Bangkok Train Service

Thailand's railway is excellent in that it reaches most major cities in the country. Air conditioning is available on the diesel trains for first class passengers; second class passengers get fans to move the air. The most popular route traveled in Thailand is from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

An efficient rail system links major northern and northeastern towns with the capital. A southern route permits the visitor to travel by train into Malaysia and Singapore. Domestic express trains encompass first, second and third class carriages. Slower trains may have only third-class seats.

Most trains use Bangkok's chief Hualamphong station in the city centre, although trains to Kanchanaburi leave from Bangkok Thonburi station (also known as Bangkok Noi) across the river in the West of the city.

Thai trains have three classes: 1st, 2nd and 3rd. 1st class only exists as up to date 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 relaxed especially on sleeper trains and the air-conditioned express railcars. Even 3rd class is surprisingly clean and satisfactory by European standards, and is an enjoyable way to travel for many shorter trips.

Train travel in Thailand is very safe, cheap and comfortable. Thailand boasts one of the most meter- gauge rail systems in the world.

Bangkok's most admired mode of transportation is the Sky Train. The distinctive Sky Train station consists of two levels concourse and platform. The concourse provides ticketing facilities and other passenger amenities as well as access to the system.