Hua Lamphong train station officially known as Bangkok railway station is well connected with other transport sources that are next to Hua Lamphong MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and 20 minutes taxi from the backpacker’s hub ‘Khoa San Rd’.
I have taken numerous journeys from Hua Lamphong station to the north, north-east, and south of Thailand to Malaysia, which has been a great experience personally. These journeys were made without any issues other than a couple of late trains and on one occasion the whole seat collapsing with my backside landing on the floor, en route to Aranyaprathet (yes, hilarious).
Hua Lamphong Station
Hua Lamphong, the main train station of Bangkok, is over 110 years old. It’s huge inside with a half-dome roof and 14 platforms. The wide open space is more than welcoming after spending time within the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, and BTS – MRT trains or taxi journeys.
Tickets
This year the tourist section opened that’s made booking at the station much easier. Before, foreigners had to use one of the 26 ticket counters, which was always easy enough, but now it’s even easier.
Announcements and Waiting
You can wait for your train in the big hall where there are displays of train departures and any delays. It’s both in Thai and English language.
Your train will also be announced on the loudspeaker, so there’s no need to worry about missing your train. It’s also fine to wait on the super long-distance platforms or to go outside.
Snacks and Drinks
There are a number of places to have a snack and coffee while waiting for your train to arrive. Black canyon coffee shop is a place I usually pick up a sandwich or two for my trip. The shopping mart downstairs as you arrive in the main hall is where I stock up on water etc.
If you don’t have time to stock up on hydration stuff, don’t worry, you’ll be able to buy cold drinks, snacks and something with rice while on your train journey.
If you have the time you can check out one of the cheap Thai restaurants across the road from the main entrance. Two of them are really friendly, cheap and have decent Thai food.
Booking Tickets
As mentioned, there is now an office designated for foreigners to book tickets; however, if it is closed one of the other booths can be used. Long-distance journeys requiring a sleeper berth are best booked at least a week in advance during the high season (Nov – March). Don’t forget to take your passport to show the booking officers.
You can also book online or use a travel agent and pick up the ticket from Hua Lamphong. There are fees involved in booking with an agency.
Getting To and From
The best option for getting to and from Hua Lamphong is taking a BTS (Skytrain), MRT (underground) train or both. If you’re staying near the Silom or Sukhumvit side of Bangkok using these services will help you avoid traffic, especially during rush hours.
If you’re not staying near an MRT station but quite close to a BTS you can take the MRT and connect to a BTS station at various points, and vice versa (BTS – MRT to Hua Lamphong).
Hua Lamphong MRT station exit 2 is the side entrance of the railway station.
For those going to or from the Khao San Rd side of Bangkok you’ll need to take a taxi or tuk tuk. Tuk tuks and taxis are available at the front of the railway station. If taking a taxi make sure the meter is put on (ask them to put it on if they don’t after moving out of the station) and if taking a tuk tuk negotiate the price.
If the roads are busy a tuk-tuk is going to get you there much quicker (see Tuk Tuk guide here).
The right hand side entrance and exit is where you can take a taxi, tuk tuk or the MRT.
Final Thoughts
I know many of the trains are very old (this is changing and some journeys are using new modern vehicles), and it’s cheap enough to fly, but it has been a great experience for me personally using the trains and Hua Lamphong station. It’s worth taking the scenic route and train journey at least once while staying in Thailand – just for the experience.
