Overnight 2nd class sleeper train in Thailand from Bangkok 🚊 Backpacking Southeast Asia travel blog

Hi there!

So, you may have heard that you can get an overnight train from Bangkok to another part of Thailand.

Is this a reasonable option worth considering?!

Or, with domestic flights in Thailand not being too expensive, should you just fly?

In short, the overnight sleeper train is not so bad, and why fly when you can go overland?! 😉 

If you’re looking for an excuse to take an overnight train in Southeast Asia, you have options in Thailand!

 

 

 

So…

How much do overnight trains in Thailand cost?

This will depend on your exact route and which type of ticket you book, but in general, you can probably expect a comfortable overnight train to cost maybe around US$40.

See the exact cost of popular overnight train routes in Thailand:

• Bangkok to Chiang Mai
• Bangkok to Surat Thani (one option to go partly from Bangkok to Phuket)
• Bangkok to Padang Besar (part of going from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur by train)

Links take you to partner website that’s one of the most popular ways to buy Thailand train tickets online. You might need to pick up your ticket in-person, and there’s a ticket pick-up location conveniently near the Bangkok train station. 

 

 

So…

What’s an overnight sleeper train in Thailand like?!

 

This is what my train from Bangkok to Malaysia with a 2nd class AC sleeper ticket was like in April 2019 anyway! (aka the Bangkok to Padang Besar train with the Thailand to Malaysia border crossing.) Your experience may vary!

 

 

Getting on the train

Taking a train from where the route originates means that it’ll probably be sitting there for at least a little bit before departure.

And that means you can get on the train early. 

 

 

Your train ticket will have a train car number and train seat number on it. 

You’ll be able to spot the car number on the outside of the train.

 

 

And then once you get inside the train, you can look for the seat number to locate your specific seat. 

 

 

 

Luggage storage on the train

I put my suitcase underneath the seat.

There was also a spot to store luggage up top.

Always keep your valuables with you though!

 

 

 

Food on the train

Shortly after I boarded the train, someone came around with a train food menu asking if I wanted to order food. 

There’s a convenience store near the Bangkok train station (aka Hua Lamphong railway station) that could be a good place to pick up snacks.

Otherwise, you might go for some of the food that you can get on the train.

I ordered the green curry, and this was 130 baht (US$4).

This was served a couple of hours into the train ride, around 5pm. (It was a 3pm departure train.)

 

 

 

Toilet

There is a toilet on the train, but keep your expectations in check!

 

 

 

SLEEP!

Or just lay and rest!

I was sleeping or laying down for most of the train ride so it really didn’t feel that long.

Shortly before 6pm, a train worker came around asking if he should set the bed up.

Say yes, and you can go to bed early. 😉

I’d say I got a pretty good night’s sleep.

The eye mask and ear plugs probably helped.

It seems like online everyone recommends getting the bottom bunk.

I ended up with a top bunk and I thought it was completely fine. (Although I did request the bottom bunk I did not get one, probably a result of not booking early.)

I got a fine night’s sleep!

 

 

And that’s a bit of what it might be like on your long distance train in Thailand!

 

See about how to get around Bangkok by public transportation too.

 

HAPPY OVERNIGHT TRAIN RIDE IN THAILAND!