Stepping out of the taxi I was welcomed by mysterious smells and aromas coming from the sizzling street food stands. Lights dazzled from above and music played from every direction. People of all nations mingled around the various stalls lining the pavement. I must have walked up and down Khao San Rd two or three times before I was able to relax a little and decide what to do.

Khao San Rd is a must on your list of things to do if you’re looking for colourful, vibrant street life. From one end to the other, in every corner and down every alley way you’ll find food, drink, internet, music, entertainment, things to buy as gifts or souvenirs and accommodation. Information and budget deals are everywhere. If you need to book tickets to get anywhere in Thailand Khao San will provide.

Only a stone’s throw away you can find many interesting places to visit. The Grand Palace is beautiful. Check out The Emerald Buddha Temple inside its walls.

Wat Pho houses The Reclining Buddha.

Wat Arun on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River is good for an hour and has some lovely views over the river.

After many years in Bangkok Khao San Rd became my Friday night treat. I had my favourite bar, The Harley Bar, down the alleyway on the left hand side. Just opposite I stayed at the Sawasdee Banglumpoo Inn. Cheap, friendly and clean. My reasons for going back every week were simple. Khao san Rd is fun. You can meet all kinds of people from all over the world and stay the night in a budget hotel or guest house for peanuts.

Don’t miss out. Khao San waits for you.

A few handy phrases

pood Thai mai dai – I can not speak Thai.
kow jai mai – do you understand?
mai kow jai – I do not understand
nee Tao Rai? –  How much?
pang – expensive
pang mak – very expensive

mai pang/took – cheap
naam – water
chok dee – good luck

ron – hot
nao – cold
hong naam – toilet
naam keng – ice
nit noi – small – a little bit
yai – large
bia – beer
soopburi – smoke cigarette

neung – 1
song – 2
sam – 3
see – 4
haa – 5
hok – 6
jet – 7
paed – 8
gow – 9
sip – 10

Now What?

You’re drinking a coffee the morning after a night on Khao San Rd. What to do next? Where to go? Let me suggest a few options.

Beach resorts……

There are many to choose from. Pattaya, two hours east of Bangkok by bus is good for the party animal or the lonely heart searching for some female company. Bars line the streets running up from the beach and beyond. It’s in your face and beating fast. There are quiet areas too but who goes to Pattaya for a quiet time? In the day why not relax in the sun having your every wish catered for by one of the friendly Thai beach restaurant /bars. Anything you need? Just ask. You can get a flip flop repaired, a henna tattoo, buy a watch, eat sea food, have a massage, purchase a sapphire from Myanmar etc. etc. etc. At night you can walk about visiting different entertainment venues. Have a go a Thai boxing, try your hand at climbing a pole or shop till you drop in the many stalls and fashion stores..

Hua Hin is just a few hours south of Bangkok and very pleasant. It’s my favourite beach resort on the mainland. Restaurants, hotels and guest houses are abundant and good quality. You can spend a little on budget rooms or much more if you require luxury. I stayed in luxury at Baan Bayan Hotel.

Address: 119 Petchkasem Road,Prachuap Khirikhan, Hua Hin Beachfront, Hua Hin / Cha-am. An amazing place.

The beach is clean and organised. There is a mellow feel to the place especially in the morning. Sunrise and sunset are beautiful. Just up the coast is Cha Am. Another great place and very popular with the Thai’s.

Koh Chang is a jewel just off the coast in Trat Province. You can get there in four hours by road. Catch the small ferry for a ten minute ride then immerse yourself into island life. It’s not full on or in your face like Pattaya. It’s not at all like Hua Hin either. Lots of nature and coconut palms. White sand, spectacular views, good honest food and you get that ‘I’m in paradise’ feeling.

If you like history or just enjoy ruins of ancient Siamese temples and palaces then I recommend you visit the old capital city of Ayutthaya. It’s just north of Bangkok and easy to get to on a day trip. For eating why not try an Ayutthaya specialty known as kwit-tieo reua or boat noodles. Popular throughout Thailand, boat noodles are said to have originated in Ayutthaya. Centuries ago they were sold from wooden sampans that rowed through the rivers and canals. If you like spicy Thai food a number of open-air Isaan restaurants line the bank of a small lagoon on Pa Thon Road. Here you can buy the famous som tam salad with Barbequed chicken and sticky rice. It’s hot!

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Club Scene:

Royal City Avenue, or better known as, RCA, is a place to blow some contained energy. At Flix, you can jump around to some of coolest local bands or to an awesome DJ spinning some house and trance.

Although new to the area, this place is proving to be popular. LED Club is a hip place that offers some amazing sets by some of the raddest international DJ’s around.

If you’re feeling posh and want to hang out with the cool Bangkok kids, head to Sukhumvit Road. First stop, Bed Supperclub. This restaurant turned lounge at night with an adjacent club is a happening place and one of Bangkok’s best. Drum and bass to indie-pop boom through the speakers for one epic night out.

Just down the street is Q Bar, and this place has been around. It’s so well-know, celebrities like Colin Farrell have been spotted here. Should you want an interesting fusion concocted by master mixologists while mingling with the young and beautiful of Bangkok, go to Hyde and Seek for an interesting “gastro bar” experience.

Just Chillin’:

If you’re hankering for a real good brew to avoid the backpackers common cheap Chang-over, head for The Londoner Brew Pub. They have a reasonable happy hour and beers that could be hard to find elsewhere. Sit back and throw down a few at Bangkok’s only English bitter and pilsner microbrewery.

Need a bit vino in your life? Tucked away on a cosy small soi in the Sukhumvit area is Enoteco Italiana. Here you can choose from over 300 Italian wine selections and sink your teeth into something that will make you think you teleported to Italy. An excellent place for a romantic night out.

Seedy and Sinful

Should you want to plunge into Asia’s seediest red-light district, Bangkok is your spot. Starting with Patpong, as this is where Thailand’s Go-Go culture started, you will experience a long side street between Silom and Surawongse just teeming with over a 100 neon flashing bright signs inviting you into their scandalous little playgrounds. Naughty and sometimes weird shows, pole dancing and everything in between can be found here.

Racy, sexy, and themed is what Nana Entertainment Plaza is all about. You will see girls dressed up in any fantasy outfits you can think of like schools girls or leather dominatrix. Don’t be fooled by every beautiful lady that walks by as some of them might be packing a bit more than you are hoping for. Lady-boys are prominent in Bangkok and this area is no certainly no different. Get ready for a visual experience like no other.

No matter what your vice is for the nightlife scene, Bangkok has it. For those who want to party without it being all about sex, then head to some of Bangkok’s classier but still loads of fun clubs and bars. All of these mentioned are in the RCA and Sukhumvit road area. Should you want to give in to your cravings or curiosity, then head to Nana or Patpong for the hottest more erotic nightlife offered in Asia. Whatever you choose, Bangkok will be able to please tenfold. Enjoy Asia’s sin city!

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1) Ayutthaya

Once the glittery capital of Thailand, the city of Ayutthaya was devastated by fires during conflict with the Burmese in 1769. One of my favorite daytrips from Bangkok is visiting the mid-sized modern city that’s grown around the ruins of the ancient palaces, monasteries and temples.

The city sits at the confluence of three rivers, and most of the historical sites can be found on the compact riverine island that sits in the middle of the city. While I simply enjoy exploring without any set itinerary, the main attraction in Ayutthaya is the array of charmingly old-and-new temples. On arrival from Bangkok, you can take taxis or tuk tuks around the city to find the sites, but most independent travelers opt to rent bicycles or scooters from one of the local guesthouses and explore that way.

For a different take on the city, and if you’re a water baby at heart, the Thai Boat Museum hosts an interesting collection of Thai traditional watercraft. And, for extra time on the water on your daytrip, there are a few cruise lines that run trips from Bangkok to Ayutthaya (and vice versa). These cruises are not budget options, as they usually include a sightseeing tour while you’re in Ayutthaya and a meal while you’re on the boat. Most of these require you to take a bus back to Bangkok.

If you prefer to do your traveling on land, it takes about an hour and a half to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, if you take a bus or train, and so it’s a perfect distance for a day jaunt if you’re based in Bangkok.

2) Amphawa Floating Market

There’s something mysterious and must-see about the habit of selling goods from a floating shop. Many visitors to Bangkok will sign up for tours to Damnoen Saduak, the “floating market” that caters to tourists. That one is fun too, no doubt about it, but for authenticity, head over to the village of Amphawa on a weekend afternoon.

Here, farmers and other vendors sell their products as they have for centuries. Fruit and other foods, flowers and pretty much anything else needed or wanted for daily living, all from riverfront stalls and boat-riding vendors. You can also buy snacks and on-the-go meals here, prepared on the slim canal boats and handed over for a few baht. Seafood is popular.

Amphawa Floating Market will take about an hour and half to reach by car from Bangkok. Taking a taxi there and back is convenient, but it’s cheaper to catch the minibus from Victory Monument.

3) The River Kwai

Can you whistle the tune? While most Westerners have heard of the Kwai River from the movie and book of the same name, or from history texts outlining the plight of prisoners during World War II, there are more reasons to visit Kanchanaburi. For one, it’s beautiful. There are actually two Kwai rivers: Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai. The banks of both are lined with thickets of bamboo and perfect for taking a leisurely rafting trip, or buzzing past on a long-tail.

The war-related sites, if you do want to visit them, are poignant and easy to find. The famous iron bridge made as part of the Death Railway to Burma is three kilometers north of town. More than 100,000 people died during the construction of the railway, including about 16,000 POWs. In addition, the War Cemetery and the Thailand-Burma Railway Museum both remind us of the sacrifices made during World War II.

When planning your trip to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok, consider signing up for one of the day excursions offered by hotels, hostels and travel agencies all over the city. These operations manage to fit a lot into a short amount of time, and have the tourist wheel pretty well greased. But, if climbing into a van with a lot of other farang isn’t how you like to roll, you can hop a public bus at the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok or a train from the Thonburi Station. If you know you don’t want to book a package tour, you might consider making your Konchanaburi excursion a two-day trip to make sure that you catch everything you want to without having to rush back to the bus or train station.

4) Khao Yai National Park

For a complete escape from urban Asia, check out Khao Yai National Park, which is a habitat of tigers, Asian black bears and other wildlife.

The park is large by any country’s standards, at more than 2,000 square kilometers, but an enjoyable day can be spent doing short trail walks and visiting one of the waterfalls. If the Haew Suwat waterfall looks familiar, it could be because you saw it in the film The Beach, with Leonardo DiCaprio.

Day visitors should consider getting an official guide from the park to take them on a walk. While guides are not required for exploring, they’re helpful for finding the best trails and for potential sightings of animals, including gibbons, monkeys, lizards, and snakes.

Khao Yai also offers a chance to take an elephant ride through the jungle—if you haven’t experienced this yet, now’s the time. In addition to the domesticated elephants you can ride, the park has a population of wild elephants too, but they’re not as easy to spot as some of the other creatures living in the park.

If you have access to a car, you will be able to cover more ground within the park, of course. You could drive up from Bangkok, or rent a car or a taxi (with a driver) in Pak Chong, the closest town to the main entrance of Khao Yai. Pak Chong is also the destination you should ask for when arranging for a bus or train ticket from Bangkok. It’s about 200 kilometers from the capital, and travel time is usually about two hours. From Pak Chong to the park, catch a songthaew or hire a taxi or motorbike.

5) The Beach

A sunny beachfront city popular with Russian tourists, Pattaya is only two hours by bus from Bangkok, and is be a good destination for people who want to get in as much waterfront sunbathing as possible before flying home from the Thai capital.

The busy beach at Pattaya and the boulevard that runs along it are great for walking, people-watching, and, of course, sunbathing. As with many urban beaches, the water is not as clear and clean as elsewhere in Thailand, but if you’re not a beach purist, you’ll have an enjoyable day.

And, if swimming is your top reason for seeking out a beach, consider taking a quick ferry ride over to the Coral Island (Koh Larn) or asking a taxi to take you to one of the beaches that is less busy, for example the beach to the south of Buddha Hill.

The main beach is lined with clusters of umbrellas shading loungers and other chairs, which you’ll have to pay an hourly rate for. The vendors who rent the chairs will be able to sell you cold drinks, or direct you to a nearby 7-11. On my trips to Pattaya, I enjoy watching the parasailers and jetskiiers who go by, and haggling with the hawkers patrolling the strip.

If your itinerary could extend to an overnight stay, Pattaya’s nightlife is also a draw for the go-go bar and ladyboy show crowd.

Pattaya’s easy to get to, with plenty of buses leaving from Bangkok throughout the day. For a trip on a full-sized bus try the Ekkamai bus station; minibuses depart regularly from Victoria Monument, and there’s also bus transport with the option of hotel drop-off from the Suvarnabhumi airport.

What’s your favorite day trip from Bangkok? Share in the comments!

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It would be wise to avoid the touts that offer taxi rides as you emerge from the arrivals area which is in Level 2 at the Suvarnabhumi. There is a line of taxis at Level 1, but you have to be extra vigilant when boarding them.

Typically, a just-arrived traveler goes down to this level and heads to the official taxi booth to be properly directed to the waiting taxis. The official at the booth issues a printed receipt with the traveler’s destination and the taxi license number and points the passenger to the direction of the transport. The driver then takes the traveler’s luggage while the passenger boards the taxi.

Sometimes the traveler is too tired to bother whether the taxi meter was turned on or not. Thinking that he was issued a receipt, the passenger also assumes that the fare has been determined by the official at the taxi booth. Taxi drivers take advantage of this assumption, so they ask the receipt from the passenger in the hope of misleading the latter to assume that the fare has indeed been determined back at the booth. The passenger should not give the receipt for two reasons: The driver has no right to ask for this piece of paper, and the passenger would have no record of his trip details should he decide to lodge a complaint.

This should already be red-flag to the unsuspecting passenger. Often, taxi drivers, after not turning the meter on and while speeding down the traffic, would casually mention that the fare is such and such, making it difficult for the passenger to switch taxis or even to negotiate. Or, the driver would pretend to not know where the hotel is and drive the passenger along a circuitous route to justify the exorbitant fare he is going to charge later on. Or, at the end of the trip, the driver would just casually mention the overpriced fare expecting that the passenger would oblige without much protest.

The flag down fare of Thai taxis is 35 Baht, although there are proposals to increase this to 40B and even up to 50B. In any case, you should request the driver to turn on his meter first before closing the door.

A metered fare from the airport to anywhere in the city should not go beyond 400B, excluding the 50B surcharge and tolls. For shorter distances, 200B is just about right. Other travelers even report paying only 100B for really quick rides.

You can altogether bypass the long line of waiting taxis at Level 1, and just head up to Level 4 and hail a taxi that has just dropped off passengers. You will not, however, be issued a receipt of your ride, because Level 4 is the departures area. This is also where locals hail a cab, so you are less prone to scamming than when you take a ride at Level 1. Hailing a moving cab than a waiting one is always better, as this suggests that the former is not that in dire need to compensate for lost time waiting for a passenger.

Photo by Christian Haugen

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1) The Bangkok Art and Culture Center

Art and culture are the best things to absorb in most big cities and in Bangkok you can do it without spending a dime. Architecturally resembling the Guggenheim in New York, BACC offers constant changing exhibits on contemporary and modern art. A visit to the ice cream shop is highly recommended, but of course the ice cream isn’t free!

2) Lumphini Park

There are several parks around Bangkok, but none stand out like Lumphini Park especially in the mornings when you can catch older visitors practicing Tai Chi or dancing. It’s a great place to relax, boat, cycle, jog, or walk with beautiful surroundings at no cost.

3) Bangkok Butterfly Garden & Insectarium

One of the most beautiful insects, the butterfly, can be embraced by the colorful ton at the Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. Set in a typical glasshouse, there are over 100 butterflies to soar around you. It’s an amazing site to see and completely free.

4) The Bangkokian Museum

Also known as the Bangkok Folk Museum, this free admission museum is a pleasant surprise since it’s not your typical museum. The Bangkokian is a typical Bangkok family home from 70 years ago. From utensils to decor, this house or museum showcases what life was like in Bangkok for a middle class family during World War II.

5)  Silpa Bhirasri Memorial National Museum
Silpa Bhirasri was and still is known as the father of modern art in Thailand. Therefore, this memorial and museum was well deserved in his honor. The museum is the actual home of his former workspace filled with his previous work along with the works of his well-known colleagues. Even with an admission cost, it’s worth a visit.

Photos by BernieCB, Cambridge Cat, antwerpenR and veritatem

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Since Bangkok is the capital and Phuket is the largest island, you can only imagine how many embark on this route. And with that being said, there are several commuting options, which are listed below.

By Plane
Yes, there is an airport on the island and it’s even an international airport. So yes, you can skip Bangkok if you really wanted to! The one hour and twenty minute flight from Bangkok runs very frequent and can be purchased on the same day of travel for a slightly higher price than booking in advance. It’s obviously the fastest way to get there, but tickets can cost around $2,800 to $5,000 Baht round trip. It might not seem much for a flight, but it’s extremely expensive considering the prices of the other options. During my research, I found that Thai AirAsia offers the best prices, but make sure to check with Nok Air, Thai Airways, and Bangkok Airways as well.

By Bus
The bus ride between Bangkok and Phuket might be long and uncomfortable, but it’s sure better for your wallet. With prices around $700 to $1,000 Baht, you won’t complain when sitting on the bus for 13 hours! It’s best to make this trip overnight to preserve your beach time. Most buses leave from the South Bus Terminal in Bangkok, but it depends who you book with. For more comfort and safety, you can book with private bus companies, but it will cost more.

By Train
Unfortunately, there are no direct trains to Phuket, but those who like a little bit of adventure would be glad to know they can take the train more than halfway there. From Bangkok, you can take a train to Surat Thani, and continue 5 hours by bus to Phuket. This route is not really recommended unless you take it during the day time to admire the scenery. Otherwise, it is simply too long and well, transfers are never fun. The total trip will cost around the same price as the bus, but it all depends what class you choose for the train.

By Car
If you can take the bus there, you can clearly drive there thanks to the Thao Thepkasattri Bridge. Google can provide directions for the easy 13 hour journey.

Photo by archer10 (Dennis)

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Most travelers fly straight into Bangkok as a starting and ending point considering it offers easy access to the rest of the country. But a place where the word tranquil doesn’t really exist is not for everyone. Bangkok is a monstrous city of crowds, pollution, shopping, and partying. It defines urban in all aspects. Upon entering the city, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, even for a born and bred New Yorker. It has the highest population of all cities in the country with around 10 million residents and is one of the most visited cities in the world beating the rest of Asia.

Being so grandiose in size, it’s safer and easier to know the most popular neighborhoods below. Of course there are plenty more neighborhoods to discover, but these are where you might spend most of your time, depending on preferences.

• Banglamphu – Best described as Backpacker Central, this area attracts the young wandering travelers. It is here where you can find the famous Khao San Road, a road where every backpacker holds a memory or two. Banglamphu is where you can find many budget guesthouses and fun nightlife…with backpackers.
• Silom – Although a financial district, Silom still holds down entertainment with the top nightlife area of Patpong. This neighborhood is a convenient place to stay considering the available transportation options to discover the rest of the city.
• Rattanakosin – Probably the calmest area, Rattanakosin is filled with history and must-sees. It is where you will find the Grand Palace, along with the National Gallery, and Wat Phra Kaew. The tranquility you find in Rattanakosin is rare for the rest of Bangkok.
• Chidlom – This neighborhood can be considered dangerous, if you love to shop. It is complete with shopping malls and the well-known Ploenchit Road. Shopping usually goes hand in hand with luxury hence why there are loads of luxurious hotels in Chidlom as well. This is the trendiest area of all Bangkok.
• Riverside – One of the most scenic areas of Bangkok, Riverside has beauty day and night, thanks to the Chao Phraya River and the well lit temples, palaces, and landmarks. There are many luxurious hotels to be found in this neighborhood along with river cruises.

One can only imagine how much there is to do in such a happening city. There might not even be time to sleep if you want to experience it all! Besides exploring the neighborhoods mentioned and the attractions in Rattanakosin, the following should not be missed as well.

• Chinatown – Congested and exotic, Chinatown is a great place for bargains.
• Wat Arun – Also known as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is a fine mix of history and porcelain beauty on the river banks.
• Chatuchak Weekend Market – One of the world’s largest and famous markets with over 8,000 stalls, Chatuchak Market unites all merchandise imaginable from antiques to plants at bargain prices.
• Wat Pho – One of the most photographed places in Bangkok, Wat Pho is where the giant gold reclining Buddha lives.
• Lumphini Park – Located in Silom, this park is a great place to escape the hecticness.
• Floating Market – Nothing you have ever seen before, Floating Markets consist of Small canoe like boats squeeze through tight canals offering fruits, vegetables, drinks, and meals
• Jim Thompson’s House – A teakwood home to the legendary Thai silk reviver, Jim Thompson, who mysteriously disappeared many years. The home is now a museum breathing his work and style.

In conclusion, Bangkok may overwhelm and insomnitize, but it can also amaze and inspire. It is a gateway to the rest of the country, making it a perfect place to begin your journey. With so many sites to see, much time is needed…if you can handle it!

Photos by antwerpenR, Mark Fischer and Arian Zwegers

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As mentioned in a previous posting, Ayutthaya is the former capital of Thailand and place that should not be missed. Traveling from between the former and current capital is super simple, taking no more than 2.5 hours, depending which method of transport you choose.

By Car
There are various routes to take via car from Bangkok, each taking no more than an hour and a half. The following are available routes to embark on.

• Highway #1 → Highway #32 → Highway #309
• Highway #304 or Highway #302 → Highway #306 → Highway #3111 → Highway #3263
• Highway #306 → Highway #347 → Highway #3309
• Expressway #9 → Highway #1 → Highway #3469

By Bus
The bus is an economical choice with a 50 Baht charge for an hour and a half to two hours in comfortable air conditioning. They run frequently every 20 minutes from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal starting around 4:30am to 7:15pm.

By Train
This is by far the best ride for adventure seekers and nature lovers as it is the most scenic and rugged way to reach Ayutthaya from Bangkok. It is also the cheapest route! Ranging from an hour and a half (express) to two hours and a half (ordinary), prices start around 15 Baht for third class to 66 Baht for first class. Trains leave from Bangkok’s Hualamphong Train Station all day (around every 20 minutes depending on time) from 4:20am to 23:40pm. The train drops off passengers near a ferry dock to reach the city. These short ferry rides depart every few minutes and only charge 4 Baht. (Please be aware that prices for the train and ferry could have increased).

By Minibus or Van
A convenient and expensive way to travel between cities is by a minibus or van. They depart from Victory Monument square (Bangkok) costing 70 Baht to 100 Baht. The ride takes an hour to an hour an a half. Besides price, the other downside is space, especially if you have luggage with you.

By Boat
Another trip for adventure seekers, the journey by boat can take a full day to reach Ayutthaya. This trip is not usually made by locals so there isn’t a set schedule. All bookings must be made in advance. Traveling this route by boat is recommended because it reflects the history of the Ayutthaya Kingdom when the Chao Phraya River served as a channel of transportation in trading with foreign countries.

Photo by Lauren

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By Plane

By far the quickest and easiest way to travel between the two major cities, Chiang Mai International Airport receives around 28 flights per day arriving from Bangkok. Most flights depart from Bangkok’s Suvarmabami airport, but smaller carriers such as Nok Air depart from Don Muang. Thanks to budget airlines, this 1 hour and 10 minute flight is reasonably priced between 900 Baht to 2300 Baht, depending on the day, time, and airline. The following are the best airlines to book for this route:

• AirAsia
• Bangkok Airways
• Nok Air
• Thai Airways

By Train

The train may be the longest commute lasting 11 to 14 hours, but it is also the most comfortable since it is a sleeper train complete with beds. Leaving from Bangkok’s Hualamphong station daily, travelers have many different options, whether it be express or sprinter, 1st class or 2nd class. All information regarding times and prices can be found through the State Railway of Thailand, but it is best to confirm prices with the ticket officer in the station. You can expect to pay anywhere from 250 Baht to 900 Baht, depending on your preference for comfort. It’s best to book in advance for this route.

By Bus
Probably the most popular route, many Thai’s and foreigners choose to travel by bus. It may not be as comfortable as the train but it is more economical with a cheaper and shorter ride lasting 8 to 10 hours. The buses are also a safe and reliable mean of transportation. Most depart from Bangkok’s Mo Chit terminal every hour. Prices range from 400 Baht to 700 Baht depending on what class you choose. It pays to commute in VIP style since the price differences aren’t so extreme. Many travel agencies around Khao San Road sell cheap tickets around 300 Baht, but these buses may lack the comfort promised.

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