In preparation for the chilly winter months, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the State Railway of Thailand has introduced the Rot Fai Loi Nam (Floating Train) programme, which will take place from this Saturday until Jan 28.
Ideal for a day or overnight trips during weekends, the programme provides six fascinating routes to second-tier cities where travellers can experience the beauty of nature and history of Thailand. On the day trip from Hua Lamphong Station to Pasak Jolasid Dam in Lop Buri, visitors can spend 20 minutes exploring Thailand's largest reservoir amid lush surroundings.
A short ride from the dam, visitors will be greeted with flower fields that stretch to the horizon, seemingly kissing the Sun. The round-trip tour price starts at 330 baht per person in regular carriages and goes up to 590 baht per person in air-conditioned carriages. Private train wagons are reserved for group excursions.
From now until December, refurbished KIHA 183 trains will operate 14 exclusive trips to accommodate a maximum of 200 passengers. It costs 1,499 baht per person for a day trip and 3,999 baht per person for an overnight expedition.
On the first few weekend, travellers have the option of taking a day trip to the Bang Pakong River basin where they can stop and admire a row of colourful celosia fields. Alternatively, they can take a songthaew to well-known tourist destinations in the tranquil town of Chachoengsao such as Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan, which is home to a highly revered statue of Phra Phutthasothon from the Ayutthaya period, and Talat Baan Mai, which illustrates the way of life in the historic waterfront community.
On Nov 25 and Nov 26 and Dec 9 and Dec 10, the day trip will allow passengers to take in breathtaking views of massive chrysanthemum and sunflower fields as the Sun sets in Saraburi and Lop Buri.
When visiting Lop Buri and Ayutthaya between Dec 23 and 24, fans of Channel 3's hit series Love Destiny 2 can dress in traditional Thai costumes and step back in time to the Ayutthaya period as they explore King Narai Ratchaniwet Palace and the Glorious of Ayutthaya Fair 2023.
Reservations can be made at train stations nationwide and via dticket.railway.co.th. For more details, call the SRT hotline 1690.
