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You got it, PFI. And there's often a much better chance of seeing what Mother Nature has to offer from a train carriage, than a plane, or even a car or bus!

Hey, Durian. You should have said Hi! I'm never too busy to chat. In fact, it would have been my pleasure! Next time, OK?

@@balloonchaser okay, and I’ll buy you a coffee (or two) 😀

@durian2193 One would be more than enough at the prices they charge in Gather Ground! Great coffee, tho' 😀

Thanks, Paul. I guess it's better that you are asking for more content rather than less! Well, there is a tour of KL coming next. Not really a wander, more of a guided tour in a minivan! But, hopefully, it's better than nothing. I'm sure the editing can be done in a few minutes! Hmm! 😃

Many thanks, Anders. Very kind!

If I did have that fetish, and I'm not saying anything without my lawyers present 😀, it wouldn't be the worst one I've been accused of! Plane travel is a bit boring, though? Airports all the same, arriving 2-3 hours early to check in, airports an hour from city centre etc etc. If I'm not in a hurry I'll vote for my fetish!

Thanks, David. I used to work in Hat Yai. Of all the border crossings I've made there, by road or at the airport, the train station has got to be the easiest of the lot. But yes, they really should offer more services so thar you are guaranteed not to miss your connecting train. Having said that, most people on my train were heading to Penang and Georgetown, and that train came in much earlier than the one to KL. Maybe one to try in the future!

Hi 👋

Many thanks, BB! Yes, I did take a shower. It's pretty good if you remember to bring a towel. Otherwise, do like me and use a t shirt to dry yourself and carry it around damp for the rest of the trip 🤦‍♂️. But at least I remembered to stock up with snacks before boarding, unlike my recent trip to Laos, and sellers got on the train at various stations offering food. So I didn't venture to the restaurant car. They used to be the centre of activity on overnight sleepers when you could grab a beer and chat with fellow travellers. But since alcohol was banned, that simple pleasure has diminished somewhat. The new government has plans to reintroduce alcohol sales on "tourist trains," so watch this space! 👍

Thanks, Martin. The bus company that operates the service from Bangkok Airport to Hua Hin is this one: airportpattayabus.com/ I booked my tickets using the Klook App, which you can download for Android or iPhone, and in the app it's listed under "Shared Bus transfer to Hua Hin". I'm not aware of any big bus between Bangkok City and Hua Hin. For that's it's either a minivan from Ekkamai Bus Ststion or a train. I like the train and I've reviewed it a couple of times ruclips.net/video/2RrLIBgfAE4/видео.htmlsi=7u6lYQA1h6Tn9ySo Hope this helps!

@@balloonchaser Thanks so much !

Thanks. I thought the next trip to Samui was 19th September, and they have a few capsules still available?

That's a very good description of it! 😃

Yes, Ben. The most common problem is that people naturally search from "Bangkok," which is logical. But you need to use Krung Thep Aphiwat as your starting point. I've just checked, lots of availability for January 2025. Let me know if this works!

@@balloonchaser Legend thanks! Out of interest what would you choose, direct train to Vientiane in 2nd class sleeper, or train to Nong Khiaw in 1st class sleeper followed by the border crossing etc.?

@@bensmith1448 Glad to help. I think I'd probably take the second class all the way, although first class and change at Nong Khai is definitely an alternative. Personal choice at the end of the day 👍

Amazing story, thanks for sharing! And there's still people who say taking overnight trains isn't an adventure! 😀 Although I can do without that kind of adventure!!

Many thanks! ขอบคุณมากครับ

Thanks, Harry. I agree with you completely that trains are fun, especially compared to modern day air travel. And there was a steady stream of Thai food and snacks being sold on the train, even tho' I never made it as far as the restaurant car. No alcohol tho', it's currently banned on all Thai trains although that may change in the future!

​@@balloonchaserNo one wants to be stuck with drunks for 14hs so I hope that doesn't change

@@rossco5409 Thanks for that. It's certainly a consideration. Although a quiet drink in the restaurant car sounds ok. But then they'll always be some that want to impose the "party" on others. Two sides to everything! 👍

You make a good point, Mark, thanks. The first train leaves Bangkok at 15.10 and arrives at 05.50 in the morning. So no daylight down South. In many ways the 17.30 departure would be better. It's due to arrive after 9am so you'd probably get around 3 hours of daylight. The trains after that in Malaysia are more frequent.

@@balloonchaser The last time I did a train journey from Hua Lamphong to Surat Thani in the mid nineties was disastrous because the train that left before us crashed into a truck at a crossing,, killing scores of people. It took us an extra 12 hours to get around the accident. They did a really good job at dealing with the situation in tragic circumstances.

@MarkSantaCruz My god Mark, you were unlucky with that trip, although obviously some were much more unlucky. Very sad. There's still way too many accidents at road crossings on Thailand's railways. I've seen numerous people try to drive round closing barriers or crossings where there isn't a full barrier. It's one reason why the elevated twin track programme is so important (out to Hua Hin and beyond), because not only does it make travel quicker, it also does away with the need for level crossings.

@@balloonchaser Yes it's amazing how some people are prepared to risk their lives to save a few seconds. It was aThai holiday when we took that train journey, so there was only third class seats available. We thought about delaying it until the next day, but decided to go for it anyway. Bad decision haha. Wooden seats, and chickens and piglets everywhere. We ended up staying for a night at Surat Thani because we were too tired to take the ferry to the island at 7pm. We had a great night drinking beer at the quayside. I have a bit of video footage of it.

@MarkSantaCruz That would make for an interesting youtuhe video, Mark. Actually mentioning Surat Thani gives me flashbacks to the last time I booked a First Class Sleeper from there to Bangkok. Got a taxi from Phuket, especially to get it, only to be told a few minutes before departure that my carriage had been taken out of service earlier in the day. Took me 4 months to get a refund, and I also ended up staying the night in Surat. The joys of Thai train travel. Always some kind of excitement or problems just around the corner 🤔

Many thanks, Simon. I enjoyed this hotel. My only small word of caution is that I went there coming up to 2 years ago. So it's a bit older now. But it's still getting great reviews on Agoda, so hopefully, it still has that new feel to it!

Yes, Alain, I get it. If you are on a tight timetable, the plane wins. But a one way trip on a train shows you much more of the area you are visiting. For me, it's part of the trip, whereas a flight is getting you to the place to begin your trip. I love the excitement of train travel, but I'll have to work out how to get more sleep!

@@balloonchaser Totally agree, though on your trip, for the 3/4 of it, you couldn't see much of the surroundings at it was dark outside. Plus you didn't sleep. Anyway, we'll agree on disagreeing on this particular point! 😁

@WanderlustReports No, you're right, Alain. If I booked sufficiently in advance, I'd try to book a departure with more daylight hours, plus of course it would be beneficial to avoid the rainy season. I do love the feeling of adventure tho'. Taking the plane rarely gives that!

I've been back since making this video, and all the grab taxis pick up from the central location, which is located at Gate 4 on the first floor of the airport passenger terminal.

Thanks, Paul. I slept for about a day before I was ready for the next part of the trip. Getting almost no sleep, is pretty brutal! I NEED my beauty sleep 😀

Many thanks, Jimmy. Even tho' it was a largely sleepless night, I was so grateful I had a room to myself! If you go with a partner, great, but I'm past sharing with people I don't know! Plus, having the whole room meant I didn't worry about luggage space or anything. Next leg is to Kuala Lumpur, and eventually, I'll end up in Singapore! Cheers, Jimmy!

Thanks for saying so, Simon. That's what I hope; people will find some trips they'd like to do themselves!

Hey bobbie, many thanks for making this comment. I really appreciate it. I just want to get information out there so other people can book their own trips knowing what to expect! Thanks again!

Thanks, PFI! There's no doubt in my mind that you see so much more by travelling by train! he whole journey becomes part of the trip, not just arriving at an airport that looks identical to the one you just left!

I love to receive feedback like this. It's true it takes me a bit longer to make these videos, but my aim is to give information to help others plan their trips. If I can do that - I'm happy! Thanks for your support!

@@balloonchaser You deserve a lot of credit for the hard work and effort put into these travelogues.

@mothoin Many thanks! Plenty more content coming up. Keep watching, please!

​@@balloonchaserI'm looking forward to seeing them.

@@mothoin Thanks, Patrick!

Many thanks for your positive feedback, Richard! Hopefully I can provide enough information for others to plan similar trips. I just wish them more success is getting a good night's sleep!

Thanks, David! It's true, I much prefer the train as a mode of transport compared to, say, cramped planes and faceless airports.But you make a fair point about my use of sleeper berths. Normally, I don't get much (any) sleep! Luckily, the next leg of my journey was a mix between a third class fan carriage in Thailand, and a super modern fast train in Malaysia. See you in KL! And then onwards to Singapore (and not a sleeper carriage in sight!).

You are amazing.video clear n easy..might do the in future when I go to Bangkok ..my home town Kedah.

Thanks. Take whatever works for you, I think that's the best advice! I never get travel sick on any form of transport. But got to admit, I did feel a bit queasy at times on this one! I don't seem to do as well when the bunk is across the carriage (as it was here and to Laos). Sleeping along the side of the train (Chiang Mai 2nd Class) was much better for me!

Very nice of you to say so!

That's a really nice comment. I appreciate it!

Thanks, SG. Hope it's interesting!

​@@balloonchaserIt was interesting mate , it's such a great thing that you are able to do. We learn so much from your videos and you inspire people to travel around the great country that you are so lucky to live in 👍🏼🍻🇦🇺

@sandgroper1980 Many thanks, SG. I do my best to spread the word. I'll tell you true though...if it wasn't for people like you offering words of encouragement, I probably wouldn't do it. Your support is most welcome!

It's a horrible station. Simply nasty. True dystopia. 😮😢

@martinfairbairn1052 I know where you're coming from, Martin. My love of train travel is based on NOT having to go from one faceless airport to another. Unfortunately, Krung Thep Aphiwat looks much like a faceless airport! Give me Hua Lamphong any day of the week. But that's the price we pay for 'progress', I suppose?

I agree with you completely, Jimmy. Apart from the lack of free [or understandable] internet provision, the service is pretty much faultless!

The best way to check is to phone the SRT Hotline when you are in Thailand (Phone 1690). I know there are some designated disabled carriages which just means they have a wheelchair lift and extra large toilets. However, if you booked a designated wheelchair space that's different. A standard seat on a disabled carriage should be ok. But please check with 1690 hotline to be sure.

Thanks for the reminder, Phillip. Definitely within the next month! Are you interested in a particular area?

@@balloonchaser area that close bts but not have tuk tuk trying scam you

@@phillipsdunn6795 Challenge accepted 😀

Many thanks, Rose!

Many thanks, Alain! I don't normally head to the touristy places, and I was amazed how many people there were trying to sell me things I didn't want at rip-off prices. Guess it's a problem the world over, but shows it's worth doing your research beforehand and sticking to your plan!

Many thanks, Alain! It really would be a fantastic thing if they had one travel card. The problem is that the more different ownership models they introduce, the further away that goal seems to be! Hopefully, it becomes reality one day, though!

That's really nice of you to say so, Richard! Appreciate your support as always!

That's a really nice comment, Peter. Thanks a lot! And yes, try the canal boat if you get the chance. It's fun!

ruclips.net/user/shortsJK1ZiDIO2bc?feature=share I guess you mean this one. I like it too, but I try different ways to travel 👍

If your flight arrives after midnight you only really have the choice of a taxi, unless you wait until morning at 07.00 when the first bus leaves. A taxi with Grab is probably around 1200 Thai Baht. There are some individual taxi operators that advertise on Facebook that can be as cheap as 1000 baht, but I've never used one of those myself.

Pleasure, Jim!

Thanks for your comment

Many thanks for your positive comment! I'm told you can't use an e visa at this particular crossing, which is a shame. Hopefully, that will change!

Thanks, Wayne, for the kind remarks! I appreciate that! How long videos should be is always a talking point. Some want shorter, some longer! I might have a members section in the future and put longer versions of videos in there. If there was enough people interested!

No, David. That's for any single journey. It's a flat fare so you could get to Nonthaburi for that price. I was told the all day, hop on-hop off pass is 150 Baht. Still not a bad deal and very convenient. Thanks for the question!

Many thanks, I was doing some research beforehand, and that did come up. It's certainly something I'd be interested in trying. As you say, maybe one for the future! 👍

Yes, mate. The best way is to go Pattaya North Bus station and get the bus that goes right through to ekkamai. Buses leave a least once an hour from 0800 until 2100 and it takes about 2 hours. Fare is 131 baht (I think), and you can buy on the day or buy the day before. Obviously you can also get a taxi, but expect to pay about 1200-1500 baht for that. ruclips.net/video/mllRzQ0swoE/видео.htmlsi=toZVeftoNRFCzs3d

Many thanks for your comment, Jeff. The river boat is certainly fun and you can definitely take in many different sights in a day! I think it's amazing value for money. Obviously there's all the long tail boat drivers down there and people wanting to sell more expensive alternatives. But the orange line seems to go everywhere and is pretty regular. Even off peak you shouldn't wait more than 20 minutes, usually much less. And if you get bored with that there's also the canal boat to explore! Happy travels!

Yes, absolutely correct. Actually, on the way back, I jumped off at the stop by Jim Thompsons house. Had a quick look round and then brief walk to National Stadium BTS and then onto an appointment at Siam Paragon. It's pretty convenient, really, and as you say, great fun!