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Thailand Family Vacations |  |
Train Travel in Thailand
Train travel in Thailand is operated by the State Railway of Thailand. Overall, the railway network is very functional. Train travel in Thailand is very cheap and the cars are comfortable. If vacation time in Thailand is limited, I recommend you book a domestic flight in Thailand. However, if you have the time, train travel in Thailand is an excellent way to see the Thai countryside and get a taste of Thai culture that you are unlikely to experience anywhere else. Just remember, Thailand trains are slow, but that makes it possible to take fabulous pictures even when the train is moving.
The Thai rail network (see map on right) extends all over the country, with lines to Chiang Mai in the north, Nong Khai and Ubon in the northeast, Aranya Prathet in the east, Kanchanaburi in the west and two lines to Malaysia in the south.
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Overnight Trains
The State Railway of Thailand operates three classes of cars on most overnight trains. First class cars provide individual cabins for two persons. The cabins are small, but the beds (upper and lower bunks) are wide enough to accomodate a small child as well as an adult. If you have two small children in your family, one cabin would be suitable for you and your spouse and children. All the first class cars are airconditioned.
While first class cabins provide more privacy, I recommend you travel in second class train cars. The ride in second class is just as comfortable as first class and costs much less. There are several levels for second class seating on the Thai trains. Some second class cars have seats which can be converted into bunks for sleeping. You also have the option of selecting airconditoned or fan cars. I recommend the airconditioned cars for your family travel. The lower bunks on the newer model cars are very wide, while the upper bunks are a bit constrictive. When are children were small, we usually purchased two lower births for my wife and I, while the kids slept in the to bunks directly above us. Now our children are too big to fit comfortably in an upper bunk. The lower bunks on the older model cars are not as wide as the newer model, but they are still more comfortable than the upper bunks.
Third class seating on the Thai trains may be the cheapest form of travel in Thailand. However, most of the seats are wooden benches and are first come first serve. You are not guaranteed a seat when you purchase a third class ticket. Third class may be okay for very short day trips, but I do not recommend traveling by third class for overnight travel.
Daytime Trains
The daytime trains have only second and third class seating. The most popular daytime train for tourists is the express railcar. The train may consist of up to four self-propelled diesel cars. The train has limited stops and has the shortest travel time of other trains in Thailand. Since fewer stops are made, each car has its own steward who serves a small meal. The meal is included in the cost of the ticket.
For a complete guide to train travel in Thailand, visit Thailand by Train.
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