More fascinating way to journey from Bangkok to Koh Samui by Train

Most people visiting Thailand and Koh Samui on holiday choose to fly to this remote paradise island, located as it is, a four hour boat journey from the mainland. Although there is nothing wrong with this, it is the quickest and easiest way to reach Koh Samui, there is another more interesting option, one which many travelers find enjoyable.

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 Every day there are several trains which leave Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok, and make the long run south the city of Surat Thani. Train travel in Thailand is slow going, and this 800km journey takes some 12 hours, a grueling journey sitting in a vinyl seat.

Train Number	Type	Bangkok Departure	Surat Thani Arrive	Timetable	Fares
1	171	Rapid	13.00	00.22	No.171	check
2	35	Special Express	14.45	01.23	No.35	check
3	37	Special Express	15.10	2.00	No.37	check
4	169	Rapid	15.35	03.45	No.169	check
5	83	Express	17.05	4.24	No.83	check
6	173	Rapid	17.35	05.48	Train No.173	check
7	167	Rapid	18.30	06.23	Train No.167	check
8	85	Express	19.30	07.06	Train No.85	check
9	41	Special Express	22.50	08.05	Train No.41	check
10	39	Special Express	22.50	08.05	Train No.39	check
11	43	Special Express	8.05	16.45	Train No.43	check

Check Train time table from Bangkok to Suratthani www.railway.co.th/

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However, there is a further option. Each evening, a single sleeper train leaves Bangkok, and makes the same journey overnight. Although there are three classes of sleeper berths on this train, we are going to speak about first class in this short article.

First class train travel in Thailand is inexpensive. Booking a private first class sleeper cabin from Hua Lamphong station to Surat Thani station, for two people, costs around 3,000 Baht, 90 dollars or 60 UK pounds. For this price you get a private cabin, with two beds, a sink unit, and all night room service, bringing food and drinks, including alcohol. The first class bathroom facilities are far better than second class, and have a Western style toilet and a shower. We can see that the accommodation is quite comfortable, and the cost is negligible, but why would anyone want to spend a night upon a train when they can fly for a little extra money? The answer is simple; the journey to Koh Samui itself is fascinating. Not the sleeping part, but what comes after. In the morning you will be woken by a train porter, who will convert your beds into a comfortable seat. You may then order breakfast, and spend the next two hours watching the jungle slide past the window, as you cross the last part of Southern Thailand from Chumpon down to Surat Thani, some truly delightful scenery.

http://gallivantinggeorgia.com/2013/03/28/back-to-basics-khao-sok-national-park-in-thailand/

http://www.noplacetobe.com/travelblog/what-to-expect-on-a-train-in-thailand/

http://stophavingaboringlife.com/sleeper-night-train-bangkok-to-chiang-mai-thailand/

 When you disembark from the train at Surat Thani station, the next part of your journey to Koh Samui begins. Once you exit Surat Thani train station, you need to head to the sea port at Donsak, where you will catch the ferry across to Koh Samui. There are two options for this part of the journey. Just outside the station you will find one or more coaches, waiting for the train, so that they can pick up passengers heading to the ferry port at Donsak. These coach operators sell a combined ticket, which includes both the coach and the ferry.

Although this is the cheapest option, it is quite a long journey by coach, as they tend to take a roundabout route, picking up other passengers. Possibly the best option is to take a taxi, this is quite inexpensive and is much more comfortable, as well as a lot quicker. There are two main ferry operators, the first is Seatran, and this is a passenger only ferry. The second is Raja and this is a combined passenger and vehicle ferry.

Most people seem to prefer Raja, probably because the ferry is larger, with plenty of room to walk around. This is the most charming part of the trip, as you take a slow two and a half hour boat ride from Donsak sea port, to Koh Samui. On the way you will pass the Ang Thong National Marine Park, and will travel very closely to many small deserted islands. The trip is almost always calm, and refreshments are served on board the ferry. So there we have it, how to travel to Koh Samui by sleeper train from Bangkok, and then by ferry from the mainland.

A much longer journey than flying to Koh Samui, but a far more interesting one. Julian Adikary has been a long term visitor to South East Asia, and has travelled extensively around Thailand.

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This tropical paradise is now known worldwide for its long sandy beaches, lush tropical jungle, lazy days and hedonistic balmy nights. Once a well kept secret holiday location for the backpacker, the island has seen rapid development in the past ten years to become an international five star resort island. PUBLISHING GUIDELINES Permission is granted to publish this article electronically in free-only publications, like a website or ezine (print requires individual permission) as long as all links are active. A courtesy copy is requested on publication. The original article can be found at

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5335313
By Julian S Adikary

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