About these reviews
I'm Richard Barrow, and I travel on Thailand's trains regularly. On most journeys I write notes on board as I go: what the train and carriages were like, how the journey went, and anything worth knowing before you book. This is where those notes now live, so they are easy to find again.
Train reviews cover a single train journey. Trip reviews cover a longer trip using several trains. Older reviews from past journeys are being added too, so the collection keeps growing.
Express No. 84 (1st Class Cabin)
This is my review of travelling in a 1st Class cabin onboard Express No. 84 from Trang to Bangkok.
Rapid No. 173
Review of the Rapid No. 173 sleeper train to Nakhon Si Thammarat. This train is also useful for people heading to Surat Thani.
Explore Koh Larn by Train and Ferry
Koh Larn is one of the easiest islands to reach by public transport, combining a scenic train journey with a short ferry ride across Pattaya Bay.
Explore Koh Si Chang by Train and Boat
Looking for an affordable island getaway without needing a car? Koh Si Chang is one of the easiest islands to reach by public transport, and getting there is part of the adventure.
Special Express No. 21 (Daewoo DMU)
This is a review of Special Express No. 21, which runs between Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Station (KTW) and Ubon Ratchathani at the far end of the Northeastern Line.
Special Express No. 32 (1st Class Cabin)
This is my review of the overnight journey from Hat Yai to Bangkok aboard Special Express No. 32.
The Padang Besar Train
This is a review of my experience taking the train between Hat Yai Junction (Thailand) and Padang Besar (Malaysia). I’ll keep it fairly general so it’s useful for others too.
Special Express No. 43 (Daewoo DMU)
If you’re looking for a scenic, comfortable daytime train ride from Bangkok to Thailand’s southern provinces, Special Express No. 43 is one of the best options available.