang Mai

Backpacker hostels

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.

Flights to Bangkok

Overland travel by train & bus around Southeast Asia is an essential part of the experience, so once there, don't cheat and fly, stay on the ground!  But a long-haul flight might be unavoidable to reach Thailand in the first place.

1)  Check flight prices at www.opodo.com

2)  use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines....

3)  Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think, see www.loungepass.com

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com .

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Thailand Express

6 days/5 nights.

Our Thailand Express itinerary presents the highlights of Bangkok, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai. Visit Wat Po, the most extensive temple complex in Bangkok; explore the night market of Chiang Mai; engage with local hill tribe communities; and enjoy a long tail speedboat toward the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet.

Bangkok Arrival

Welcome to Thailand! Upon exiting customs, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a bustling and vibrant city of contrasts. Evening at leisure and overnight in Bangkok.

Morning at leisure to rest after your journey. In the afternoon, explore the highlights of Bangko k . The tour includes three of the most unusual Buddhist temples in Bangkok: Wat Trimitr with its invaluable Golden Buddha; Wat Po, the most extensive temple in Bangkok with its colossal Reclining Buddha; and the Chedis of the Kings.

The Grand Palace is one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Siamese court. It used to be the residence of the Kings of Thailand. Here you will see palaces which were used for different occasions: the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple. Afternoon at leisure and overnight in Bangkok.

Bangkok - Chiang Rai - Chiang Saen

In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Meet your guide for a city tour including  Wat Phra Keo , where the much venerated Emerald Buddha image was once enshrined, and Wat Phrasing, where beautiful Buddha images in Chiang Saen style are preserved.

Continue to Chiang Saen, the  former capital of the first Thai Kingdom , situated directly on Mekong River at Thailand-Laos border. Visit Wat Phra Dhat Jom Kitti by climbing 383 steps to the top of the hill. Also explore Wat Jedi Luang and the small museum nearby. Continue by longtail speedboat upriver on the Mekong toward the  Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet . Return to your hotel and overnight.

Chiang Saen - Mae Salong - Chiang Rai

Depart from Chiang Saen to visit   Lisu Village at Ban Mae Kaotom  and continue uphill via Mae Chan to Yao and Akha hill tribe villages. Proceed to Doi Mae Salong, passing through beautiful mountain scenery. Enjoy the stunning views of Thailand, Myanmar, and the Mekong Valley.

After lunch, depart Doi Mae Salong for Mae Sai, a northernmost Thai town on the Myanmar border. Stroll through the markets and engage with the locals. Later, return to Chiang Rai with a short stop at fish cave. Overnight.

Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai

In the morning,  board a simple longtail motorboa t for the three-hour journey up Kok River, passing tiny hill tribe villages, bamboo huts, and jungle scenery. Disembark at Ban Pha Tai and continue to Ban Lorcha, a Phami Akha hill tribe community center. The  community-based tourism project  promotes sustainable, self-reliant development to improve the quality of life of Akha villagers.

After lunch, continue to Chiang Mai via Fang and Chiang Dao. Arrive in Chiang Mai and transfer to your hotel. Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand. It has emerged as a leisure destination and attracts visitors from all over the world. Evening at leisure to explore the famous night market . Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai and Departure

In the morning, enjoy a c ooking demonstration at Pantawan Cooking School. The program starts with a visit to the local market with the instructor. Return to your Thai-style classroom for further demonstrations before enjoying lunch in the garden.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Bon Voyage!

Tour Details

• Hotel Accommodations
• Daily Breakfast
• Private vehicle and driver 
• Economy airfare from Bangkok - Chiang Rai
• Comprehensive touring with a private guide
• Entrance fees to the monuments
• Airport transfers with assistance
• Road/interstate taxes, fuel surcharges, and parking fees
• Mineral water during transport and touring
• International airfare
• Any items of a personal nature
• Travel insurance

Travel Considerations

• Thailand offers a visa on arrival for most passport holders
• To protect your investment, Sodha Travel strongly recommends travel insurance

Itinerary Map

• Chiang Saen

Tour Highlights

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Thailand extends visa exemption for Indian and Taiwanese tourists till November 11

Sun-seekers rejoice!  Thailand has extended its visa-free entry for tourists from India and Taiwan, making it easier than ever to explore the Land of Smiles. According to reports, Thai prime minister Srettha Thavisin announced the move, aiming to revitalise Thailand’s tourism industry, a crucial pillar of the nation’s economy.

Previously, visitors from these countries had a 15-day limit with a visa-on-arrival system. Now, they can enjoy extended stays of up to 30 days, visa-free, until November 11. This extended timeframe allows them to delve deeper into Thailand’s rich tapestry of cultural experiences, from bustling street food scenes to ancient temples and pristine beaches.

This decision builds upon the success of a similar program launched in November 2023. Recognising tourism’s vital role in its economic recovery, Thailand has been strategically relaxing visa regulations for visitors from key markets like China and Russia, stated sources. 

So far, the strategy seems to be paying off. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported a significant surge in tourist arrivals during the first four months of 2024, with a 39 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Interestingly, tourists from India, along with visitors from China, Malaysia, Russia, and South Korea, make up a significant portion of this influx.

For Indian travellers especially, Thailand holds a particular charm. Its geographical proximity and budget-friendly options make it an ideal getaway destination. Whether it’s indulging in mouthwatering street food, exploring historical wonders, or soaking up the sun on idyllic beaches, Thailand offers an unforgettable experience that keeps Indian tourists returning back for more. 

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ทัวร์ยุโรป   ประเทศที่อยากให้คุณได้ไป -->

(ประเทศในฝัน..ที่ต้องไปสักครั้ง)

มงคลเปิดประตูสู่จูงเฟรา ออสเตรีย - เยอรมนี - สวิตเซอร์แลนด์ 7วัน 4คืน โดยสายการบิน Emirates (EK)

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ไม่ใช่ทะเลแต่เป็นเขา ขึ้นกระเช้าข้ามประเทศ อิตาลี - สวิตเซอร์แลนด์ 7วัน 4 คืน โดยสายการบิน Emirates (EK)

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IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH SAN FRANCISCO อเมริกาตะวันตก ซานฟรานซิสโก ลอสแองเจลิส 10วัน 7คืน โดยสายการบิน EVA AIR (BR)

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น้ำร้อนปลาเป็น น้ำเย็นที่สวิต ออสเตรีย - เยอรมนี - สวิตเซอร์แลนด์ 7วัน 4คืน โดยสายการบิน Emirates (EK)

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ขอบคุณทิตลิส ที่ทำให้เราได้ใกล้ชิดกัน เยอรมนี ฝรั่งเศส สวิตเซอร์แลนด์ 7วัน 4คืน โดยสายการบิน Emirates (EK)

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จิงโจ้ โคอาล่า เพนกวิน เที่ยวออสเตรเลียแบบฟินๆ กินล๊อบสเตอร์ 7วัน 5คืน โดยสายการบิน Singapore Airlines (SQ)

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จอร์เจีย GEORGIA ไม่ได้มีแค่โบสถ์ ใครโสดไม่โสด เราไปด้วยกัน 8วัน 5คืน โดยสายการบิน Gulf Air (GF)

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NEW !! ทัวร์ต่างประเทศ ทัวร์สุดฮิต    ประเทศที่อยากให้คุณได้ไป -->

(สายชิลห้ามพลาด เตรียมจัดกระเป๋าพร้อมออกเดินทางไปกับเรา)

ฉางซา จางเจียเจี้ย ฝูหรง เฟิ่งหวง 6 วัน 5 คืน โดย ไทย เวียตเจ๊ต (VZ)

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GO TAIWAN Alishan So Lucky!838837 5วัน 3คืน โดยสายการบิน China Airlines (CI)

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GO VIETNAM เวียดนามกลาง ดานัง บานาฮิลล์ ฮอยอัน 4วัน 3คืน โดยสายการบิน VietJet Air (VZ)

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เที่ยวเกาหลีใต้ ส่องดูเกาหลีเหนือ 6วัน 3คืน โดยสายการบิน Asiana Airlines (OZ)

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: ทัวร์เกาหลีใต้

กินหมูกระทะจะเจอเนื้อย่าง โอปป้านั่งข้างๆ จะเป็นเนื้อคู่ 5วัน 3คืน โดยสายการบิน Jeju Air (7C)

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OSAKA KAMIKOCHI SHIRAKAWAGO AUTUMN 6D 4N โดยสายการบินไทย [TG]

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รับยื่นเอกสารทั่วโลก  

สะดวกกว่ายื่นเอง...มีทีมงานให้คำแนะนำ

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JR PASS  

ใช้บริการรถไฟได้หลายแบบทั่วทั้งระบบรถไฟของประเทศญี่ปุ่น

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Thailand extends visa exemption for Indians. Here's what all you can see beyond Bangkok

Thailand's popularity amongst indians can be attributed to various factors, including its affordable food, accommodation, vibrant nightlife, and serene landscapes..

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• Indians' travel to Thailand has surged due to various reasons including affordable lifestyle and social media influence
• This has lead to an extension in the Visa-free entry policy for Indian citizens
• Thailand's popularity is increasing due to its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, delicious cuisine and amazing nightlife

In 2024, Indians are travelling more than ever before. In fact, several surveys project our total travel expenditures to reach $410 billion by 2030.

So popular, but why?

Thailand's popularity amongst Indians can be attributed to various factors, including its affordable food, accommodation, vibrant nightlife, and serene landscapes, all just a four-and-a-half-hour flight from the national capital, Delhi (that too at low prices).

Another reason is the hype that has been created on social media by Indians and Indian travel influencers that has showcased Thailand as the ultimate "party heaven".

This has also drawn a lot of people to Thailand who want to rejuvenate themselves from their daily life.

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Visa-free for Indians

• Out of all the reasons that we have told you, Thailand’s popularity further surged when, last year, it declared a visa-free entry policy for Indian citizens.
• This policy, which was introduced on November 10, 2023, and was initially set to expire on May 10, 2024, further bolstered Thailand's appeal.

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Cathay Pacific’s HK Express rolls out cheap seats to beat regional rivals. But will low-cost fares to Japan, Taiwan lure budget travellers?

• Budget airline has introduced four-tier ticketing system, with entry-level option allowing a single personal item weighing under 7kg
• New price structure does not guarantee cheapest option versus other options in region, according to Post check on certain dates, but fares remain highly competitive

Cathay Pacific Airways ' budget airline, HK Express, has introduced a new four-tier ticketing system which has put its prices and broader competitiveness in the spotlight.

The revamped "Ultra Lite", "Lite", "Essential" and "Max" fare categories are mostly differentiated by the amount of carry-on and checked baggage allocated to each passenger, with the cheapest ticket allowing for just one personal item that can be placed under seats.

The Lite fare includes an extra hand-carry item, while Essential allows for a 20kg (44lbs) check-in bag and Max increases the weight limit to 32kg.

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The Post looks at how the company stacks up against other regional airlines, especially low-cost carriers, following the introduction of the new system .

Japan is arguably the most popular holiday destination for Hongkongers, especially after borders reopened following the pandemic, as the value of the yen has fallen to new lows.

A round trip Lite ticket from Hong Kong to Osaka between May 15 and 22 will set travellers back HK$1,945 (US$249) after taxes and other extra fees, according to HK Express' website.

A trip on the same dates flying low-cost Japanese carrier Peach Aviation costs HK$1,881 in a ticket category similar to Lite, with passengers able to bring two carry-on bags of up to 7kg each but no checked luggage.

The price jumps to HK$2,445 for HK Express and HK$2,581 for Peach after including one 20kg checked bag.

For those who fancy a holiday in Tokyo, HK Express remains slightly more affordable at HK$2,033 for a Lite ticket against competitor Hong Kong Airlines' HK$2,273 "Basic" fare, climbing to HK$2,656 and HK$2,693, respectively, when a 20kg checked bag is added.

For services to Bangkok, Thai AirAsia offers a better deal at HK$1,288 compared with HK Express' HK$1,675 Lite seat.

The addition of a piece of 20kg luggage increases the price of Thai AirAsia's ticket to HK$1,809 and HK Express' to HK$2,175, with passengers on the former also receiving a meal.

The most affordable round trip flight between Hong Kong and Taipei from May 15 to 22 belongs to newcomer Greater Bay Airlines.

Its "Go Go" ticket at HK$1,196 is HK$81 cheaper than HK Express' Lite, both without checked baggage.

But the roles reverse when opting for a 20kg checked bag, with HK Express charging HK$1,777 versus Greater Bay Airlines' HK$2,146.

Taiwanese carriers EVA Airways and China Airlines also offer competitive prices on the same route. A seat on EVA costs HK$1,860 with a 23kg piece of checked luggage and a meal included. China Airlines is a slightly cheaper option at HK$1,790.

South Korea

HK Express' biggest competitor in South Korea is low-cost airline T'way Air. The Korean carrier offers three classes of tickets - "Event Fare" with just a 10kg carry-on bag, "Smart Fare" which includes a 15kg checked bag and "Normal Fare" which bumps the luggage weight up to 20kg.

T'way Air had sold out its round trip tickets for the Post's dates from Hong Kong to Seoul by Wednesday. But for the week of May 22 to May 29, the Event Fare comes in at a much more affordable HK$1,198 against HK Express' HK$1,738 Lite ticket.

Adding 20kg of checked luggage changes the equation, however, as HK Express' Essential ticket beats T'way's comparable "Normal Fare" at HK$2,238 against HK$5,738.

The Philippines

AirAsia's Philippine branch again offers cheaper flights to Manila in all categories.

The carrier's entry-level round-trip ticket from May 15 to 22, with no checked baggage, costs just HK$1,115 compared with HK Express' HK$1,401.

AirAsia remains the cheapest at HK$1,530 when adding a 20kg bag and an in-flight meal, a more affordable option than the Essential HK$1,901 fare, which does not include a meal.

Scoot, the budget arm of Singapore's flag carrier, is the cheapest option for passengers looking to fly to the Lion City from Hong Kong between May 15 to May 22, with HK Express not operating flights to the city state.

The cost of a return trip is about HK$1,900, without the addition of any checked baggage. Scoot generally offers a more generous cabin baggage policy than HK Express, with passengers allowed both a personal item and a carry-on suitcase with a combined weight of under 10kg.

However, those who opt for checked baggage must shell out HK$185 for 20kg, the minimum capacity available. This brings the total to about HK$2,270.

The second cheapest option is offered by Greater Bay Airlines. Its lowest return fare to Singapore costs HK$2,074 under its "Go Go" ticket, which limits passengers to one carry-on bag under 7kg.

Those who want the addition of 20kg of check-in luggage - the only available option for checked baggage - will need to pay HK$300 for each leg of their journey, or HK$2,674 in total.

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Thailand to extend visa waiver for indians, taiwanese until november.

An earlier waiver since Nov. 10 last year ends this Friday.

Indian and Taiwanese passport holders can enter Thailand without a visa and stay for a maximum of 30 days, Bloomberg reported.

In the first four months of this year Thailand received more than 12 million foreign visitors, a 39% increase from the same period last year, according to its Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

India was among the five largest sources of visitors along with China, Malaysia, Russia, and South Korea.

The Thai government expects 700,000 Taiwanese tourists to come this year.

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The top 10 visa-free countries for Indian passport holders in 2024

Visa-free countries for indians in 2024: discover the top 10 best global destinations that indian passport holders can travel to visa-free in 2024..

Many countries worldwide are currently offering visa-free entry to enhance their tourism industry and attract more visitors, including those from India, ensuring a seamless travel experience and eliminating travel obstacles. This initiative has led to a surge in new explorers eager to venture out and discover these countries.

Thailand and Sri Lanka have recently extended their visa-free entry provisions for Indian visitors. Thailand’s extension is in effect until November 11, 2024, while Sri Lanka’s lasts until May 31, 2024. However, in some instances, it is crucial to note that travel to visa-free countries is usually limited to a specific duration and additional documents, such as proof of onward travel or payment of airport taxes might be required.

Indian passport holders currently benefit from visa-free access to 62 countries, simplifying travel and exploration. Visa-free travel allows entry into a country without the need for a prior visa and only requires a passport to clear customs, eliminating the complexities of visa procedures and associated fees.

So, as the summer vacation season approaches, it’s an ideal time to travel. If you hold an Indian passport, there are several destinations you can visit without the hassle of obtaining a visa. Below is the list of the top 10 best global destinations that Indian passport holders can travel to visa-free.

1. Bhutan: 14 days

Bhutan is a neighbouring country of India and is considered one of the top visa-free destinations for Indian passport holders. They can travel for up to 14 days without needing a visa. Often referred to as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, the country is located in the Himalayas and is renowned for its snow-capped peaks, vibrant monasteries, and spiritual culture.

Nepal is a country famous for having Mount Everest, which is the highest mountain in the world. The country is an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers as it offers a unique and enriching experience with ancient temples, breathtaking landscapes, and amiable locals. Indian passport holders do not require a visa to enter Nepal, as the country shares a friendly relationship with India.

3. Mauritius: 90 days

Mauritius, an island nation surrounded by the Indian Ocean, is a picturesque tropical paradise famous for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and coral reefs. While many visitors come to Mauritius to experience nature and indulge in luxury resort stays, it can also be an excellent destination for Indian solo or group travellers who want to explore the cities, visit tourist attractions, and try delicious local cuisine. Furthermore, Indian travellers can stay in Mauritius for up to 90 days without a visa, making it an attractive option for those seeking to travel hassle-free.

4. Kenya: 90 days

Starting January 1, 2024, Kenya will allow visa-free travel to Indian passport holders to promote tourism through its electronic travel authorization programme. Exploring its vibrant wildlife and marine reserves, with over 50 national parks to choose from, Indians can travel to Kenya visa-free for 90 days to experience its world-renowned safari experience.

5. Malaysia: 30 days

Malaysia is a magnificent travel destination that offers a blend of ancient rainforests and a multicultural city-life experience. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, boasts the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, one of the tallest buildings in the world. The country is renowned for its exceptional food, historical vibe, gorgeous beaches, and wildlife-packed national parks. Indian passport holders can now travel to Malaysia visa-free until December 31, 2024, as per the latest update. It permits a stay of up to 30 days for each entry and visit to the country.

6. Thailand: 30 days (till November 11, 2024)

Thailand, a gem of Southeast Asia, is famous for its exquisite beaches, delicious cuisine, and lively culture. From the busy streets of Bangkok to the grand temples of Chiang Mai and the tranquil beaches of Phuket, Thailand offers a perfect combination of cultural immersion, adventure, and relaxation. As per the latest update, Thailand has extended its visa-free travel for Indian passport holders until November 11, 2024, which was previously May 10, 2024.

7. Dominica: 6 months

Dominica is a mountainous Caribbean island nation, also known as “Nature Island.” It boasts tropical and balmy weather, natural hot springs, and tropical rainforests. The Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a must-visit place, where you can find a 1,342-metre-high volcano. The country’s best features include the 65-metre-tall Trafalgar Falls and the narrow Titou Gorge. Indian passport holders can easily book flights to Dominica from India to enter this beautiful country. The good news for Indian nationals is that they do not require a visa for either tourism or business purposes for six months.

8. Qatar: 30 days

Qatar is a Middle Eastern country known for its impressive infrastructure and futuristic capital, Doha, with its towering skyscrapers. The country is also recognised as one of the wealthiest nations in the world and is currently in the spotlight for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022. Indian passport holders can enjoy 30 days of visa-free travel in Qatar.

9. Sri Lanka: 30 days (till May 31st, 2024)

Sri Lanka is the latest addition to the list of visa-free countries for Indians. This South Asian island is rich in history and boasts stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and incredible wildlife. Visitors can experience beautiful weather and indulge in delicious cuisine. Indian passport holders can travel visa-free to Sri Lanka until May 31st, 2024, as per the latest update. The hospitality of the locals is great, and the country is famous for its sweetmeats.

10. Seychelles: 30 days

The Seychelles are renowned for their stunning waters, coral reefs, sea turtles, and underwater rock formations teeming with beautiful fish, whale sharks, and shipwrecks. The beaches in the Seychelles offer a calm, peaceful, and secluded environment, and Indian passport holders can visit visa-free for 30 days.

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The KSEAB is set to release the SSLC results today for the 8.9 lakh students who appeared for exams from March 25 to April 6. The results can be checked on karresults.nic.in or sslc.karnataka.gov.in, with the link expected to be activated after the press conference. In previous years, girls have outperformed boys with an 83.27% pass percentage.

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Air India Express cancels scores of flights after about 100 cabin crew call in sick

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Travel chaos grows as Air India Express crew revolt over merger

NEW DELHI - Air India’s low-cost airline has cancelled more than two dozen additional flights and expects disruptions to continue for days, after cabin crew called in sick en masse.

More than 100 cabin crew reported sick prior to their rostered flight duty at the last-minute, throwing more than 90 flights into disarray, Air India Express chief executive officer Aloke Singh wrote in an internal memo to employees that was seen by Bloomberg News.

“The disruptions have cascaded across the network, forcing us to curtail the schedules over the next few days,” it said. 

The airline fired at least 25 cabin crew for taking sick leave between May 7 and May 8, local media outlet ANI reported, citing people it did not identify. 

Air India Express cancelled 85 flights on May 9, it said in a statement. Parent Air India will offer services on 20 of its budget unit’s routes to mitigate the travel disruptions, it added.

The carrier is engaging with cabin crew to address their concerns and taking “appropriate steps against certain individuals as their actions have caused grave inconvenience to thousands of our guests,” according to the statement.

The airline said on May 8 that it is trying to find out the reasons for the absences, though Mr Singh’s memo urged workers to embrace change and transformation.

The carrier is currently integrating with AirAsia India as part of its aggressive expansion plans.

Air India Express’ difficulties are just the latest in a series of disruptions centred on Tata Group’s aviation business, which is going through a revamp after the conglomerate bought Air India from the government in 2021.

The widespread absenteeism echoes the experience at Vistara , Singapore Airlines’ local affiliate that’s expected to merge with Air India by the end of 2024.

Pilots there also called in sick en masse over fatigue concerns and pay cuts, forcing the airline to cancel more than 100 flights over the course of a week and eventually scale back its schedule to prevent further cancellations. 

If a flight is cancelled or delayed for more than three hours, customers can opt for a full refund or reschedule, Air India Express said in a statement on May 9.

India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has also weighed in, urging the carrier to resolve issues promptly and submit a report on the flight cancellations. BLOOMBERG

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