Trains come in a somewhat confusing variety of types: Ordinary, Rapid,
Express and Special Express. Apart from the Ordinary trains, which seem
to stop at every hamlet, the rest seem pretty much alike in journey time.
More important is the class of seat offered:
First Class
is available on many long distance services, with air-conditioned day
and night compartments, each accomodating two persons. Every compartment
has its own wash basin, though bathrooms are shared. Room service is available
at most times.
Second Class
is available on most routes, and has upholstered seats which are usually
pre-bookable. Overnight long-distance trains have sleeping accomodation,
the seats converting into bunks, one up, one down; some trains also offer
a choice of air-con/non-air-con. For day-time travel, non-air-con is often
a good choice, especially if you like to shoot photos out of the window,
as some air-con carriage windows are re-inforced non-opening, and after
an hour or two, not very clean. Always try to get a seat away from the
doors, especially for overnight travel, as SRT staff walk up and down
constantly, as do passengers seeking the bathroom.
Third Class
is not too bad, but you are not guaranteed a seat (or uphostery on the
seat), and the fans do not always work. In some carriages seats are upholstered
and, if the train is not crowded (which they usually are) the trip can
be quite pleasant; some trains have wooden benches only. On the Eastern
Line, third class travel is compulsory except for two trains a day to
Chachoengsao, which offer 2nd class air-con.
Food
is often included in the price for first and second class day-time travel,
but is not always very palatable. Local vendors invade the non air-con
carriages at stations, offering cold drinks (including beer), dried pork,
fried noodles and other delights in styrofoam packs - time of preparation
unknown. I usually take biscuits or sandwiches with me, except on trains
with restaurant cars where you have some control over the cooking. Certain
long distance trains, such as the daytime express to Chiangmai, have a
scheduled stop for about 15 minutes, where you can get out, stretch your
legs, and investigate other culinary resources.
We can provide
train tickets in Thailand at most of the big cities including:
