Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Taxi
Bangkok has the most formal system of metered taxis. In other cities, a taxi can be a private vehicle with negotiable
rates. You can also travel between cities by taxi but you'll need to negotiate a price as few taxi drivers will run a meter
for intercity travel.
Train
Thailand's train system is most convenient as an alternative to buses for the long journey south. The 4500km rail net-
work is operated by the
State Railway of Thailand
(SRT; 1690;
www.railway.co.th
)
and covers four main lines:
the northern, southern, northeastern and eastern lines. All long-distance trains originate from Bangkok's Hualamphong
station.
Classes
The SRT operates passenger trains in three classes - 1st, 2nd and 3rd - but each class varies depending on whether
you're on an ordinary, rapid or express train.
1st class
In 1st class, passengers have private cabins, which are available only on rapid, express and special-express
trains.
2nd class
The seating arrangements in a 2nd-class, non-sleeper carriage are similar to those on a bus, with padded seats
facing towards the front of the train. On 2nd-class sleeper cars, pairs of seats face one another and convert into two
fold-down berths. The lower berth has more headroom than the upper berth and this is reflected in a higher fare. Chil-
dren are always assigned a lower berth. There are air-con and fan 2nd-class carriages, and 2nd-class carriages are only
found on rapid and express trains.
3rd class
A typical 3rd-class carriage consists of two rows of bench seats divided into facing pairs. Each bench seat is
designed to seat two or three passengers, but on a crowded rural line nobody seems to care.
Costs
Fares are determined by a base price with surcharges added for distance, class and train type (special-express, express,
rapid, ordinary). Extra charges are added if the carriage has air-con and for sleeping berths (either upper or lower).
Reservations
Advance bookings can be made up to 60 days before your intended date of departure. You can make bookings in per-
son from any train station. Train tickets can also be purchased at travel agencies, which usually add a service charge to
the ticket price. If you are planning long- distance train travel from outside the country, you should email the State
Railway of Thailand at least two weeks before your journey. You will receive an email confirming the booking. Pick up
and pay for tickets an hour before leaving at the scheduled departure train station.
It is advisable to make advanced bookings for long-distance sleeper trains from Bangkok to Surat Thani, especially
around Songkran in April and the peak tourist-season (December and January).
For short-distance trips, purchase your ticket at least a day in advance for seats (rather than sleepers).
Partial refunds on tickets are available depending on the number of days prior to your departure you arrange for a
cancellation. Refunds can be handled at the train station booking office.
