Thailand has a well-developed Bahn network that includes a number of night trains, which are particularly attractive for travellers who want to travel long distances and sleep soundly. These night trains offer an affordable and comfortable way to explore the country. Below we present the most important night train providers in Thailand and go into more detail about the features of the trains and how to book tickets.
1. State Railway of Thailand (SRT) - The Thai state railway
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is the main operator of train services in Thailand, including night trains. SRT operates a network of long-distance trains connecting Bangkok with the country's major cities and regions, including Chiang Mai in the north and Surat Thani in the south.
Routes:
- Bangkok - Chiang MaiOne of the most popular routes taking travellers from bustling Bangkok to the culturally rich city of Chiang Mai in the north.
- Bangkok - Surat ThaniThis connection is particularly popular with travellers who want to continue on to the southern islands such as Koh Samui or Koh Phangan.
- Bangkok - Hat YaiA longer route that connects the south of Thailand with Malaysia.
- Bangkok - Nong KhaiThis route leads to the north-eastern region of Thailand, close to the border with Laos.
Train optionsSRT night trains offer various levels of comfort to meet the different needs of travellers:
- Seated coach (Third Class)The cheapest option with basic seats suitable for shorter journeys. These carriages are not air-conditioned and only offer basic comfort.
- Couchette coach (Second Class Sleeper)These coaches offer a combination of berths in air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned compartments. The compartments are open but screened off by curtains. The lower beds are slightly wider and more comfortable than the upper beds.
- Sleeping car (First Class Sleeper)For more privacy, the sleeper carriages offer compartments with two beds that can be locked. These carriages are air-conditioned and offer a higher level of comfort, including private washbasins in some compartments.
- CateringMany SRT night trains have dining cars that offer hot meals, snacks and drinks. It is also possible to order food directly from the train staff at your seat.
Ticket bookingTickets for SRT trains can be booked either at the Bahn station, through official travel agencies or online. Early booking is recommended, especially on popular routes such as Bangkok-Chiang Mai, as the night trains are often very busy.
- Link to the booking: State Railway of Thailand (SRT)
2. Thai Railway Ticket - Online ticketing platform
In addition to the official SRT website, there is also Thai Railway Ticketa platform specifically designed for international travellers to book train tickets in Thailand easily and quickly online. This site offers a user-friendly interface and access to the main night train connections in the country.
RoutesThai Railway Ticket covers all main SRT routes, including night trains:
- Bangkok - Chiang Mai
- Bangkok - Surat Thani
- Bangkok - Hat Yai
- Bangkok - Nong Khai
Train options: As Thai Railway Ticket is limited to the booking of the trains of the State Railway of Thailand the same features apply here:
- SeatsSimple and affordable, for shorter trips or budget-conscious travellers.
- Couchette and sleeper carriagesMore comfort and privacy are offered by the Second Class and First Class sleeping cars, which are available on most trains.
Ticket bookingBooking via Thai Railway Ticket is easy and accessible for international users. The platform allows the selection of different trains, carriage classes and times, with tickets delivered by email. Payments can be made online by credit card.
- Link to the booking: Thai Railway Ticket
3. 12Go Asia - Multimodal transport platform
12Go Asia is a popular booking platform for train, bus and ferry services throughout Southeast Asia, including night trains in Thailand. It offers a wide range of transport options and allows travellers to plan their entire itinerary from one place.
Routes12Go Asia offers bookings for all night train routes of the State Railway of Thailand including:
- Bangkok - Chiang Mai
- Bangkok - Surat Thani
- Bangkok - Hat Yai
- Bangkok - Nong Khai
Travellers can also book combined tickets, e.g. overnight train to Surat Thani and then onwards by ferry to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan.
Train optionsThe equipment of the trains corresponds to that used by the State Railway of Thailand as 12Go Asia accesses their trains:
- Couchette and sleeper carriages12Go Asia provides detailed information on the available classes and coaches so that travellers can choose the comfort that suits them best.
- Additional optionsCombined tickets, which include train, bus and ferry, make planning your journey particularly convenient.
Ticket bookingBooking via 12Go Asia is very practical for travellers who are also planning international or multimodal connections. The platform offers bookings in various languages and allows tickets to be paid for by credit card. Booking confirmations are sent by e-mail.
- Link to the booking: 12Go Asia
4. Lomprayah - night trains with connections to the ferries to the islands
Lomprayah is primarily known as a ferry company, but also offers combined tickets that combine an overnight train journey with a ferry crossing to the popular islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. These combined tickets are particularly popular with travellers who want to use the night train as a comfortable and time-saving option for the transfer from Bangkok to the south.
Routes:
- Bangkok - Surat Thani + ferryTravellers take the night train from Bangkok to Surat Thani and change there to the ferry to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao.
Train optionsLomprayah itself does not operate any trains, but co-operates with the State Railway of Thailand. Therefore, the equipment of the night trains corresponds to that of the SRT:
- Couchette coaches and sleeping carsPassengers can choose between different levels of comfort, from simple couchettes to private sleeping compartments.
- Ferry connectionsLomprayah ferries are fast and modern and offer both air-conditioned indoor areas and outdoor decks for crossing to the islands.
Ticket bookingCombined tickets for the night train and ferry can be purchased via the Lomprayah website or from partner platforms such as 12Go Asia can be booked. This option offers a convenient way to plan the entire journey from Bangkok to the islands in one go.
- Link to the booking: Lomprayah
Conclusion
In 2024, Thailand will offer numerous overnight train connections, allowing travellers to travel comfortably and inexpensively across the country. The State Railway of Thailand is the main provider of night trains connecting different cities and regions of the country. Platforms such as 12Go Asia and Thai Railway Ticket make ticket booking particularly easy for international travellers. Whether you want to explore the cultural north or the tropical islands of the south, Thailand's night trains offer a stress-free way to cover long distances and spend a restful night.
Providers and links for ticket booking:
- State Railway of Thailand (SRT): railway.co.th
- Thai Railway Ticket: thairailwayticket.com
- 12Go Asia: 12go.asia
- Lomprayah: lomprayah.com