A brief history of Thailand’s railways
Rail travel arrived in Thailand in the late 19th century, during the reign of King Rama V (Chulalongkorn). At the time, developing a railway network served two strategic goals: modernizing the country and reinforcing its independence in a region increasingly influenced by colonial powers. Unlike many neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, Thailand was never colonized, and its railway system was developed under national control.
The first railway line opened in 1896, linking Bangkok to Ayutthaya. From there, the network expanded steadily toward the north, the northeast and the south, supporting territorial cohesion, the transport of rice, timber and goods, and the movement of people across the kingdom.
Today, the network is still operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), a public company. Rail transport remains a strategic tool, both economically and socially.
A network centered on Bangkok
Train travel in Thailand is organized around a central hub: Bangkok. Since 2023, most long-distance trains depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Station, a vast and modern rail terminal located north of the city.
Four main railway corridors structure the network:
- the Northern Line toward Chiang Mai
- the Northeastern Line toward the Isan region (Nong Khai, Ubon Ratchathani)
- the Eastern Line toward the Cambodian border
- the Southern Line toward the Malay Peninsula
Together, these routes cover a large part of the country, including regions that remain relatively untouched by mass tourism.
Night trains: a Thai rail tradition
One of the defining features of train travel in Thailand is its extensive use of night trains. Routes such as Bangkok–Chiang Mai or Bangkok–Trang offer air-conditioned sleeping cars, some of which have been renovated in recent years.
Night trains allow travelers to cover long distances while saving a full day of travel time. They are widely used by both locals and visitors and remain a practical option in a geographically large country.
Comfort is simple but functional, and the onboard experience reflects a slower approach to travel, where the journey itself is part of the experience.
Traveling by train and understanding Thai society
In Thailand, the train is a highly social space. Classes are not rigidly separated, families travel together, vendors may board at certain stops, and stations function as lively public places.
Watching life unfold on platforms and inside carriages offers insight into the country’s regional contrasts. The mountainous north, the rural northeast, and the maritime south each reveal different aspects of Thai society. Every railway line tells a different story.
For this reason, train travel in Thailand offers a more nuanced view of the country, less focused on major tourist hubs.
Notable railway routes
Several routes stand out for their geographical and cultural interest.
The Northern Line to Chiang Mai crosses agricultural plains, rice fields and forested areas before reaching more mountainous terrain.
The Northeastern Line opens onto the Isan region, long considered peripheral, where Lao-Thai culture plays a strong role.
The Southern Line occasionally follows the coastline and provides access to provinces far from standardized beach resorts.
A special mention goes to the line between Kanchanaburi and Nam Tok, known as the Death Railway. Built during World War II for military purposes under extremely harsh conditions, it carries significant historical weight. Unlike many wartime infrastructures, this line remains in service today as part of Thailand’s regular rail network. Its route along the River Kwai and across cliffside viaducts preserves remarkable engineering works, making it both a functional railway and a place of remembrance.
Fun facts about rail travel in Thailand
- Thailand still uses two different track gauges across its railway network.
- Trains may run several hours late without causing major concern among local passengers, reflecting a different relationship to time.
- Some trains pass directly through markets set up right next to the tracks, such as the famous Mae Klong market on a secondary line.
- Each evening, sleeping cars are converted by onboard staff in a smooth and well-practiced routine.
Why choose train travel in Thailand?
Train travel in Thailand is not about speed, but about understanding the country. It offers territorial continuity, close contact with local life, and a coherent way to connect the country’s major regions.
It is also a practical solution for building a balanced itinerary, combining major cities, rural areas and diverse landscapes without relying heavily on domestic flights. For travelers interested in the meaning of the journey as much as the destination, the train remains one of the most insightful ways to explore Thailand.
