Just before I have my breakfast 🍳 I thought I need to catch up with with your latest Vlog 🤭 the new station is fantastic so modern and future proof. Great info as always BC. Your travel info on getting there makes it so easy for old and new travellers 👌. Have a great Sunday my Mann
Many thanks, Jimmy. Now you are making me hungry. Long time since I've had a Sunday morning surrounded by the weekend newspapers and a freshly cooked full English! Guess lots of people don't buy papers these days. But that used to be a simple pleasure in my life! Enjoy the weekend!
@@balloonchaser Sunday news papers simple times . I remember when I 1st went to Thailand i would get the Times printed off on A3 and the Bangkok post sit down and let the world past me by 😂😂 . The supplements inside too
@jimmyboysmovies1972 That's a good point, Jimmy. Originally, I'd choose which cafe to support partly by whether they had English language newspapers in a rack. Normally attached to a long wooden pole with a hook on the end. Those were the days!
Always a pleasure, Mal! Krung Thep Aphiwat is a great station to start at if you fancy some trips around Thailand. Generally see a lot more travelling by train! 🚆
Thanks, David. I think the station could be many places in the world. It's pretty faceless and lacks the character of Hua Lumphong. But it's there for function more than looks and will probably last decades before it needs upgrading!
Great overview of the massive train station BC. Bijou room is a term I have never used, yet appropriate for your cabin i suspect. Free shower!, Where do I get an oil massage with a happy ending? 555 ...maybe coming soon! Looks well built, why cant we get that construction team to build us properly leveled sidewalks in Pattaya? Keep on vlogging BC. Enjoy
Many thanks for the comment! I think bijou room is probably real estate agent speak for tiny! But I was well pleased to get a nice shower before getting on my last couple of trains. The washing facilities aren't much, and I need a shower before going to bed. They certainly did a massive construction with that building. Absolutely amazing engineering, even if the finished result is an eyesore to many people compared to the old, traditional stations!
That sounds like a great idea, Mark! Seriously, I do hope they rethink the total ban on alcohol on Thai trains. I'm not a big drinker, but a glass of wine would make the journey a bit smoother, and I'd be more likely to fall asleep! 😃 🍷
Hi BC, was down in Phatthalung a couple of weeks back, stayed 7 days, what a stunning area, never saw a single bar (although i DID see a sign for one) and only saw one other Westerner, was quite strange being the centre of attention and having all the kids practicing their English on me, although "how are you" seems to be their limit of it! i still absolutely loved it, going back early next year and my girlfriend wants to drive so i was thinking about the bus down to Hua Hin and meet her there
Hi Tony. Thanks for sharing! It sounds fantastic. I love places like that! Their English level sounds similar to most of my students when I worked as a teacher here! The bus to Hua Hin is a good choice. 8am if you are leaving from Pattaya. Hourly services from the airport. Or from Bangkok, I'd probably go by train in preference to a minivan!
@@balloonchaser certainly an option, will probably chill in Bangkok for a couple of days then and travel down, no way i will minibus it....scares me to death from soi Lengkee to Bells bus station!
@tonymatthews2344 Yes, minivan should only be used when there's no alternative in my book! Fastest train from Bangkok to Hua Hin is 3 hours. And there's some ok views on the route. Not aware of any big buses that go directly from ekkamai? Think it's just vans.
Interesting discovery of the station, thanks BC. I'm clearly waiting for these High Speed Train lines, but they are so slow building them. Nakhon Ratchasima in 2026, Pattaya in 2027, Hua Hin in 2032 or Chiang Mai in 2037, and that were the plans in 2022, don't know where they are now...
Thanks, Alain. Last report I read was that the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima line was running 36% behind a rescheduled opening of 2028. Other reports suggested that would mean an extra 2 years delay! Obviously, covid affected loads of things, but the changing of the governments, and problems with acquiring the necessary land, can't have helped either! Let's just hope it's all worth the wait in the end. At least much of the new tracks are elevated and won't suffer like Chiang Mai station is at the moment. Closed due to flooding 😞
Mate if your into trains , in the building were it’s all golf equipment in bkk theirs only one building, anyway at the very top is a magnificent train hobby store , quality, I’m Phil’s mate , the pom basher , it’s good your doing the trains Phil the ant man ( antenna man) would get taken out as either a farang terriost or homeless pom 50/50….. Any way check that store out , I stumbled across it looking for ping putter only in Thailand……
Thanks for the heads up. I'm not aware of that store, but I'll certainly give it a look if I can. Picking up on your other comment, I'd love to give Japanese trains a go. In fact so many nearby Asian countries are miles ahead of Thailand right now!
@@balloonchaser u go bottom of Japan .. vietjet 160 just look a lot ….. that’s end of line for bullet train then go straight through Japan by train Cheapest way out , Japan with hotels just stay 3 star because all rooms small it’s not like Thailand were 5 star is really 6 Japan small so no real comfort anyway so just stay 3 star ….. I’m not cheap I stay Hilton Pattaya a lot it’s just different country plus their so clean and perfect their basically all the same
@JohnMarkwick-t3v It was something I was looking at a few weeks ago, coincidentally! They have some decent looking rail passes, although I don't fully understand what lines are included. How long you reckon you'd need for a trip like that, John?
Very helpful. Have you done the BKK-Ching Mai train ? Do you recommend the day or night train ? The day train #7 is second class seats only i believe - are they comfortable ? Thanks.
Thanks, mate! Yes, I did the Bangkok to Chiang Mai train. You can take a look here: ruclips.net/video/7nN89AqZXnM/видео.htmlsi=p4Nyrtwc3c9M5Ain I would definitely recommend the night train. It's a king journey, around 13 hours, and however interesting the scenery might be in places, it's just too long (for me) to do with little chance of sleep. Likewise, the second class seats, although not uncomfortable, are enough for me for a journey of this length. Although compared with a 13 hour flight, they're much better! With a sleeper train, you can get some proper rest, even tho' I don't find it easy to sleep. And if you get the later departure, you can wake up (hopefully) to a wonderful sunrise approaching Chiang Mai. Although try to avoid the flooding and burning seasons, of course!
It really does look like an airport, BB! That's why some train enthusiasts dislike it. The old Hua Lumphong station has so much more character. But this place is built for future demand, especially the high speed trains. Whether they reintroduce alcohol sales sooner than they build the high speed lines is anyone's guess. But for now - no alcohol!
Maybe they plan for more high speed train lines in the future? Not just to Pattaya. I watched your video about street food, and made a comment about how its usually pretty safe in comparison👍.
Many thanks, Anders. Yes, you're correct. There are many high-speed projects either planned or under construction. Actually, the first one is from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, which will be over 250km. It's currently over one-third complete but won't be open until at least 2028. Many of the high-speed projects are expected to link thailand to other Asian countries such as Malaysia, Singapore Laos, and China. Then there's the high-speed link between the airports that will include Suvanabhumi, Don Muang, and Utapao, which is often called Pattaya airport. Thanks for watching the street food video. I love street food!
@@balloonchaserYou clearly like trains🙂. Have you seen Darjeeling Unlimited by Wes Anderson. But 🇮🇳 trains are probably very different from those in 🇹🇭.
@andersfant4997 Thanks, Anders. I think travelling by train is probably underrated in Thailand. Cheap and mostly interesting. Beats flying if you have the time! But I'm not really into the different types of trains. As long as it gets me there, I'm good! I haven't seen thar film, but I just watched the trailer. Normally, I like Owen Wilson, so if I can find a place to stream it, I'll watch it all. Thanks for the tip 👍
Now you might be onto something but wrong country , Japan and trains well that’s decades of content , different companies own different trains on different tracks all going to same destination…. But the best county on planet Japan I stand by that …
Hey, Thanks, John. Saw you on Phil’s livestream and meant to say "hi". But he gets so far behind with the comments it's difficult! I always enjoy your comments on his videos, especially the "pom-bashing". All good fun in my book. Anyway, you say things how you see them, and that's refreshing 👍
@@balloonchaser I hit 45 one day i said f it …. From this day forth I say what I believe truth and sometimes you like to hear it sometimes not 55555 It’s good I’ve got Phil health on his mind I had a few good talks earlier on and he listened I’m proud of him , I did not hold back these days he new man … still got work todo but don’t we all mate Pattaya is a great life we all should be trying to live to 100 not 50 like most self destroying do … but
@JohnMarkwick-t3v Interesting stuff, John. Well as long as he listened to someone. I was with him when he had his heart problem on the beach, and it was probably nearly as scary for me as it must have been for him! Pattaya is a problem if you only eat junk food and drink too much. Everyone knows at least one person who has gone early because of that. So for Phil to get into much better shape is a credit to himself and anyone who encouraged him along the way 👍
@@balloonchaser I think the biggest killer is not moving, Phil does his steps, so do I , gym good walking the best thing for body and mind but you got to walk properly and often 6 days per week , on food side of things most don’t eat enough they live on fluids
@JohnMarkwick-t3v Plenty of places to walk around here, that's a fact! And for Phil, he gets to record his walkabouts at the same time! Easy to fall into the fast food routine. Too many microwaveable meals at 7 eleven, and sugar seemingly added to everything!
Thanks, Jeff. It's not the easiest place in Bangkok to get to, but tbf, they've done a good job finding one piece of land and managing to bring all the lines into one central station. I can only compare with London where I might be looking at 5 different stations and have to commute between them to change trains. The big improvement will be when this station is joined to all the Bangkok airports by high-speed trains. Then it really will be convenient! Thanks again for the comment 👍
@@balloonchaser After I wrote my comment it did dawn on me that once the high speed lines were fully operational that it would more commutable from Pattaya etc, we can look forward to that... great stuff.
@jeffrussell488 Yes, mate! Should be a train from Suvanabhumi, Don Meuang, or U-tapao to Pattaya. Only question for me is, when will it be finished? Been delayed several times already. Hopefully soon!
Loving the tunes!!!
Hey Mr DJ, won't you turn the music up? Thanks, Phil.
Travel made easier - Thanks Balloon Chaser
Pleasure as always, PFI 👍
Just before I have my breakfast 🍳 I thought I need to catch up with with your latest Vlog 🤭 the new station is fantastic so modern and future proof. Great info as always BC. Your travel info on getting there makes it so easy for old and new travellers 👌. Have a great Sunday my Mann
Many thanks, Jimmy. Now you are making me hungry. Long time since I've had a Sunday morning surrounded by the weekend newspapers and a freshly cooked full English! Guess lots of people don't buy papers these days. But that used to be a simple pleasure in my life! Enjoy the weekend!
@@balloonchaser Sunday news papers simple times . I remember when I 1st went to Thailand i would get the Times printed off on A3 and the Bangkok post sit down and let the world past me by 😂😂 . The supplements inside too
@jimmyboysmovies1972 That's a good point, Jimmy. Originally, I'd choose which cafe to support partly by whether they had English language newspapers in a rack. Normally attached to a long wooden pole with a hook on the end. Those were the days!
Great content and information and a good reference for my travels later this year. Thanks for your efforts BC. 🙏👍
Always a pleasure, Mal! Krung Thep Aphiwat is a great station to start at if you fancy some trips around Thailand. Generally see a lot more travelling by train! 🚆
The station closely resembles stations in China. Nice, modern design. I'm sure that you will have many journeys from there in the future.
Thanks, David. I think the station could be many places in the world. It's pretty faceless and lacks the character of Hua Lumphong. But it's there for function more than looks and will probably last decades before it needs upgrading!
Great overview of the massive train station BC. Bijou room is a term I have never used, yet appropriate for your cabin i suspect. Free shower!, Where do I get an oil massage with a happy ending? 555 ...maybe coming soon! Looks well built, why cant we get that construction team to build us properly leveled sidewalks in Pattaya? Keep on vlogging BC. Enjoy
Many thanks for the comment! I think bijou room is probably real estate agent speak for tiny! But I was well pleased to get a nice shower before getting on my last couple of trains. The washing facilities aren't much, and I need a shower before going to bed. They certainly did a massive construction with that building. Absolutely amazing engineering, even if the finished result is an eyesore to many people compared to the old, traditional stations!
I would be having a solo party in that sleeper room, with lots of take aways from the food court and some sneaked in bottles of illicit red wine!
That sounds like a great idea, Mark! Seriously, I do hope they rethink the total ban on alcohol on Thai trains. I'm not a big drinker, but a glass of wine would make the journey a bit smoother, and I'd be more likely to fall asleep! 😃 🍷
@@balloonchaser pretty easy mate, fill a 7-up bottle with Chardonnay....lock your door, way hay!!
@@tonymatthews2344 I like your deviousness, Tony!
Hi BC, was down in Phatthalung a couple of weeks back, stayed 7 days, what a stunning area, never saw a single bar (although i DID see a sign for one) and only saw one other Westerner, was quite strange being the centre of attention and having all the kids practicing their English on me, although "how are you" seems to be their limit of it! i still absolutely loved it, going back early next year and my girlfriend wants to drive so i was thinking about the bus down to Hua Hin and meet her there
Hi Tony. Thanks for sharing! It sounds fantastic. I love places like that! Their English level sounds similar to most of my students when I worked as a teacher here! The bus to Hua Hin is a good choice. 8am if you are leaving from Pattaya. Hourly services from the airport. Or from Bangkok, I'd probably go by train in preference to a minivan!
@@balloonchaser certainly an option, will probably chill in Bangkok for a couple of days then and travel down, no way i will minibus it....scares me to death from soi Lengkee to Bells bus station!
@tonymatthews2344 Yes, minivan should only be used when there's no alternative in my book! Fastest train from Bangkok to Hua Hin is 3 hours. And there's some ok views on the route. Not aware of any big buses that go directly from ekkamai? Think it's just vans.
Interesting discovery of the station, thanks BC.
I'm clearly waiting for these High Speed Train lines, but they are so slow building them. Nakhon Ratchasima in 2026, Pattaya in 2027, Hua Hin in 2032 or Chiang Mai in 2037, and that were the plans in 2022, don't know where they are now...
Thanks, Alain. Last report I read was that the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima line was running 36% behind a rescheduled opening of 2028. Other reports suggested that would mean an extra 2 years delay! Obviously, covid affected loads of things, but the changing of the governments, and problems with acquiring the necessary land, can't have helped either! Let's just hope it's all worth the wait in the end. At least much of the new tracks are elevated and won't suffer like Chiang Mai station is at the moment. Closed due to flooding 😞
Mate if your into trains , in the building were it’s all golf equipment in bkk theirs only one building, anyway at the very top is a magnificent train hobby store , quality, I’m Phil’s mate , the pom basher , it’s good your doing the trains Phil the ant man ( antenna man) would get taken out as either a farang terriost or homeless pom 50/50…..
Any way check that store out , I stumbled across it looking for ping putter only in Thailand……
Thanks for the heads up. I'm not aware of that store, but I'll certainly give it a look if I can. Picking up on your other comment, I'd love to give Japanese trains a go. In fact so many nearby Asian countries are miles ahead of Thailand right now!
@@balloonchaser u go bottom of Japan .. vietjet 160 just look a lot ….. that’s end of line for bullet train then go straight through Japan by train
Cheapest way out , Japan with hotels just stay 3 star because all rooms small it’s not like Thailand were 5 star is really 6 Japan small so no real comfort anyway so just stay 3 star ….. I’m not cheap I stay Hilton Pattaya a lot it’s just different country plus their so clean and perfect their basically all the same
Push on build channel first
@@JohnMarkwick-t3v Will do, John. Thanks for your comments.
@JohnMarkwick-t3v It was something I was looking at a few weeks ago, coincidentally! They have some decent looking rail passes, although I don't fully understand what lines are included. How long you reckon you'd need for a trip like that, John?
Very helpful. Have you done the BKK-Ching Mai train ? Do you recommend the day or night train ? The day train #7 is second class seats only i believe - are they comfortable ? Thanks.
Thanks, mate! Yes, I did the Bangkok to Chiang Mai train. You can take a look here:
ruclips.net/video/7nN89AqZXnM/видео.htmlsi=p4Nyrtwc3c9M5Ain
I would definitely recommend the night train. It's a king journey, around 13 hours, and however interesting the scenery might be in places, it's just too long (for me) to do with little chance of sleep. Likewise, the second class seats, although not uncomfortable, are enough for me for a journey of this length. Although compared with a 13 hour flight, they're much better! With a sleeper train, you can get some proper rest, even tho' I don't find it easy to sleep. And if you get the later departure, you can wake up (hopefully) to a wonderful sunrise approaching Chiang Mai. Although try to avoid the flooding and burning seasons, of course!
guess it doubles as an airport. super job great info. Do the trains have bars and are they guest friendly ?
It really does look like an airport, BB! That's why some train enthusiasts dislike it. The old Hua Lumphong station has so much more character. But this place is built for future demand, especially the high speed trains. Whether they reintroduce alcohol sales sooner than they build the high speed lines is anyone's guess. But for now - no alcohol!
Maybe they plan for more high speed train lines in the future? Not just to Pattaya.
I watched your video about street food, and made a comment about how its usually pretty safe in comparison👍.
Many thanks, Anders. Yes, you're correct. There are many high-speed projects either planned or under construction. Actually, the first one is from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, which will be over 250km. It's currently over one-third complete but won't be open until at least 2028. Many of the high-speed projects are expected to link thailand to other Asian countries such as Malaysia, Singapore Laos, and China. Then there's the high-speed link between the airports that will include Suvanabhumi, Don Muang, and Utapao, which is often called Pattaya airport. Thanks for watching the street food video. I love street food!
@@balloonchaserYou clearly like trains🙂. Have you seen Darjeeling Unlimited by Wes Anderson. But 🇮🇳 trains are probably very different from those in 🇹🇭.
@andersfant4997 Thanks, Anders. I think travelling by train is probably underrated in Thailand. Cheap and mostly interesting. Beats flying if you have the time! But I'm not really into the different types of trains. As long as it gets me there, I'm good! I haven't seen thar film, but I just watched the trailer. Normally, I like Owen Wilson, so if I can find a place to stream it, I'll watch it all. Thanks for the tip 👍
Now you might be onto something but wrong country , Japan and trains well that’s decades of content , different companies own different trains on different tracks all going to same destination…. But the best county on planet Japan I stand by that …
Hey, Thanks, John. Saw you on Phil’s livestream and meant to say "hi". But he gets so far behind with the comments it's difficult! I always enjoy your comments on his videos, especially the "pom-bashing". All good fun in my book. Anyway, you say things how you see them, and that's refreshing 👍
@@balloonchaser I hit 45 one day i said f it …. From this day forth I say what I believe truth and sometimes you like to hear it sometimes not 55555
It’s good I’ve got Phil health on his mind I had a few good talks earlier on and he listened I’m proud of him , I did not hold back these days he new man … still got work todo but don’t we all mate Pattaya is a great life we all should be trying to live to 100 not 50 like most self destroying do … but
@JohnMarkwick-t3v Interesting stuff, John. Well as long as he listened to someone. I was with him when he had his heart problem on the beach, and it was probably nearly as scary for me as it must have been for him! Pattaya is a problem if you only eat junk food and drink too much. Everyone knows at least one person who has gone early because of that. So for Phil to get into much better shape is a credit to himself and anyone who encouraged him along the way 👍
@@balloonchaser I think the biggest killer is not moving, Phil does his steps, so do I , gym good walking the best thing for body and mind but you got to walk properly and often 6 days per week , on food side of things most don’t eat enough they live on fluids
@JohnMarkwick-t3v Plenty of places to walk around here, that's a fact! And for Phil, he gets to record his walkabouts at the same time! Easy to fall into the fast food routine. Too many microwaveable meals at 7 eleven, and sugar seemingly added to everything!
Looks like a pain in the arse to get to, then again TiT wouldn't expect anything different 555
Thanks, Jeff. It's not the easiest place in Bangkok to get to, but tbf, they've done a good job finding one piece of land and managing to bring all the lines into one central station. I can only compare with London where I might be looking at 5 different stations and have to commute between them to change trains. The big improvement will be when this station is joined to all the Bangkok airports by high-speed trains. Then it really will be convenient! Thanks again for the comment 👍
@@balloonchaser After I wrote my comment it did dawn on me that once the high speed lines were fully operational that it would more commutable from Pattaya etc, we can look forward to that... great stuff.
@jeffrussell488 Yes, mate! Should be a train from Suvanabhumi, Don Meuang, or U-tapao to Pattaya. Only question for me is, when will it be finished? Been delayed several times already. Hopefully soon!
Soulless, unpleasant, antiseptic, dystopian - everything one might expect from modern architecture. Truly repulsive 😢
Thanks, Martin. But other than that, you quite like it? 😀 I do understand where you're coming from, though. Give me Hua Lumphong any day of the week!