Post Pandemic
Prior to the pandemic Thailand was one of the most visited countries in SE Asia with 39 million visitors. Covid dealt the tourism industry an almighty blow that has taken time to recover but the country remains one of the most exotic and sought-after destinations on Earth due to its great climate, friendly people, incredible history with superb beaches and mountains.
Not to mention its friendly and welcoming people.
US visitors – visa free- are on the rise again with Thailand high on the bucket list. Many are digital nomads.
Getting About
This brief blog concentrates on trains, one of the great and economical ways to independently discover what Thailand has to offer.
Bangkok:
Since the 1990s when the first city train line was constructed in the Thai capital Bangkok (the central BTS Green Line) there have been numerous additions to the network both above and below ground (the MRT). The Red Line runs from Don Muang International Airport and is an economical way into the city. Other lines are Purple, Pink, Blue, Yellow and Gold.
The Airport Rail Link (no color on that one!) is a great way into the heart of Bangkok if you are arriving at the main Suvarnabhumi (pronounced ‘suwannaphoom’ actually) Airport.
Fares run from 50 cents to several bucks and special tourist cards are available. It’s much more fun than taxis and makes you feel empowered like King Kong!
Inter City
Post pandemic the old downtown Hualampong Railway Station has been downgraded though you can still travel from there to the old Thai capital of Ayutthaya and the seaside resort of Pattaya. Many services, and all expresses, now run from a swanky new terminal in the northern suburb of Chatuchak near the famed Weekend Market and terminal for the Red Line city route.
This new station is known locally as Bang Sue Grand Central Station (Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal) where you can take trains throughout Thailand.
One journey we would recommend is the 220km trip south to the seaside town of Hua Hin. An AC sleeper is about $20 booked online and seats are less than $10 for the three to three and a half our trip.
This is an ideal first experience of Thai trains available from Bang Sue. For further information Google Richard Barrow who has an excellent blog on Facebook much about Thai trains.
