Classes of Travel on Thai Railways
Comparison and Review of Travel Class and Comfortability
There is a variety of Classes of Travel on Thai Railways Trains. The Class of Train Travel you choose depends on your budget and how much privacy you require. Train travel in Thailand is generally comfortable, safe, and relaxing, The level of Comfort depends on both the passenger's needs and the Class of Travel. It's very hard to find a train which has all the different available classes. Most Thai Railways Trains seem to have at least 2 classes on them. The Classes of Thai Railways Train Travel range from the sheer luxery of the Eastern and Oriental Express, to First-Class Sleeper, Second-Class Sleeper, Second-Class Seated, and Third-Class Seated. First-Class only exists on Overnight Train Service, in modern, Air-conditioned, Sleeping-cars. 1. First-Class - First-Class Travel is designed for more comfort and
is perfect for those passengers who desire more privacy than 2nd-Class offers.
First Class is only available on selected trains and tends to get 'booked up'
first. First-Class Sleeper Service Offers private-'Lockable' Compartments (Rooms).
--a. Luggage Storage -- Bags are Stored in Passengers' rooms.
--. Seat / Sleeping Berth -- Compartments come with a comfortable sofa during
the day which is converted into a full size bunk bed at night. Another bed above
it is folded down from the wall. Attendants assemble and make up the beds for
you..
--c. Other Features include self-controlled air-conditioning, a private sink,
soap and towel, inside baggage storage, and even a shower in the shared toilet.
2. Second-Class (Air-conditioned / Sleeper) - Second-Class Travel lacks
the extra 'comforts' of First-Class, but is just as relaxing and enjoyable for
most travelers, and saves on one night's accommodation, too. Second-Class (Air-Conditioned
/ Sleeper) has open berths (not private compartments) along the coach wall on
either side of a central aisle and shared washbasins. Second-Class (Air-Conditioned
/ Sleeper) is available on Rapid and Express Service trains.
--a. Luggage Storage -- Luggage is Placed on Racks Beside the Berths
--b. Seat / Sleeping Berth - During the day there are two facing seats, which
are pulled together at night to form the bottom bunk. The upper bunk folds down
from the wall above. Curtains are hung up in front of both bunks to allow more
privacy. Lower berths are slightly more expensive, but they area bit bigger
and more
comfortable, and have a window (the upper berth does not). Attendants assemble
and make up the beds for you..
--c. Other Features - Attendants on all overnight trains also provide printed
menus with 'meal sets' to be served at your seat if you like.
3. Second-Class (Fan / Sleeper) - Second-Class Sleeper Fan Service
is only offered on Rapid and Ordinary Trains. The same as Second-Class (Air-Conditioned)
Sleeper, but with ceiling fans and open windows. Second-Class (Fan / Sleeper)
is only available on Rapid Service Trains. Otherwise, Second-Class (Fan / Sleeper)
is exactly the same in every way. (See Second-Class (Air-Conditioned) Sleeper
Section Above).
--a. Luggage Storage -- Luggage is Placed on Racks Beside the Berths
--b. Seat / Sleeping Berth - Attendants assemble and make up the beds for you..
4. Second-Class (Air-Conditioned / Seated) - Second-Class Seated Air-Conditioned
Service is offered on both Express Service and Rapid Trains. Both offer air-conditioned,
comfortable reclining seats. 'Hostess Service' (light meals and drinks) is included
in the fare on the Express Service.
-- a. Luggage Storage - Luggage can be stored at the end of the carrianges
behind the end row of seats. There may alsobe overhead racks for small luggage.
5. Second-Class (Fan / Seated) - Second-Class Seated Fan Service is
only offered on Rapid and Ordinary Trains. Second-Class Seated Fan Service offers
the same seating as the Second-Class Seated Air-Conditioned Service, but there
are ceiling fans and open windows.
-- a. Luggage Storage - Luggage can be stored at the end of the carrianges
behind the end row of seats. There may also be overhead racks for small luggage.
6. Third-Class - Third-Class (Seated) (Fan or Air-Conditioned) Ordinary
/ Local Service is a surprisingly clean and acceptable by European standards.
It is usually not crowded (aside from the commuter 'Rush-Hour'), unbelievably
cheap, and ideal for short trips. Third class tickets are sold a few hours prior
to departure and you are not guaranteed a seat. No pre-booking is possible and
the train carriages can get really crowded. On the Eastern Lines, only Third-Class
Train Travel is available, except for two trains a day to Chachoengsao. These
trains offer Second-Class Seated (Air-Conditioned). On most Third-Class Service,
the seats are the hard, 'Bench-Style', wooden slat type. Third-Class is usually
fan, but some Third-Class Commuter Service in Bangkok and some Third-Class (Rapid)
Long-Distance Service is Air-Conditioned with 'padded' seating.
-- a. Ordinary -- Wooden 'slat' Bench-Type Seating. Ordinary Third-Class Train
Service is usually found on Eastern and Northeastern Lines.
-- b. Rapid (Air-Conditioned) -- Padded Seating.
--c. Luggage Storage - These trains can get very crowded and not all passengers
have seats, so you should keep your bag in eyesight. There may alsobe overhead
racks for small luggage, but large luggage will have to sit on the floor.
7. Luxery Class - 'The Eastern and Oriental Express' (Bangkok to Singapore)
- This train is for those travelers who have money and want to indulge
themselves in luxery and the style of the 19th Century. The Eastern and Oriental
Express provides Direct Luxery Service Between Bangkok and Singapore with few
stops. Since 2007, The Eastern and Oriental Express also provides service between
Bangkok and Vientienne, Laos. The The Eastern and Oriental Express also has
overnight trips to Chiang Mai from Bangkok. The Eastern and Oriental Express
is run by a Private Tour Company with the same name (E & O) , not associated
with any State Rail Networks.
--a. There are three Classes of cabins on the Eastern & Oriental Express,
Pullman Compartments, State Compartments and Presidential Suites. All are private
(2-person), air-conditioned rooms, with a shower, washbasin, private toilet,
and a large window. Luggage is stored inside the room. Each room has 2 sofas
/ Beds.
--b.Extras include International Electric Outlets (220 volts) and 110 volt adapter
for razors, a personal safe and hairdryer.
--c. Ammenities include a Piano Bar Car, 'Four-Star' Cuisine, Afternoon 'Tea',
and 24-hour Steward Service.
