Thailand's Railway SRT- A cheap travel option

[SIAMPEDIA]

The rail system and its deficiencies have been in the focus of the media over and over again. Many visitors to Thailand think pretty low on the SRT's image and reliability. Business travelers have long resorted to alternative transport options. But a tourist, not pressed for time, may well consider rail-options to be very valid. Thus depending on budget and destinations within the kingdom.

We are a couple with a taste for exploration and have recently completed photo reports on all available classes of service.

SRT reservations for any planned trip can be commenced and tickets purchased without surcharges at any larger railway station. The SRT staff in Hua Lamphong, Bang Sue, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Don Muang was capable of communicating in English language. Reservations for specific seats or sleeping berths can be made up to 4 weeks ahead.
The entire rail system is not comparable with European or American train networks, but it is developed well ahead of Cambodia's and trails Malaysia's State railway not by too much.

We will add a second post here to give you a direct access to the class-separated photo reports.

[SIAMPEDIA]

Here is a look at the different classes of SRT´s rail-service

[mekong]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrkAOPXeO_k
as short you tube video on a train ride threw the area you spoke of

[voss749]

Thailands trains are very nice and comparable to those of Eastern and Southern Europe in comfort in first or second class. Air con works well.

In third class they are very basic but you get to meet the locals and enjoy local cuisine thats offered at
each station.

The main problem with the SRT trains is the food quality in first or second class. I find I get better quality food
cheaper and more frequently and with more smiles from the locals that sell food in third class.

[writemotive]

I have traveled the Bangkok to Udon Thani route several times, first class and wouldn't do it again. I found I had little unwanted passengers crawling around my sleeper car. Bathrooms were primitive. The food was expensive, poor quality, and I was overcharged. The berth above me was suddenly and noisily occupied in the middle of the night by an intoxicated police officer(?) who had no ticket. No, for the price I will opt for a flight, or even the bus, The train is a distant third choice for public transportation in Thailand, at least this route. My opinion is shared by the Udon community who travel to and from Bangkok. I am wondering why the, key holders to the country, don't invest thier own infrastructure...

[Ian Wensor]

I had the unenviable experience of having to travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok in the only sleeper class available and it's not too bad if you dont mind noisy tourists keeping you awake half the night and having to tread through bodies sleeping on the floor when one went to the toilet... Best pay extra and go by air - It's faster and far more comfortable.