Hey bobbie, many thanks for making this comment. I really appreciate it. I just want to get information out there so other people can book their own trips knowing what to expect! Thanks again!
You beauty , looking forward to this one. Will watch now and report back 👍🏼🍻🇦🇺 A very modern station by the looks with great facilities. Sometimes I like older things that have more character but i suppose when it comes to toilets and facilities I'm all for it. Thanks for taking us along with you on this epic voyage . Have fun mate and thanks for another great video BC !
@@balloonchaserIt was interesting mate , it's such a great thing that you are able to do. We learn so much from your videos and you inspire people to travel around the great country that you are so lucky to live in 👍🏼🍻🇦🇺
@sandgroper1980 Many thanks, SG. I do my best to spread the word. I'll tell you true though...if it wasn't for people like you offering words of encouragement, I probably wouldn't do it. Your support is most welcome!
@martinfairbairn1052 I know where you're coming from, Martin. My love of train travel is based on NOT having to go from one faceless airport to another. Unfortunately, Krung Thep Aphiwat looks much like a faceless airport! Give me Hua Lamphong any day of the week. But that's the price we pay for 'progress', I suppose?
Wow that is a train journey 14 hours !!!!😮 . The prices are vary but I would do what you done and get a cabin. The new station is great. What stunning views on the train. Nice one BC can’t wait to see the next leg of your trip
Many thanks, Jimmy. Even tho' it was a largely sleepless night, I was so grateful I had a room to myself! If you go with a partner, great, but I'm past sharing with people I don't know! Plus, having the whole room meant I didn't worry about luggage space or anything. Next leg is to Kuala Lumpur, and eventually, I'll end up in Singapore! Cheers, Jimmy!
I love to receive feedback like this. It's true it takes me a bit longer to make these videos, but my aim is to give information to help others plan their trips. If I can do that - I'm happy! Thanks for your support!
Thanks, Paul. I slept for about a day before I was ready for the next part of the trip. Getting almost no sleep, is pretty brutal! I NEED my beauty sleep 😀
Thanks. Take whatever works for you, I think that's the best advice! I never get travel sick on any form of transport. But got to admit, I did feel a bit queasy at times on this one! I don't seem to do as well when the bunk is across the carriage (as it was here and to Laos). Sleeping along the side of the train (Chiang Mai 2nd Class) was much better for me!
Actually, i want you to know that there is train number 31 from krung thep aphiwat to hat yai junction that will use the new CNR carriage and it will be more comfortable and clean.
Thanks. I know that train already, as I reference in the video it's 2590 thai baht for single use of a first class room. Unfortunately, the CNR first class carriages are often booked up weeks in advance so they're more difficult to book. Thanks for your comment 👍
Are there no morning train departures from Bangkok? I'm planning to travel down into Malaysia, but in three or four stages. Those late afternoon departures would mean arriving in Hua Hin and other towns, quite late in the day. I would probably do the third class thing as you suggested, since they would only be fairly short rides.
You make a good point, Mark, thanks. The first train leaves Bangkok at 15.10 and arrives at 05.50 in the morning. So no daylight down South. In many ways the 17.30 departure would be better. It's due to arrive after 9am so you'd probably get around 3 hours of daylight. The trains after that in Malaysia are more frequent.
@@balloonchaser The last time I did a train journey from Hua Lamphong to Surat Thani in the mid nineties was disastrous because the train that left before us crashed into a truck at a crossing,, killing scores of people. It took us an extra 12 hours to get around the accident. They did a really good job at dealing with the situation in tragic circumstances.
@MarkSantaCruz My god Mark, you were unlucky with that trip, although obviously some were much more unlucky. Very sad. There's still way too many accidents at road crossings on Thailand's railways. I've seen numerous people try to drive round closing barriers or crossings where there isn't a full barrier. It's one reason why the elevated twin track programme is so important (out to Hua Hin and beyond), because not only does it make travel quicker, it also does away with the need for level crossings.
@@balloonchaser Yes it's amazing how some people are prepared to risk their lives to save a few seconds. It was aThai holiday when we took that train journey, so there was only third class seats available. We thought about delaying it until the next day, but decided to go for it anyway. Bad decision haha. Wooden seats, and chickens and piglets everywhere. We ended up staying for a night at Surat Thani because we were too tired to take the ferry to the island at 7pm. We had a great night drinking beer at the quayside. I have a bit of video footage of it.
@MarkSantaCruz That would make for an interesting youtuhe video, Mark. Actually mentioning Surat Thani gives me flashbacks to the last time I booked a First Class Sleeper from there to Bangkok. Got a taxi from Phuket, especially to get it, only to be told a few minutes before departure that my carriage had been taken out of service earlier in the day. Took me 4 months to get a refund, and I also ended up staying the night in Surat. The joys of Thai train travel. Always some kind of excitement or problems just around the corner 🤔
Thanks, PFI! There's no doubt in my mind that you see so much more by travelling by train! he whole journey becomes part of the trip, not just arriving at an airport that looks identical to the one you just left!
I did the third class train, no AC. Sat on the steps the whole way. A couple stops before Hat yai, I was "invited" by a local to go "see his house" after going back and forth a couple of times, he pulled up his shirt to reveal a gun. Okay, now I'm really not going with you, lol.
Amazing story, thanks for sharing! And there's still people who say taking overnight trains isn't an adventure! 😀 Although I can do without that kind of adventure!!
It makes for a nice video, undoubtedly, BC, but I'd rather spend 1500 bahts on one of the 5 airlines that do Bangkok - Hat Yai in 1 hour and 25 minutes, even if they're cramped 😂
Yes, Alain, I get it. If you are on a tight timetable, the plane wins. But a one way trip on a train shows you much more of the area you are visiting. For me, it's part of the trip, whereas a flight is getting you to the place to begin your trip. I love the excitement of train travel, but I'll have to work out how to get more sleep!
@@balloonchaser Totally agree, though on your trip, for the 3/4 of it, you couldn't see much of the surroundings at it was dark outside. Plus you didn't sleep. Anyway, we'll agree on disagreeing on this particular point! 😁
@WanderlustReports No, you're right, Alain. If I booked sufficiently in advance, I'd try to book a departure with more daylight hours, plus of course it would be beneficial to avoid the rainy season. I do love the feeling of adventure tho'. Taking the plane rarely gives that!
Some how I became unsubscribed, bloody youtube. Did you not take a free shower ? watched all thru even though I'm never taking that train so good work. Don't remember you mentioning the restaurant car which you walked passed on the platform.
Many thanks, BB! Yes, I did take a shower. It's pretty good if you remember to bring a towel. Otherwise, do like me and use a t shirt to dry yourself and carry it around damp for the rest of the trip 🤦♂️. But at least I remembered to stock up with snacks before boarding, unlike my recent trip to Laos, and sellers got on the train at various stations offering food. So I didn't venture to the restaurant car. They used to be the centre of activity on overnight sleepers when you could grab a beer and chat with fellow travellers. But since alcohol was banned, that simple pleasure has diminished somewhat. The new government has plans to reintroduce alcohol sales on "tourist trains," so watch this space! 👍
You are a train loving man really. 14 hours on a train would kill me. It is the type of experience I can do without. I think you need to go with the fan cooled carriage, just to maximize the experiential value - no more first class cabin for you. If you don't sleep on trains, why are you going by sleeper train!! Poor you.
Thanks, David! It's true, I much prefer the train as a mode of transport compared to, say, cramped planes and faceless airports.But you make a fair point about my use of sleeper berths. Normally, I don't get much (any) sleep! Luckily, the next leg of my journey was a mix between a third class fan carriage in Thailand, and a super modern fast train in Malaysia. See you in KL! And then onwards to Singapore (and not a sleeper carriage in sight!).
Trains are actually fun! You may meet fun people on the trains. Relax with a few beers and eat some thai food. Just relax and look at the wiev! Try it one day!!
Thanks, Harry. I agree with you completely that trains are fun, especially compared to modern day air travel. And there was a steady stream of Thai food and snacks being sold on the train, even tho' I never made it as far as the restaurant car. No alcohol tho', it's currently banned on all Thai trains although that may change in the future!
@@rossco5409 Thanks for that. It's certainly a consideration. Although a quiet drink in the restaurant car sounds ok. But then they'll always be some that want to impose the "party" on others. Two sides to everything! 👍
This is an amazing video. You are so talented.
That's a really nice comment. I appreciate it!
Thank you for sharing such an informative video clip.
I'm pleased that you found it useful. Thanks!🎈
I really enjoyed your video. Very informative and in comparison with other travel videos it was very professional. Look forward to the next one
Hey bobbie, many thanks for making this comment. I really appreciate it. I just want to get information out there so other people can book their own trips knowing what to expect! Thanks again!
Always a good watch 🎈 🚂🏃🏼
Very nice of you to say so!
You beauty , looking forward to this one. Will watch now and report back 👍🏼🍻🇦🇺 A very modern station by the looks with great facilities. Sometimes I like older things that have more character but i suppose when it comes to toilets and facilities I'm all for it. Thanks for taking us along with you on this epic voyage . Have fun mate and thanks for another great video BC !
Thanks, SG. Hope it's interesting!
@@balloonchaserIt was interesting mate , it's such a great thing that you are able to do. We learn so much from your videos and you inspire people to travel around the great country that you are so lucky to live in 👍🏼🍻🇦🇺
@sandgroper1980 Many thanks, SG. I do my best to spread the word. I'll tell you true though...if it wasn't for people like you offering words of encouragement, I probably wouldn't do it. Your support is most welcome!
It's a horrible station. Simply nasty. True dystopia. 😮😢
@martinfairbairn1052 I know where you're coming from, Martin. My love of train travel is based on NOT having to go from one faceless airport to another. Unfortunately, Krung Thep Aphiwat looks much like a faceless airport! Give me Hua Lamphong any day of the week. But that's the price we pay for 'progress', I suppose?
A great source of information and ideas to try
Thanks for saying so, Simon. That's what I hope; people will find some trips they'd like to do themselves!
Wow that is a train journey 14 hours !!!!😮 . The prices are vary but I would do what you done and get a cabin. The new station is great. What stunning views on the train. Nice one BC can’t wait to see the next leg of your trip
Many thanks, Jimmy. Even tho' it was a largely sleepless night, I was so grateful I had a room to myself! If you go with a partner, great, but I'm past sharing with people I don't know! Plus, having the whole room meant I didn't worry about luggage space or anything. Next leg is to Kuala Lumpur, and eventually, I'll end up in Singapore! Cheers, Jimmy!
Another amazing video. You put a lot of effort into creating these vlogs. Thanks again for sharing. Slow travel is the way to go.
I love to receive feedback like this. It's true it takes me a bit longer to make these videos, but my aim is to give information to help others plan their trips. If I can do that - I'm happy! Thanks for your support!
@@balloonchaser You deserve a lot of credit for the hard work and effort put into these travelogues.
@mothoin Many thanks! Plenty more content coming up. Keep watching, please!
@@balloonchaserI'm looking forward to seeing them.
@@mothoin Thanks, Patrick!
All great information. Shame you didn't sleep. Hope someone took care of you in Hat Yai before KL leg 😊
Thanks, Paul. I slept for about a day before I was ready for the next part of the trip. Getting almost no sleep, is pretty brutal! I NEED my beauty sleep 😀
Great Insight นะ.ขอบคุฌซิ์..
Many thanks! ขอบคุณมากครับ
Interesting, I am looking forward to your next leg on the journey. Never travel without ear plugs🙂?
Thanks. Take whatever works for you, I think that's the best advice! I never get travel sick on any form of transport. But got to admit, I did feel a bit queasy at times on this one! I don't seem to do as well when the bunk is across the carriage (as it was here and to Laos). Sleeping along the side of the train (Chiang Mai 2nd Class) was much better for me!
Actually, i want you to know that there is train number 31 from krung thep aphiwat to hat yai junction that will use the new CNR carriage and it will be more comfortable and clean.
Thanks. I know that train already, as I reference in the video it's 2590 thai baht for single use of a first class room. Unfortunately, the CNR first class carriages are often booked up weeks in advance so they're more difficult to book. Thanks for your comment 👍
This station is basically Suvarnabhumi for trains 😊
That's a very good description of it! 😃
Are there no morning train departures from Bangkok? I'm planning to travel down into Malaysia, but in three or four stages. Those late afternoon departures would mean arriving in Hua Hin and other towns, quite late in the day. I would probably do the third class thing as you suggested, since they would only be fairly short rides.
You make a good point, Mark, thanks. The first train leaves Bangkok at 15.10 and arrives at 05.50 in the morning. So no daylight down South. In many ways the 17.30 departure would be better. It's due to arrive after 9am so you'd probably get around 3 hours of daylight. The trains after that in Malaysia are more frequent.
@@balloonchaser The last time I did a train journey from Hua Lamphong to Surat Thani in the mid nineties was disastrous because the train that left before us crashed into a truck at a crossing,, killing scores of people. It took us an extra 12 hours to get around the accident. They did a really good job at dealing with the situation in tragic circumstances.
@MarkSantaCruz My god Mark, you were unlucky with that trip, although obviously some were much more unlucky. Very sad. There's still way too many accidents at road crossings on Thailand's railways. I've seen numerous people try to drive round closing barriers or crossings where there isn't a full barrier. It's one reason why the elevated twin track programme is so important (out to Hua Hin and beyond), because not only does it make travel quicker, it also does away with the need for level crossings.
@@balloonchaser Yes it's amazing how some people are prepared to risk their lives to save a few seconds. It was aThai holiday when we took that train journey, so there was only third class seats available. We thought about delaying it until the next day, but decided to go for it anyway. Bad decision haha. Wooden seats, and chickens and piglets everywhere. We ended up staying for a night at Surat Thani because we were too tired to take the ferry to the island at 7pm. We had a great night drinking beer at the quayside. I have a bit of video footage of it.
@MarkSantaCruz That would make for an interesting youtuhe video, Mark. Actually mentioning Surat Thani gives me flashbacks to the last time I booked a First Class Sleeper from there to Bangkok. Got a taxi from Phuket, especially to get it, only to be told a few minutes before departure that my carriage had been taken out of service earlier in the day. Took me 4 months to get a refund, and I also ended up staying the night in Surat. The joys of Thai train travel. Always some kind of excitement or problems just around the corner 🤔
Unless I am rushed for time a Train is an awesome choice.
Thanks, PFI! There's no doubt in my mind that you see so much more by travelling by train! he whole journey becomes part of the trip, not just arriving at an airport that looks identical to the one you just left!
I did the third class train, no AC. Sat on the steps the whole way. A couple stops before Hat yai, I was "invited" by a local to go "see his house" after going back and forth a couple of times, he pulled up his shirt to reveal a gun. Okay, now I'm really not going with you, lol.
Amazing story, thanks for sharing! And there's still people who say taking overnight trains isn't an adventure! 😀 Although I can do without that kind of adventure!!
It makes for a nice video, undoubtedly, BC, but I'd rather spend 1500 bahts on one of the 5 airlines that do Bangkok - Hat Yai in 1 hour and 25 minutes, even if they're cramped 😂
Yes, Alain, I get it. If you are on a tight timetable, the plane wins. But a one way trip on a train shows you much more of the area you are visiting. For me, it's part of the trip, whereas a flight is getting you to the place to begin your trip. I love the excitement of train travel, but I'll have to work out how to get more sleep!
@@balloonchaser Totally agree, though on your trip, for the 3/4 of it, you couldn't see much of the surroundings at it was dark outside. Plus you didn't sleep. Anyway, we'll agree on disagreeing on this particular point! 😁
@WanderlustReports No, you're right, Alain. If I booked sufficiently in advance, I'd try to book a departure with more daylight hours, plus of course it would be beneficial to avoid the rainy season. I do love the feeling of adventure tho'. Taking the plane rarely gives that!
Some how I became unsubscribed, bloody youtube. Did you not take a free shower ? watched all thru even though I'm never taking that train so good work. Don't remember you mentioning the restaurant car which you walked passed on the platform.
Many thanks, BB! Yes, I did take a shower. It's pretty good if you remember to bring a towel. Otherwise, do like me and use a t shirt to dry yourself and carry it around damp for the rest of the trip 🤦♂️. But at least I remembered to stock up with snacks before boarding, unlike my recent trip to Laos, and sellers got on the train at various stations offering food. So I didn't venture to the restaurant car. They used to be the centre of activity on overnight sleepers when you could grab a beer and chat with fellow travellers. But since alcohol was banned, that simple pleasure has diminished somewhat. The new government has plans to reintroduce alcohol sales on "tourist trains," so watch this space! 👍
You are a train loving man really. 14 hours on a train would kill me. It is the type of experience I can do without. I think you need to go with the fan cooled carriage, just to maximize the experiential value - no more first class cabin for you. If you don't sleep on trains, why are you going by sleeper train!! Poor you.
Thanks, David! It's true, I much prefer the train as a mode of transport compared to, say, cramped planes and faceless airports.But you make a fair point about my use of sleeper berths. Normally, I don't get much (any) sleep! Luckily, the next leg of my journey was a mix between a third class fan carriage in Thailand, and a super modern fast train in Malaysia. See you in KL! And then onwards to Singapore (and not a sleeper carriage in sight!).
You are amazing.video clear n easy..might do the in future when I go to Bangkok ..my home town Kedah.
Trains are actually fun! You may meet fun people on the trains. Relax with a few beers and eat some thai food. Just relax and look at the wiev! Try it one day!!
Thanks, Harry. I agree with you completely that trains are fun, especially compared to modern day air travel. And there was a steady stream of Thai food and snacks being sold on the train, even tho' I never made it as far as the restaurant car. No alcohol tho', it's currently banned on all Thai trains although that may change in the future!
@@balloonchaserNo one wants to be stuck with drunks for 14hs so I hope that doesn't change
@@rossco5409 Thanks for that. It's certainly a consideration. Although a quiet drink in the restaurant car sounds ok. But then they'll always be some that want to impose the "party" on others. Two sides to everything! 👍