The 6 Best Train Journeys in Thailand

It has been over a century since Thailand launched its first train line—a mere 50 miles connecting Bangkok to the historic capital of Ayuthaya. Since then, tracks have spread across the country, and while bus and air travel dominate, scenic train routes and sleeper trains remain one of the finest ways to explore Thailand.

The Thai government recognizes the renewed potential of rail travel, with plans for high-speed rail lines, and Bangkok’s new Bang Sue Grand Station is claimed to be Southeast Asia’s largest rail hub.

Currently, while Thailand’s trains may not be cutting-edge, the State Railways of Thailand (SRT) operates generally punctual, comfortable trains that have a nostalgic charm.

For those who aren’t in a hurry, train travel offers ample legroom (especially in sleeper cars), delicious Thai cuisine (available from dining cars or vendors), stunning views, vintage train stations, and quirky adventures, such as routes that seem to run right into local markets.

Discover the six top train journeys in Thailand.

1. Mahachai Line

Starting Point – Thonburi; Destination – Samut Songkhram; Distance – 50 miles/80km

A top train journey in Thailand is this brief, everyday commuter line that starts near Bangkok and famously ends right in the heart of a wet market.

Begin your trip at Thonburi’s Wongwian Yai train station, just across the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok, where hourly trains head to Samut Sakhon (or Mahachai, as the locals call it). From the train, you can glimpse homes, temples, and shops situated just inches from the tracks. As you travel further, the landscape transforms into palm trees, rice fields, and marshes adorned with giant elephant ear plants and canna lilies, interspersed with small stations.

As you approach Samut Sakhon, the agricultural scenery fades away. After you get off the train and navigate through one of the busiest fresh markets in the country, you’ll arrive at a harbor filled with water hyacinths and wooden fishing boats.

Catch the ferry over to Baan Laem, where you'll hop on another train towards Samut Songkhram. You’ll find yourself in the midst of bustling market stalls that are set up right on the tracks. These stalls quickly clear away when a train approaches, creating an exciting scene.

2. Death Railway

Start – Thonburi; End – Nam Tok; Distance – 258 miles/415km

Constructed during the Japanese occupation of Thailand in WWII, the infamous Death Railway is the country's most renowned and historic train line. Work began in October 1942, carried out by Allied prisoners of war (POWs) and conscripted laborers with only rudimentary tools and explosives. Tragically, over 12,000 POWs and approximately 90,000 forced laborers lost their lives due to illness, poor sanitation, inadequate medical care, and harsh treatment from guards. The most perilous segment of construction was a massive rock cutting known as “Hellfire Pass,” named for the haunting glow of their lanterns during nighttime labor.

Traversing rugged landscapes, this journey is undoubtedly Thailand's most picturesque train ride. Along the route, a total of 688 bridges were constructed; notably, the bridge spanning the “River Kwai” near Kanchanaburi city (now known as the Death Railway Bridge) was the only steel bridge built in Thailand at that time.

The trains operating on the Death Railway are third-class, featuring no air-conditioning and primarily wooden benches (for the best scenery, sit on the left side). Today, it functions as a tourist line, with stops allowing brief visits to historical landmarks and a cave.

3. Sleeper Train to Chiang Mai

Start – Bangkok; End – Chiang Mai; Distance – 467 miles/751km

Thailand's inaugural long-distance train route connects Bangkok with the northern city of Chiang Mai, making it a quintessential Thai train experience.

This journey offers a perfect opportunity to experience one of Thailand's sleeper trains. Departing Bangkok in the afternoon means most of the trip occurs overnight, allowing you to awaken to stunning views of the northern Thai landscape. Be sure to enjoy the scenery as the train passes through tunnels and the rugged forests of Doi Khun Tan National Park, just south of Chiang Mai. Another interesting sight is watching the railway staff set up and prepare the sleeper beds.

Opting for a more expensive ticket often means you'll be traveling on one of the SRT's modern trains. It's advisable to book your tickets well in advance, as this route is particularly popular among tourists, especially backpackers.

4. Beach Train

Start – Bangkok; End – Hua Hin; Distance – 131 miles/212km

This route traces the Gulf of Thailand, and while you won't find many sea views in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan Provinces, the journey offers stunning landscapes, including expansive salt flats and endless coconut plantations. Your final stop, Hua Hin, is Thailand's original seaside getaway, boasting a rich history that dates back to the 19th century.

The centerpiece of this journey is Hua Hin’s train station. Considered one of the most beautiful train stations in Thailand, this striking red-and-white structure was constructed in 1926, featuring a Victorian gingerbread design with intricately carved wooden pillars and trim. As Hua Hin's growth is tied to the railway, the station is a point of local pride, inspiring replicas throughout the town.

5. Night Train to Laos

Start – Bangkok; End – Thanaleng; Distance – 402 miles/648km

Leaving Bangkok in the afternoon, this popular international route traverses the Mekong River into Laos, making it an excellent opportunity to experience Thailand’s overnight sleeper trains. In the morning, you'll wake to warm sunlight filtering into your cabin as you glide past quaint villages and expansive rice fields that characterize Thailand’s rural northeast.

After stopping in Nong Khai, you’ll cross the Friendship Bridge into Laos. The short 15-minute journey brings you to Thanaleng (also known as Dongphasay) station, from where you'll need to catch a taxi or tuk-tuk for the final 10-mile stretch to the capital, Vientiane.

A high-speed rail project connecting these two cities is underway, with an anticipated completion date set for 2028.

6. Eastern & Oriental Express

Start – Bangkok; End – Singapore; Distance – 1,100 miles/1,800km

If the SRT dining car menu leaves you wanting more, consider a journey on the lavish Eastern & Oriental Express, a privately operated train connecting Bangkok to Singapore. Designed to evoke the glamour of train travel's golden age, this three-night, four-day adventure features luxurious private cabins, along with access to the Observation, Dining, and Bar Cars.

The journey offers an all-inclusive experience, including various tours and excursions in both Thailand and Malaysia. The E&O operates twice a month between Bangkok and Singapore.

Advice for purchasing train tickets in Thailand

• You can secure train tickets online through the somewhat cumbersome SRT website, but if you're in Bangkok, it's far more efficient to visit Hualamphong Station to buy them in person.

• Be cautious of touts around the station, as they may attempt to lead you to travel agencies.