Thailand
Taking the night train to explore Thailand offers a unique cultural experience while enjoying one of the most economical modes of transportation. From train categories and classes to different possible routes and ticket purchasing, not to mention our tips for preparing your sleeper train journey… we cover everything you need to know about traveling by night train in Thailand.
The rail network in Thailand
With 4,200 km of tracks, Thailand's rail network is one of the most developed in Southeast Asia. Managed by the State Railway of Thailand since 1951, the network comprises four train lines that connect almost the entire country:
The northern line:
It connects Bangkok to Chiang Mai and is the most popular train line among travelers.
The northeastern line:
It connects Bangkok and ends in Ubon Ratchathani near the Laotian border.
The eastern line:
This line connects to Aranyaprathet-Poipet at the Cambodian border.
The southern line:
This is the longest rail line in the country, serving the entire peninsula up to the Malaysian border.
Different categories and classes
There are seven types of trains in Thailand that travel the country's tracks (Express trains, Special Express trains, Rapid trains, Ordinary trains, Local trains, Suburban trains, and Tourist trains). Among them, only the Special Express trains (numbers 1 to 48), Express trains (numbers 51 to 98), and Rapid trains (numbers 101 to 198) offer the option of a night journey in a sleeper train.
Regarding the different classes available, you will find:
First class:
This is the most expensive class, available only on Rapid, Express, and Special Express trains. It is quite suitable for night journeys. First-class carriages consist of air-conditioned private cabins with two beds. Note that if you are traveling alone and do not book the entire cabin (which costs more), the second bed may be occupied by another traveler of the same sex.
Second class:
For night journeys in second class, you will find air-conditioned or fan-cooled sleeper compartments. Available on Rapid and Express trains, this class allows you to sleep in dormitory-style carriages with several bunk beds arranged face-to-face. Each bed has a curtain for added privacy. Note that the upper bunk beds are larger and therefore more expensive than the lower ones.
Third class:
This class only has bench seats and no beds. It is the most economical class, with seats that are not reservable, and is more suitable for short trips.
Advantages of night trains
Taking the night train to travel around Thailand offers several advantages. As the cheapest form of transport in the country, the night train also allows you to save on a night's accommodation. The night train is also more environmentally friendly than flying and saves time at airports. While it allows you to see different landscapes of Thailand (either before nightfall or at sunrise), the night train is also an excellent cultural experience. Trains are not only frequented by tourists but are also very popular with locals. In other words, a night train journey in Thailand will not only save you money and time but also immerse you in the local culture with the possibility of making great connections.
Possible night train routes in Thailand
Out of Thailand’s four rail lines, three lines (Northern, Northeastern, and Southern) offer night train services. Most routes start from Bangkok (trains can also be taken in the opposite direction with various stops). Here is a non-exhaustive list of destinations in Thailand you can reach by sleeper train:
Northern line:
Bangkok-Chiang Mai via trains No. 9, 13 (possible stop in Ayutthaya for these two trains), 51, and 109.
Northeastern line:
Bangkok-Nong Khai via train No. 25.
Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani via trains No. 23 and 139.
Southern line:
Bangkok-Sungai Kolok via trains No. 37 and 171.
Bangkok-Padang Besar via train No. 45.
Bangkok-Yala via train No. 169.
Bangkok-Trang via train No. 83.
Bangkok-Kantang via train No. 167.
Bangkok-Phatthalung via train No. 31.
Bangkok-Nakhon Si Thammarat via trains No. 85 and 173.
Bangkok-Surat Thani via train No. 171.
Note that trains heading to Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani will allow you to take a ferry to the islands in the Gulf of Thailand: Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao.
What to prepare before taking a sleeper train in Thailand
If you are a light sleeper (especially for a second-class journey), we recommend bringing earplugs and an eye mask as the lights stay on throughout the trip. For those who get cold easily, bring warm clothing (sweater, socks), as the air conditioning can be quite strong.
For meals, you will generally find a dining car where you can get something to eat. For those on a budget, note that many vendors walk through the train offering local snacks (skewers, fruits) at lower prices.
Where to buy train tickets in Thailand?
Directly at the Station:
You can purchase train tickets directly at the station between 1 and 60 days before the departure date, from any railway station in the country.
Online:
You can buy train tickets online at the official Thai Railways website, railway.co.th, but it only allows you to buy tickets for certain routes. The site 12go.asia/fr is more practical for booking train tickets in Thailand as it lists all routes without translation issues.
Note that there are no e-tickets in Thailand. Therefore, you will need to pick up your ticket at least one hour before departure, either at the departure station or at one of the collection points listed by the website, or have it sent directly to your hotel.
Through an agency:
For added convenience, you can purchase your tickets through an agency like Sawa' Discovery. We will handle picking up your tickets at the station and delivering them to you before your departure.
Good to know:
While Thailand's rail network is known for covering the entire country, it is less known for punctuality. Therefore, we recommend allowing plenty of time if you have a connection or a scheduled appointment upon arrival.
