Bangkok-Hua Hin in ONLY 3 hours by train?| New Line & Station opened Dec 2023
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- Опубліковано 15 гру 2023
- A new train timetable came into operation on 15th December 2023 that promised to slash the journey time from Bangkok to Hua Hin from 4 hours down to only 3 hours! So I took the first train on the opening day to see if it lived up to it's promises!
You can book Thai trains at any railway station, or by using the d ticket app.
You can also book on the website
www.dticket.railway.co.th
You can track trains using the train tracker
ttsview.railway.co.th/view_20...
1. BKK --> Nathon Prathom = Completed, dual tracks.
2. Nakhon Pathom --> Ratchaburi = under construction - schedule to complete April 2024.
3. Ratchaburi --> Hua Hin = Completed, dual tracks.
The section No.2 delayed due to many factors. The main issue was illegal land occupation. SRT give them time to move out. This process takes a lot of time.
That'd great information. Thanks very much for sharing! Very useful
Awesome news. I love Hua Hin. This new train line makes it that much easier to get to.
Thanks. I agree, Hua Hin is a great place to visit. And once they sort the teething troubles, this will make it more 'doable' from Bangkok
Wow Wow Wow ...Wonderful trip !
Yes, it was great! Thanks for your comment!
Excellent video , thank you ....
Thanks for the positive comment, Karl!
Thai trains are a good way to travel if you have the time. Relaxing, good views, but notoriuiously late arrivals. The Phetchaburi desert is the famous Ca-noam-moe-gaeng. It's like a cutard pie and very delicious. Thanks for the video.
I used the train tracker to follow the next day's train and that was 75 minutes late at Hua Hin. But good news! Today the train arrived on time just 3 hours after leaving Bangkok. The bad news was I didn't eat any pie today!
As always fantastic well worth knowing content.
Many thanks for your support. It's this sort of comment that makes me pick up the camera and go again!
@@balloonchaser wishing you a great time making new content, looking forward to seeing more stuff and trying out your ideas…
@@jeffrussell488 I'll do my best! Here's to a good 2024 for all!
Great Video ty
My absolute pleasure. More rail trips next month!
The station looks amazing and a huge engineering feat. Been past it many times. Hope to use it one day
I'm back there today heading out on the sleeper train. It's a fantastic construction albeit a bit soulless! Thanks.
This is a great video! Rare to find video's on trains in Thailand from someone that actually knows what they are talking about... So much bad info out there! I always want to make a video on the topic myself but laziness gets in the way....
I'm so pleased to read a generous comment like this! I do try to provide useful information where possible, because I hope others will give train travel a go in Thailand! Thanks again!
Nice to know can still buy a paper ticket at station.
Great work. Love the vids.
Many thanks for the support, Keith. I took my QR code to the ticket office and asked if they'd print it. She looked at me like an alien and politely declined! 😉
thank you
My pleasure, Peter
Lovely short video. I hope you can made a video about Hua Hin .
Many thanks! On this trip I didn't stay but I'm planning to return in the new year! More videos to come!
Well described on ticketing options and the new train station BC. Environmentally friendly way to travel and just an hour more than it takes in a private car. Good to know. 👍
Many thanks for your positive feedback! I appreciate that! Less stressful than driving to be sure. Some new rolling stock probably wouldn't go amiss. But hey, I'm just being picky!
It's good to know this travel option.
Thanks, PFI. Always good to have options! Nice weekend away possible!
2nd class, that's above and beyond, did you catch the next train back. your finding some great topics BC super job.
Hey BB, I got the bus back this morning. And tomorrow an overnight train to chiang mai. We'll, it keeps me busy! Thanks for the support!
I'm from the New York City area so trains are in my DNA... incredibly I've been in Pattaya for almost 18 months and have not been on one yet. After this video I'm determined to get started and find the station in Pattaya that I've driven past dozens of times without recognizing... lol
Thanks for the comment. I highly recommend the 9 Baht train from Pattaya down to Sattahip (Chuk Samet station). Check out my review if you haven't already seen it! Other than that there's only one or two trains a day up to Bangkok unfortunately. They need more trains on the pattaya line!
I did see your previous vid on that... looked like an interesting voyage. I also saw a vid from Phil (Mr. Egg) going to Bangkok on a 4 hour ride I think. That would be what we called "taking the local" because of all the extra stops... Cheers !
Another train video. You do like them! The new station in Bangkok looks like it was built by Chinese. It has the same look and feel as any one of the hundreds of identical stations that popped up across China in the last decade. I much preferred the traditional look of the Hua Hin station. I hope there will be a Hua Hin video, because I am interested in that place.
Thanks, David. It's true, I like trains in Thailand. Very underrated form of travel in my humble. Unfortunately, I only stayed a few hours before heading back to Bangkok. I'm off to chiang mai tomorrow! I'll put Hua Hin on the list for more attention though!
2018, I traveled Bangkok-Chiangmai night sleeper train. I spoke to the conductor iin the next morning asking about the train; the conductor eagered to show me the train is made in China. He brought me to a corner and opened a compartment, pointing the Chinese characters on the panel board. He was excited to have a modern train vs. the conventional greenish model.
The train stations all over Thailand are being built by the Thai government as an upgraded for the dual track system national wide.
@@balloonchaserdon't forget to get OUT of the square/old town to go to the clubs and go to the top of Maya shopping mall for drinks in the evening
@dantae666 Yes, that's good advice. A couple of months ago I stayed in the Nimman area, and there were some cool venues there for sure! Chiang Mai is great place!
Hope to do this trip one day.
Yes, apparently, there's some interesting places to visit in Hua Hin!
Great to see an economy investing into infrastructure with a long term view.
There has been a massive investment in the Thai railways over the last few years. Have to give the authorities credit for that really!
Thank . I come from Hong Kong 😊
You are welcome!
the fasted train is 3h31 minutes lol...same a lost turtle in the sky .....during this time in FRANCE you can run 800 KM at one average speed of 320 km/hour ....insane ...
Thanks for the comment
hey man your video just came IN PERFECT TIME !! i'm going to bangkok in january and i'd love to spend few days in Hua hin, , nice video thanks ! One thing , is there a way " fast " or good to move from Hua Hin to Phuket ( Patong would be just fine ) ? Like night bus maybe ? or ? thank you started to follow you and dropped like thx
Thanks for your comment. Believe it or not, the fastest way to get to Patong would be to go back to Bangkok Airport and fly. There's a good bus service to the airport. airporthuahinbus.com/
You could go by road or rail down to phuket but unfortunately it's not fast!
Great info. Thanks (although the embedded subtitles are a tad distracting and irritating especially as there's a subtitle button already available on UA-cam).
If you like trains and haven't been to the Bridge on the River Kwai area of Kanchanaburi province, I'd recommend you grab a (3rd class only) train from Thonburi (Bangkok Noi) station in Bangkok.
The trip costs 100Bt, leaves at a respectable 1:55pm and takes around 2.5 hours.
Hawkers pop on and off the train at its various stops so you can buy food and drinks plus, there's a market right next to the station, if you need one..
You can also get up, walk around and even sit between the carriages if you want a smoke.
If you do the trip, DON'T get off the train at Kanchanaburi but stay on to the following stop which is at the famous River Kwai Bridge.
The riverside road which connects the bridge to Kanchanaburi town centre is where the most tourist-oriented accommodations and nightlife is and is populated with Western ex-pats and backpackers as well as regular tourists (including families).
Conversely, the actual town area seems more suited to coachloads of Chinese and Japanese tourists who don't tend to frequent the rough'n'ready bar scenes of the Maenam Kwai "strip", where there's loads of bars, restaurants with some "floating" on the river (Thai, Indian, Pizza, American, British, Australian, German) as well as a couple of 7/11's and Tesco Locals, plus traditional Thai massage parlours, barbers, tattooists and the like.
You can usually find hotel or guest house rooms ranging from just a couple of hundred Bt per night, or so, right up to plush 5* resorts and floating hotels which are all priced accordingly.
As well as visiting the bridge, there's a million things to do in the province from Waterfalls to temples, caves, mountain hikes, river rafting, war museums, WWII POW cemeteries, dams, lakes (even at least one with a man-made beach), boat trips, river rafting, canoeing, elephant sanctuaries etc.
I think the tiger sanctuary may have closed down (GOOD) but, if it hasn't, please don't go as it is proper exploitative and all the poor creatures seem ill-kept and drugged up, to keep them placid for the tourists to stroke them and have photograph opportunities.
Anyway, thanks again for the vlog. Very much appreciated.
If TAT want a Kanchanaburi Ambassador, ask them to give me a call.😉😊
Many thanks for the detailed comment, Seb. Lots of great information in there.
Sorry you didn't like the subtitles. I'm experimenting with what's the best way to get info across. Some people like them, others certainly don't.
As I mentioned I used to work in rachaburi and my immigration office was over in kanchanaburi, so I got over there any times. Actually, I liked it so much that when my mother came on her one visit to Thailand that's where we went, including the train. But I'm certainly not as knowledgeable as you about it. So thanks again for sharing the info.
@@balloonchaser You're welcome. Pleased you're familiar with Kan.
Maybe someone reading the comments will find the info useful to them and I'm always happy to promote the place as the locals could benefit from more visitors.
I certainly found your info helpful as I've not yet gotten around to visiting Hua Hin, myself. Always fancied it but never gotten around to it.
Am more than a little tempted to rent a boat (maybe buy one) and float down the Maenam Kwai river which meets the sea not too far from Hua Hin.
@SebDangerfield-yu7cm Cheers, Seb. I'm sure anyone reading your comments will find them very helpful. Kanchanaburi is a beautiful province. I think you'd probably enjoy Hua Hin. There's plenty to do there, and obviously the beaches are a bug attraction. Good luck with the planned boat trip. Let me know if it comes to fruition!
Hi mate, interesting video. I may give that a try in February when I’m back. Was there a first class ticket option at all?
Thanks, James. I'm pretty sure on this train there wasn't a first class option. But I think you'd still enjoy the journey. Although ageing rolling stock, it's comfortable enough and only 3 hours (hopefully by February they'll have sorted any issues!) Give it a go ,mate!
40 baht in 3rd class which is fine for this journey windows open,nice!
I agree that's a great deal. I often book third class in preference for short journeys. But for the longer ones I'm getting old and need that bit more comfort!
@@balloonchaserI will probably buy a 1st class ticket!
@@tuttirulla whatever you buy, have a great trip. But no first class on the 07.30 departure. Good luck!
I'm off to Hua Hin for Xmas. I'm driving and it's a head ache. I am close to the services on the way to Bangkok. Can be 6 or 6.5 hrs. South BKK is a nightmare just now especially Bang Na. Maybe get the wife to drive.
Best of luck with that one, Toby. Hua Hin hasn't really got the infrastructure for driving. Probably part of the planning restrictions that they haven't got a quick motorway link. The train could be a good option for some, once they iron out the teething problems. Anyway, have a good trip!
if you are not pressed for time - taking the train for the scenic view is worth it :D
I agree with you. And that 7.30am departure gets you there quite quickly...when it runs on time!
hi i am going to Hua Hin next year and that journey looks nice, the only concern i have is ill have a large suitcase, i saw some head height storage but my case would not fit on that, is there storage elsewhere in the carriage ? cheers
It's a while since I took that trip, and I was travelling light. But I think there was some space at the end of the carriage, near where the toilets are. You wouldn't be the only one travelling with a suitcase, so I'm pretty certain it would be ok! Have a nice trip next year!
Taxi transit from Chatuchak to the new station renders more time, plus the delay. Enough hassles. The old station Hua Lamphong has no more Bangkok-Hua Hin train schedule now？Thanks.
Thanks. For many the old station was more convenient and it most certainly had more character. You can still get some local services from there and the special day excursions including the steam train and the "floating train". But nearly all long distance services, including Hua Hin, are now leaving from the new station. There is one exception, I believe, which is train number 261 from Bangkok to Hua Hin which still goes from Hua Lamphong. Best to check it's still operating if you fancy catching it!
great info Thanks, any idea whether the lines from hua hin to bangkok airport is up ?
Thanks for the positive feedback! Train to the airport isn't a good option. My best advice to get from Hua Hin to Suvanabhumi by public transport is to take a bus. You can see where it goes from on this short video here
ua-cam.com/users/shortsvV0CYp-AzJo?si=kikxCQ7ff2q7dYni
It goes more frequently than the pattaya bus, but you'd need to check the departure times as I haven't been for a whole.
@@balloonchaser thanks again for the tip !
When will you release more chiang mai videos? and are you using the DJI osmo three?. im interested in your thoughts on cameras and editing software especially for beginners
Great question. I do have a bit more footage of Chiang Mai (mainly hotels, restaurants, shopping more than nightlife) that will be out within the next two weeks.
For filming, I have a pocket 2 and a DJI action 2, which I've used on recent videos, along with a Samsung s23 ultra.
Editing software: I'm a big fan of capcut (it's what I always use), and I'd wholeheartedly recommend it for beginners and those wanting a few extra features alike.
Last year I took the train from Bangkok to Hua Hin. Was over 2 hours late. It's disappointing it is still stopping despite twin tracking. Still a problem that there are still no conveniently timed services Hua Hin to Bangkok. The morning service is a sleeper service starting Surat Thani. How late will that be?
For the return to BKK or Pattaya there is a comfortable coach service.
Many thanks, Alan. They seem to have a real problem with scheduling. If (when) one train is late on the single track it delays all the others and the whole thing snowballs. Hopefully the rest of the dual track will open next year. I took the bus back to Pattaya. Just over 4 hours bus station to bus station. Good service for 473 baht.
Good news only 3hrs fom bangkok to huahin
Bad news only one train in the morning
Yes, true! Not sure why almost all leave in the afternoon/evening. 7.30am is an early start for a lot of people for sure!
The stopping for opposite direction trains is I think due to it being a single track line in all or part. The stations provide the passing places.
Yes, that's right. They've opened up a large stretch of dual track line, but it's not complete all the way to Hua Hin yet. Once it is, I think most of the delays will stop. I saw the service today arrived on time, so maybe the teething troubles are down to coordination.
@@balloonchaser I'm not sure how far they have got with the dual track, lots of earth moved though.
@Swaggerlot I read somewhere they've completed about 240-280km. Either way, they're definitely moving in the right direction!
Nice work again Balloon Chaser......hope to be on that train in 2 months. Getting the 0730 train means having to hang around for a few hours on arrival in HH (hope I pronounced that correctly 😀) before booking into the hotel, but of the other 8 trains that leave daily from Bangkok to HH none depart Bangkok before 1510. Those pesky Thais really aren't morning people.
Thanks ,Keith. You have the perfect pronunciation of HH! Yes, there lots of trains in the afternoon but only one in the morning from the Aphiwat station. I believe there's still a slow third class train from hua lamphong at 9.20am if you're not in a hurry! Some hotels will let you check in early if they aren't full, and all will let you drop off your bags. Yesterday I checked in just after 11am. Anyway, I'm sure you'll have a great trip coming soon!
Train spotter. Thai style 🇹🇭🤣 In that case, im glad I got to do Hua Lamphong to old Hua Hin Station then.
Thanks, Paul. Most people have fond memories of the old Hua Lamphong station and the old Hua Hin station. But time moves on! You can walk back to the original Hua Hin station and it will become a museum. Hua Lamphong still has some local services and special excursions. I believe there's still one slow train a day to Hua Hin still running.
They going to have a fast train from bangkok to pattaya continuing to jomtien?
In the future, fast trains will go from Bangkok to Pattaya and Utapao Airport which will take them close to Jomtien, but not through Jomtien. That's my understanding. Still a few years aways, though!
Flying out to thailand in the new year and heading to hua hin.. May get the train but hard choice as a cab is only around 700baht
Taxi is more convenient, especially if coming from the airport. There's also a decent coach service operated by Roong Reuang Company. But, if you have time, the train is more fun! Have a great trip!
Road safety is a big issue in Thailand which is why I would choose the train whenever I can.
Smell the paint? I think that is in your head. 😂 They painted it long ago.
They were putting some paint on when I was there, honest! And as you saw in the video, the guy was still finishing the name plate outside. They were also working on the toilet facilities when I arrived. Not finished yet but will be good when it's all open with the retail facilities! Thanks!
Took the train from Hua Hin to Bangkok. Was supposed to take the 6:32am ordinary but ended up taking the 4am special express which was 2 hours late and reached Hua Hin at 6am instead 😂 They clearly have no idea how to time their train schedules as it seems that no train is ever on time.
Thanks. That reminds me of when I used to work in Rachaburi and we used to spend weekends away in Hua Hin. Used to get the "milk train" back on Monday morning and still be at work by 7.30am! I think the single track system is still the biggest problem in many areas. If one train is late, they're all late! More raised dual tracks is the way forward!
I wonder if it's possible to still go into the old station? I hear it's beautiful.
Yes, you can walk to the old station in a couple of minutes. They announced they are opening it as a museum, but I'm not totally sure if that's open yet. You're right, it's a beautiful place and even won an award just before they closed it! But at least it's going to be kept rather than being demolished or redeveloped!
Im heading there tomorrow..and going to Huahin ...video was really useful to see a preview of the new station ..thank you.
Looks an amazing country , the uk is so expensive now , I am 61 and looking to retire in 5 years , I think I will look to investigate a retirement visa to live in Hua Hin , thanks , liked and subbed.
Many thanks, Norm. Hua Hin would be a great place to retire. Get here as fast as you can! I left the UK aged 47 and haven't regretted it yet!
@@balloonchaser you look as though you are really enjoying yourself . The state pension of £1,000 per month won’t go far in the uk unfortunately, bit of an existence , much appreciated.
@normhanson981 I agree with you. £1,000 isn't much in the UK, but you get a lot more for your money in Thailand. My first job in Thailand I was on 30,000 thai baht and lived ok. £1000 is currently 46,000 thai baht, and you can do more than exist on that if you don't go crazy! I recommend it.
@@balloonchaser thank you .
@@balloonchaser state pension for single person here in the UK is £884 per month after the recent rise, dont know where the £1000 comes from ??
Hi people,was asking myself if there is transportation from hua hin to krabi?does anyone know?greetings
Thanks. There's a bus and van service, I believe. Costs somewhere around 1,000 thai baht and takes about 12 hours. No train link from hua hin. Although you could go to surat thani by train and then a van from there.
I would they have gone backwards.before just stroll into hualomphong buy ticket get on train.ok could take 5 hours journey but cost and messing about getting to new one?plus all that q code this and that,what if uour mobile battery goes flat?
Thanks, Stevos. I know many people liked Hua Lumphong station. I guess there simply wasn't the room to expand it. You can still buy a ticket at any railway station. The QR code is if you book online.
3 hours only the trains operating by Diesel Railcar which are Train 43/40/39/44
Many thanks for the helpful information 👍
@@balloonchaser with pleasure sir, love your content.
@@huahintrainspotters That's really kind of you to say so - cheers!
hello Sir...great video....was it a direct train ride from bkk to hua hin or did you have to transfer anywhere?
Thanks for your question. The train is direct. You don't need to change anywhere. Give it a try. You'll like it!
@@balloonchaser thanks m8 for your reply...will give it a go Cheers..
@@kevin-ty4nm Let me know how you get on with it!
@@balloonchaser I certainly will...do you reccomend buying ticket at station or in advance?
@@kevin-ty4nm I use the D ticket app. I would book in advance once you know when you want to go. The 7.30am train is timetabled to be the quickest. But whichever you get, they'll be some nice views along the way!
I tried to book from Krung Threp Appiwat to Hua Hin and it only provides train 31 with sleeping coaches departing at 16:50 and arriving at 20:20. This makes me think I am picking the wrong train?
There are the following departures from Krung Thep to Hua Hin
07:30 (Train 43)
15:10 (171)
16:10 (37)
16:50 (31)
17:50 (169)
18:50 (83)
19:50 (85)
20:30 (167)
22:50 (39)
@@balloonchaser thanks so much - I will try again on the website.
It is strange, for December it lists all the trains as you show, but for Feb - there is only one train to pick. May wait until we arrive to purchase the tickets.
@louisebrinkmann3373 It's possible the other trains aren't regarded as long distance, so they can be booked 30 days in advance. So if you want to book a non sleeper service, try again 30 days before departure, and I think that should work fine. Hope that makes sense!
Hi , I just somehow cannot find the tickets on the website for travel in August 2024 …….
Normally tickets are available 30 days before departure for short distance trains and 90 days before departure for long distance. Hope this helps.
I guess that explains why I’m unable to see the availability, will you recommend buying the tickets on spot for Bangkok to Hua Hin ? Thanks
@@rahuljain6580Personally, I'd try to book in advance as some trains do get booked up, plus it gives you a chance to reserve your seats in second class.
@@balloonchaser thank you for your advice, Is the second class decent enough ? Im confused between the first and the second class …..
@rahuljain6580 On the train, the 7.30am departure, there isn't any first class. But to answer your question, yes, the seats and legroom is OK for most people in Second Class. And the coaches are reasonably clean and not the oldest on Thai railways, so I think you'll be fine!
I will stick to the bus until they can sort the double tracks out.
Hopefully, in the first quarter next year, all the double tracking will be complete on this line. Fingers crossed!
You need to do the Bangkok to Pattaya Beach by train Sir, or vis versa, would love to see that, majority of people go by Bus or Taxi.
Thanks! I did do the trip from Pattaya to Bangkok and it's a good option IF the time suits. The problem is there's only one or two trains daily on that line. The weekend sprinter is OK, but the weekday ordinary train is just too slow for most people!
Can you advise what are the attractions in Hua hin
Thanks. You get a nice view of the golf course from the station, for those who play. Some lovely long sandy beaches, a couple of decent shopping areas and many restaurants that serve delicious food. Hotels to meet all budgets and tastes and a good night market! Some nice mountains and parks not too far away. A few nice temples. Lots to do!
There's a new train station to start with and then there's the famous old train station...and then go and explore Hua Hin and the surrounding areas.
Just need a trainline of bangkok airport to pattaya
True! That's the big plan for a high speed link between the 2 Bangkok Airports and Utapao Airport via Pattaya. But how many years will it take to build?
@@balloonchaser Many i will be old before such a project is done. At least there is a reliable coach between the 2 destinations.
@dantae666 They do seem to have purchased (almost) all the land they need, and I know one foreigner who is working on the project planning who says it is definitely going to happen "soon". But, yes, soon could be several years yet!
Great videao Sir, the new Station is Called Bang Sue Grand Station, you are using the Thai name very precise but the Thai people would use that. This station was build in this area since its close to the Bangkok Bus Station at Mochit and all the BTS and MRT lines and is very centralized, as a contractor myself I can tell you its extremely hard to coordinate the amalgamation of so many lines into one station especially in a big city like Bangkok, there are so many utilities that need to be sorted out, especially if their are unorganized over the decades.
You raise an interesting point about the name of the station. Thanks for that. The original name was Bang Sue Grand Station until it was renamed by HM The King. Some people (like my taxi driver) understand Bang Sue better, but if you book online, you'll need to use "Krung Thep Aphiwat" to find the correct services.
I'm not keen on narrow track rail systems quite unstable, hence so many derailments. However , good video
Thanks for your comment, tingtong. I feel safer on the train than I do on the road, that's all I can say! And I think any dual track should be better than single track. Anyway, glad you liked the video!
Interesting. These trains are so slow, half an hour is somewhat better... if you can trust the timetable...It's much shorter in driving, providing you don't have to go to the north of Bangkok to take the train.
Thanks! I think the time will come down to the advertised timetable time once they get a couple of teething troubles ironed out. Either way, I find the train much less stressful than driving, assuming as you say it's not a difficult journey to the station!
Great information, thank you. Looks like I'll be visiting Hua Hin soon.
@@greggoes I'm sure you'll enjoy it there!
Driving in Thailand is very dangerous.
It's pronounced Wa Hin! 😂
Sorry, but I disagree. Each to their own, I say.
215 baht by bus
Yes, bus is a good option, too. Agreed.
The train is never full so just get a ticket at the station.
There's still one service from the old station, I believe.
still 5 years and one unfinished project lol....unbelievable .....
I lived in Bangkok for 10 years before the lock downs. Going back now the place is so different because of the various rail projects that have been finished. I'm not saying 3 hours to Hua Hin is fast. But the high speed links will be. So they're taking positive steps in my opinion, and I'm pleased for that. Thanks for your input.
Sorry but English subtitles when you’re speaking English is ridiculous. Off putting. I lasted less than one minute. Shame.
Sorry that it spoilt your enjoyment.
👌
thank you
My pleasure, really!