BC (before covid naturally) train travel was a thing in Thailand, so much so that the sleepers were booked out by tour groups far in advance. I've been up and down, up and down by Thai trains, last time in 2018, I could not book a sleeper within three weeks of when I wanted to travel, ended up flying.
BC (before covid naturally) train travel was a thing in Thailand, so much so that the sleepers were booked out by tour groups far in advance. I've been up and down, up and down by Thai trains, last time in 2018, I could not book a sleeper within three weeks of when I wanted to travel, ended up flying.
It is true that some trains may have been booked up if left to the last minute but I have never had problems myself booking a few days in advance (holiday periods excepted). I must say that some time ago I looked at the comparative cost of train and flying and Air Asia would have charged me nearly as much as the train (second class sleeper) for my luggage (20Kg). If Taking the slow route north which I highly recommend just remember that the trains may not be as comfortable as the overnight sleepers unless you travel on the express diesel railcars but the local trains are highly recommended as way of meeting the local people and a very enjoyable experience (usually)
My last time in Thailand, was an eye opener, not being able to book within a month of travel as I said I flew. Returning south I managed to get the last available sleeper place by staking out the ticket office. The train had what must have been a carriage worth of a tour group on it. It seems travel agents block book tickets. I much prefer trains to flying, I've done the BKK to Woodlands a few times so much more relaxing. Not a fan of sitting up all night these days, had one of two trips like that with my three year old, upside is that now in her thirties she can still sleep anywhere.
BC (before covid naturally) train travel was a thing in Thailand, so much so that the sleepers were booked out by tour groups far in advance. I've been up and down, up and down by Thai trains, last time in 2018, I could not book a sleeper within three weeks of when I wanted to travel, ended up flying.
It is true that some trains may have been booked up if left to the last minute but I have never had problems myself booking a few days in advance (holiday periods excepted). I must say that some time ago I looked at the comparative cost of train and flying and Air Asia would have charged me nearly as much as the train (second class sleeper) for my luggage (20Kg). If Taking the slow route north which I highly recommend just remember that the trains may not be as comfortable as the overnight sleepers unless you travel on the express diesel railcars but the local trains are highly recommended as way of meeting the local people and a very enjoyable experience (usually)
My last time in Thailand, was an eye opener, not being able to book within a month of travel as I said I flew. Returning south I managed to get the last available sleeper place by staking out the ticket office. The train had what must have been a carriage worth of a tour group on it. It seems travel agents block book tickets. I much prefer trains to flying, I've done the BKK to Woodlands a few times so much more relaxing. Not a fan of sitting up all night these days, had one of two trips like that with my three year old, upside is that now in her thirties she can still sleep anywhere.