A Malaysian Photo And Travel Blog: [Thailand] Train Ride

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Thailand Land of Smiles, Beauty & Everything - From Hat Yai หาดใหญ่ to Bangkok กรุงเทพฯ (A 19 Hours Train Ride)

Posted by shloke 11 September 2009 9 comments

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As usual, I traveled on a tight budget. I don't mind staying in guest house and finding the cheapest means of transportation. So, I purchased a 259 THB ticket from Hat Yai หาดใหญ่ Rail Station to Bangkok Hua Lamphong หัวลำโพง Station. It is a third class coach with fan and windows wide opened. The train was delayed for one and a half hour. It was a HOT afternoon. All of us were sweating mad because it was hot and stuffy! Finally, the train start moving by 3:30 pm. It was a tiring and stressful ride. I didn't sleep a wink. Imagine four adults crammed into two little seats. I can't even extend my two legs to rest properly. To make matter worse, my arse was aching all over due to prolong 'butt-sticking' to the seat. But then again, the view from the opened window is SUPERB. I can see the countryside, the people and also the fertile land with paddies.

The distance from Hat Yai (Southern Thai) to Bangkok (Central Thai) is 748.19 km away. The journey seems to be ENDLESS! Finally, the train reached Bangkok Hua Lamphong หัวลำโพง Station by 10:30 a.m. (the next day). A BIG SIGHT OF RELIEF! I quickly flagged down a tuk-tuk and asked the driver to send me to Siam Oriental Inn in Khao San Road ถนนข้าวสาร. I booked a basic room in Siam Oriental Inn for 300 THB per night.

Khao San Road ถนนข้าวสาร is a backpacker haven. There were loads of cheap guest house over there. 'Mat Salleh' or farang ฝรั่ง were all over the place. At first, I was a bit worried. Crazy terrorist or even separatists might plant bombs or IEDs - Improvised Explosive Devices in one of the guest house or cafe. But my fears are completely unfounded. I felt safe seeing armed military and police personnel patrolling Khao San Road ถนนข้าวสาร.

Why do I choose to stay in Khao San Road ถนนข้าวสาร? Well, it is a strategic area. Places of interests such as Bangkok National Museum, Grand Palace and Wat Pho are located within walking distance.

Next Post...Bangkok กรุงเทพฯ!!!

My Hat Yai Trip

Looking Back - A slide show.

Title: The 3rd Class Coach

Location: Train to Bangkok, Hat Yai, Southern Thailand

Date: 2 September 2009, 3:07pm

Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.5, ISO Equiv.: 200

It's cheap but not comfortable. Mini fans (on the roof) and windows wide opened.

Bangkok กรุงเทพฯ - Budget Accomodation/Stay:

Siam Oriental Inn & Siam Restaurant

190 Khaosan Road, Bangkok Thailand. 10200

Tel: +6626920312 Fax: +6626290311

Facilities: Attached bathroom, complimentary soaps & toilet papers, laundry service, internet cafe, free safety box, security camera, 24 hours and long term luggage storage.

View Larger Map

Budget stay - Full Directory (Guest House, Inn, Hotels & Others):

Read travelers' review from travelfish.org -- http://tinyurl.com/22rzou

Bangkok กรุงเทพฯ - Useful Maps & Guide:

The 8 main areas in Bangkok - Sukhumvit, Silom, Rattanakosin, Khao San Road, Yaowarat and Pahurat, Thonburi, Phahonyothin, Ratchadaphisek. Click map for larger view.