Rail Travel From Hua Hin Thread

[Big Boy]

Yes, I've done it before, but the last time was 19 years ago. Maybe the pain has faded with time. I'm willing to give it a go next week. Watch this space for an honest report.

[STEVE G]

I'm curious to how you get on BB.
I don't keep a car in Europe and on my days off, I jump on a train and go somewhere for a day or two, I'm in Germany right now having got a train here this morning.
It's something that I've often thought that I'd miss in Thailand, if I was there full time and I'd be interested in being able to do the same there.
I don't mind driving for short or essential journeys but I don't do it for pleasure!

[Dannie Boy]

I’ve only travelled twice on trains in Thailand and that was over 20 years ago - in 2002 I believe. 2nd class aircon from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on the overnight service so didn’t get to see much of the scenery and coming back we had a first class compartment to ourselves. Going up was interesting - we were in a communal carriage with curtains for privacy, although it was far from private and typically very noisy. Coming back was understandably much better having a small compartment just the two of us.

I remember having a short ride in a 3rd class carriage in Pakistan back in the 90’s which I’m sure would have been nigh on identical to the trains in Thailand - I’d be more than happy not to travel that way again!!

[Bamboo Grove]

I've always loved travelling by trains. My first long train trip was about 40 years ago (1986) (Helsinki) Moscow to Beijing. In Thailand I've done most of the lines, the best one is the one to Chiang Mai, followed by the southern lines. There's actually four of them: Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Kantang in Trang and then the two lines separating at Hat Yai.

The 3rd class is ok for short trips, I think, the longest I've done is from Thonburi to Kanjanaburi and from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet, both around 6 hours. If the trains are not too crowded, they are ok so Hua Hin to Nakhon Pathom should be ok. I'm not sure but I think, the restaurant cars aren't allowed to serve beer anymore, not that there is one in the local trains anyway and I know BB isn't a beer drinker. Anyway, remember to have enough water with you.

[Big Boy]

I see a lot of posts from Richard Barrow regarding train travel in Thailand, and his posts are sort of convincing me to try it as an option. I am not a fan of Richard's because I feel a lot of what he does is for personal gain, but he helped me a lot yesterday whilst I was bouncing a few questions off him researching Thai rail travel.

There are plenty of the more comfortable trains passing through Hua Hin, but they are only convenient for overnight travel to the South. Most decent trains to Bangkok are at silly o'clock in the morning.

Outside of the bum sores, my memory of 3rd class train travel is, it can be fun, with a new set of food and drink vendors boarding at every station. Never a dull moment.

[Dannie Boy]

It won’t be a lot different that many people who fly, other than instead of a neck pillow you’ll have a bum pillow!

[Big Boy]

I'll most likely try my natural padding next week , and take a pillow the following week if necessary.

[Dannie Boy]

You were obviously never in the Boy Scouts!!

[Big Boy]

[Big Boy]

I travelled to Ratchaburi by bus yesterday, but as a test for next Wednesday's match, I followed the trains I would have used on the SRT app. The train to Ratchaburi arrived 2 minutes late, and the train home to Hua Hin arrived 6 minutes early, so I am very optomistic for a successful trip next Wednesday.

[PeteC]

Murphy's Law ? I would maybe have someone with a car ready to respond in case the train breaks down, or hits a cow at a crossing !

You would miss the match

[Big Boy]

There's always taxis. I never plan to arrive anywhere without a lot of spare time.

I'm secretly looking forward to the adventure. Riding on a wooden bench doesn't bother me too much.

[Big Boy]

I've just seen my train for tomorrow pulling out of Hua Hin Station, on time I should add. I was was surprised to see it was just a 3 set railcar. Good enough for a 90 minute ride. I'd be surprised if its a wooden seat jobbie though.

[Big Boy]

I'm not too bothered about the Hua Hin to Ratchaburi trip. The train starts at Suan Son, and it isn't bookable, so turn up, pay, sit down and travel. I might even start from Suan Son next time.

Coming home, plenty of trains, and all are bookable. I've been thinking who wants to travel to Hua Hin at 8pm or later? There should be plenty of room on the trains. However, just to be sure, I thought I'd check........

• First train - 1st Class sleeper available only @ stupid money.

• Second train - some 2nd and 3rd Class fan @ reasonable cost. 2nd class aircon sleeper @ <700฿ (do I need a sleeper for 90 minutes?)

• Third and most sensible train - 2 x 2nd class fan seats. 2nd class aircon sleeper @ <700฿ (do I need a sleeper for 90 minutes?)

I've booked a 2nd class fan seat on the 3rd train, leaving just 1 empty seat. Amazing.

This was a big lesson learned. Evening Rail travel to Hua Hin (and beyond) is very popular. I was going to roll up at Ratchaburi station and try to buy a ticket home. That would most likely have been a huge mistake.

[usual suspect]

B.B...That 11.49 train to PKK from HH may be perfect..Thank you..