Train from Singapore to Bangkok - interesting trip or fly?
 

A friend of mine will be in Singapore and plans to go to Bangkok for 6 days (returning to Singapore) - she is interested in the train and considering it for one way and then flying back - I don't know much about it - anybody here have an opinion? It goes via KL apparently - she could stop there for a day or so.

Any input is appreciated.

Liz

I've taken the train from Singapore to KL. We took the night train. Sleeper cars were doubles, and pretty comfortable, but of course we slept through any interesting sights. The border crossing is kind of a pain...You have to exit the train, go thru immigrtion, then get back on. We knew not to go to sleep till we had done that, and our train was delayed, so we were kind of like zombies.

I love traveling by train. We took the train (and sometimes a bus) from Singapore to Bangkok several years ago and enjoyed the trip. I planned it so that we traveled by day as much as possible. We stopped and spent several days at KL, Penang, Surat Thani, Hue Hin, and Kanchanabari on the way up. Sometimes the trains were not running--KL to Penang (we took a bus) and Hue Hin to Kanchanabari (we hired a taxi). We took a bus from Kanchanabari to Bangkok because it was more convenient time-wise.

fly on air asia or tiger air

I've travelled by regular service both ways once each, and by the Eastern and Oriental Express (which is the only service to go all the way without requiring a change of train) south to north.

Both methods were preferable to flying in every way except speed, but then I can happily spend hours looking out of train windows.

Peter N-H

It really depends on how much time you have. You can use up a couple of days going by train or take a less than 2 hour flight.

>>>Train from Singapore to Bangkok - interesting trip or fly?<<<

Greetings, and another vote for that wondrous E&O Express. Mind you, it's been a few years, but that train was special. If your friend's budget/schedule allow, not such a bad way to see a rather special part of the world.

(Of course, if she wants/can fly 'business', well, a certain Singaporean airline will take rather good care of her, SIN-BKK; no bias from me.)

Sweet dreams from sweet Singapore.

macintosh (robert)


... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

www.seat61.com/Malaysia.htm ought to give you a good idea of what the train journey is like.

A train journey is an experience. A flight won't be. And this 1,249-mile classic 48 hour train journey costs just $50. You'll remember it, you won't remember the flight or the airports.

Stopovers at KL and Penang and both very worthwhile.

If your "friend" only has 6 days you will lose 2 of them on a train unless you factor that additional travel time in. During the trip if you do not have a sleeper car you might want to consider taking a hotel part of the way, perhaps in Hatyai or Butterworth (Penang.)

I used the train from Bangkok to Singapore when the airport was closed down a year and a half ago. The ride was okay but a little chilly so have a light jacket or sweat shirt to wear. The Thai portion had free meals and a blanket to use plus beverages. The Malaysian portion didn't give out anything for free but the food car had some cheap simple rice and chicken meals.

I was too late getting a sleeper car so don't wait until the last minute if you intend to use a train. Bring a couple novels to read to kill the time. During the night hours you can't really see anything outside the windows.

Have fun.

Thanks all! Sending her your comments for her decision.