has anyone travelled fromThailand to Singapore by rail. We are staying at Ao Nang, near Krabi in January and thinking about taking train back to Singapore. Would appreciate any info of service, reliability etc etc.
thanks
f

Check out www.seat61.com for reliable info on trains. We did the journey from Bangkok to Singapore albeit in stages, stopping off at various places along the way. We found the services to be pretty reliable and punctual. The trains were clean and reasonably comfortable in 1st class. Strongly recommend 1st Class for any overnight trips. Take cable lock to secure bags. Don't get conned into buying food and drinks for eating in your comaprtment from the guards it is a total rip off. Far better to eat in th restaurant cars or buy form the vedors at stations along the way. It is a nice way to travel and you will see more of the country although it maybe cheaper vi a budget airline

As crellston says, it's faster and cheaper to go via a budget airline. So if you are just looking for an economical way to get to Singapore, check out the airfares on Air Asia and other budget airlines.

If you want the train travel experience, think about how long you'll be sitting on that train and whether it's worth it to you.

When the airports were shut down I had to be back in the US for some important business. I used the train from Bangkok to Hat Yai. From there I made it over to Butterworth/Penang by taxi/van to continue the train ride. I used a cheap hotel in Butterworth and caught the 0700 train to KL and Singapore.

Some immigration and customs completed on the train and some you got off and went into a government building.

Trains are a little chilly at times so have a jacket or at least a long sleeve shirt. Thai run train portion had free snacks and drinks and thin blanket. Malaysian portion had cheap meal (chicken and rice) that you could buy if you want. Drinks were at reasonable prices.

Bring a few books to read because it can be a little boring at times. Traveling at night you see very little. During the day you are often looking into the backyards of factories, junkyards, farms, etc. Constant wheel clunking and banging more noticeable on Thai portion.

Hat Yai is a nice break for a day or two. Cheap hotels available. Penang-Butterworth is okay. Penang will have more to do and is close to Butterworth.

If you intend to book a sleeper car for Thailand or even first class seating in Malaysia get the request in early. First class seating in Malaysia was something like business class on a plane without the pretty hostess and free food.

Your choice.

yo, 'hollycat',

Most respectively reply (and not knowing your ultimate budget), kindly consider "E&O" - not such a bad way to 'love train' all the way, BKK-SIN. (Mind you, been a 'few' years, and, well, SQ J, flying you back, safe and sound, indeed - check it out, SQTalk.com - Enjoy.)

And 'btw', all 17 family friendly fodorites - where be certain posters? Rumour has it, precious blogging, and yes, booking R/F/J singaporeair.com (thanks, 'pook') - and, a warm nostalgic shout out to gavin, mark, de, and me over on 'ta'; thanks for the memories and hope to see you in SIN! (And, floor 1_ at the BKK Shangri-La 'KW' for meetings last week most acceptable - thanks in advance, all, for spending funds in Thailand.)

However you scat cat, savour your rides - and late-night masseuses.

macintosh (robert)


... "Welcome back, Khun Robert!" ...

(Thanks forever, SL)

The best route to take the train to singapore is as follows

Take a 7am mini bus from Krabi to Hat Yai, about a 4 1/2 hr trip. They will let you off at the rail station if you ask the driver. Or you could take a regular bus but I don't know the times they leave. Also another alternative is to hire a taxi.

The overnight train to Kula Lumpar leaves at 15.20 and arrives at 4.50 in the morning. There are 1st and 2nd class sleepers.

Then you have a choice of a morning, afternoon or night train to Singapore

Another alternative is to take the Air Asia flight from Krabi to Kula Lumpar. Leaves at 14.25 and arrives at 16.45 and cost around $75 or moredepending on what day you fly and when you book.. Then make your way to the train station to catch the overnight sleeper to Singapore leaving at 23.30 and arriving 8.20