Budget-Friendly Adventure: Train from Bangkok to Hua Hin | Unbelievable value [4K]

[@sandgroper1980]

I wouldn't fancy spending much time in the on board lavatories on that old train but the food vendor seemed lovely. A step back in time. Well done mate 👍🏼🍻🇦🇺

[@PATThaiA]

Nice to see all The Coconut trees on that Journey & All the guys that you see Cimbing them.Lovely Video.Thank you.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks for your comment. Lots of different farmland on route. Interesting stuff!

[@GioMixMusic]

Yes. This is the way. I tried it a few years back. Fun and relaxing.

[@balloonchaser]

Couldn't agree more. Fun and relaxing sums it up perfectly!

[@Paul-wu5qy]

Great to find another great interesting vlog !

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Paul. Pleased that you enjoyed it!

[@sunaryonoyono3794]

Waaooow mantap josssss perjalanan naik kereta api berkipas angin dengan pemandangan yang indah dan masih adanya pedagang asongan dengan menu tradisional yang menggugah selera kawan heeeeeem waoooow josssss 👍👍👍 . Teringat masa lalu Nostalgia tahun 2008 yang penuh kenangan , sekarang sudah tidak ada lagi . Masih ada juga ya kereta api dengan lanta kayu waooooow unik mantap . Great video my frend , terima kasih .

[@balloonchaser]

Terima kasih banyak atas komen anda 👍

[@grazianogiacoppo5791]

Nice video ! Thanks from Italy 😊

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks.KZbin is great. Can contact people worldwide! 🇮🇹 🇹🇭

[@PREPFORIT]

Thanks B.C I dont drive so these alternatives are Gold !!

[@balloonchaser]

Cheers, PFI. This one's a winner especially if you are pressed for time!

[@WanderlustReports]

Great video, BC! 👍 Less than £1! Wow! When you know that during the Olympics the metro ticket in Paris will be €4! Another thing that makes me regret coming home. Can't wait to be back!

[@balloonchaser]

Many thanks, Alain! Thai trains are just soooo cheap. Hate to think what the fares are on the London Underground now! Will you be going to the Olympics? 🏅

[@WanderlustReports]

@@balloonchaser No, except for the bycicle race at Montmartre.

[@balloonchaser]

@WanderlustReports Usually easier to watch it on TV 😀

[@TheLid47]

Thank you. We will be doing part of this route in a few months.

[@balloonchaser]

Cheers, Andy. I'm sure you'll have a great time!

[@MalMilligan]

Excellent vlog. Thanks for doing all the work to bring this to YT. Yeah that seems like a cool option.

[@balloonchaser]

My pleasure! Give this trip a go if you get the chance!

[@ddeano1969]

Wonderful value

[@balloonchaser]

Absolutely, Dean! Unbeatable!

[@travelwithjamrell]

Great vlog! I've always wanted to travel solo around Thailand by train, but too scared to travel alone as a female. So grateful for vlogs like these. Thank you! Subscribed to your channel :)

[@balloonchaser]

Many thanks for the sub and comment! Solo travel is great, but I'd probably share your concerns as a woman. I'm sure there's lots of people who'd be a travel buddy, and that might be another way to do it.

[@WalkingmanPattaya]

If I was to travel to Hua Hin this would be a perfect way I suspect. My days of traveling in Thailand were all done long ago now, but who knows? Always wanted to visit Hua Hin, so appreciate this video BC . Simple easy and cheap is how I roll, 555 Thanks and Keep on Vlogging BC!

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Ric. It's pretty hassle free, I have to admit. I'm a bit old for rushing about, so this slow and easy travel suited me right down to the ground. I was more relaxed when I got off than when I got on!

[@jeffrussell488]

I'll be spending the 42 baht just to see the food ❤ vendor 😊 you took one for the team there mate 😂

[@balloonchaser]

I do my best, Jeff! Very tasty. And the food wasn't half bad, either! 😀

[@jeffrussell488]

@@balloonchaser i was thinking that some of her portions looked delicious, could possibly be a romantic day out for less than 100 baht... fed then bed

[@balloonchaser]

@jeffrussell488 If I'd known you were going to be like this, I'd have called the video "goes like a train"! Actually, come to think about it, that's not a bad title!

[@jeffrussell488]

@@balloonchaser bet she has pulled a few more carriages than that diesel engine

[@frontiernomad8765]

😂​@@balloonchaser

[@philipcryptolover95]

I normally take the 261 3rd class train from Hualamphong to Hua Hin for 44 baht. Great experience & like you would prefer it over the 2nd or 1st class train.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Philip. I was going to get the one from Hua Lamphong, but as I was starting my journey outside Bangkok it would have been a rush to get there. So the afternoon departure from Thonburi fit the bill for me! I'll probably start from Hua Lamphong next time, though!

[@Roof_Pizza]

Absolute bonkers to prefer the 3rd class. When did your spaceship land?

[@balloonchaser]

@roofpizza1250 I just prefer the overall experience. The Second Class carriages lack any soul. They're not super modern and lack any character. Anyway, each to their own, I say!

[@jimmyboysmovies1972]

44bhat £1 I can’t even go one stop here for that 🤯🤯🤯 it’s still so good that there are fares like that still. Your right there BC you get more of a feel for the countryside and the food 10 bhat each you can’t beat it. Great vlog and thanks for all the info . I do fancy doing that trip as I too know the feeling of the wind though my hair !!!! 😂😂😂

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Jimmy. It is amazing value, especially when you compare it to what you can buy "back home". The wind in the hair feeling is long gone. These days I'm only worried about my cap being blown off and ending up with a sunburnt head! 😀

[@jimmyboysmovies1972]

@@balloonchaser I know the feeling , people don’t leave home without phones these days me it my trusted Cap 🧢 😂😂

[@balloonchaser]

@jimmyboysmovies1972 Different generation, Jimmy! My cap is essential. Phone is a luxury!

[@MoreFormosa]

good video! hope to make that trip in the future

[@balloonchaser]

Many thanks. It's a fun trip and amazing value for money. I hope you get the chance soon!

[@MoreFormosa]

@@balloonchaser do you know if the first leg of Thailand's bullet train will open in 2025 or 2026? I think the first route was supposed to be up north, to Vientiane Laos, but curious if they've made much progress on construction?

[@balloonchaser]

@@MoreFormosa The last I read was that the first leg to Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) might happen in 2026, but if you are thinking about further North to Nong Khai and eventually Vientiane then it's going to be at least 2028. There's been a lot of delays in this project. At least there's now a direct train from Bangkok to Vientiane, but it's definitely not fast! kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3aZk3-hhsmDg68si=bN8fctT0LtT8NuUQ

[@MoreFormosa]

@@balloonchaser ​​⁠Thanks for the details! and the video link. great videos. btw, I’ve heard those new huge stations, including the bangkok station to Hua Hin, are so large, bcz they will be servicing bullet trains as well when they are finally completed. Have you heard that before, or maybe just a rumor? Can’t wait for Thailand’s high speed trains to arrive, it made life in Taiwan way more convenient too. Taiwan is also expanding it’s bullet train line.

[@balloonchaser]

@MoreFormosa Thanks for your kind remarks. Yes, you're correct about the big stations. Krung Thep Aphiwat is the new main station in Bangkok and one floor is not open yet because it's reserved for the upcoming high speed trains. The platforms are already built and the station is ready. Just waiting for the lines to finish building and upgrading now! I must try a train in Taiwan. Any advice?

[@johnflynn4923]

I know it's at the opposite end of the scale but next time I'm back I hope to try the SRT Royal Blossom. It's made up of five refurbished Hamanasu cars originally from Japan and will have its inaugural one-day journey on August 17th to Kanchanaburi leaving from Hua Lamphong station. Great content as always BC!

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, John. The Royal Blossom train looks absolutely gorgeous. I did try to get on the first run, but tickets are like gold dust! But once things settle down, I'll definitely take a ride on it and take my camera! Thanks for your comment!

[@rburns4048]

Love the third class trains in Thailand. I took 3rd class to Kanchanaburi back before 3rd class had a "tourist" price. Loved the food vendors and friendly locals.

[@balloonchaser]

I agree. There's just a great vibe on the third class trains. And the people at the station and the vendors seem happy to see foreigners !

[@inzakaew]

For kanchanaburi tain foreigner pay 100 baht because after ww2 thailand buy this line over 1 million pound back from england Govt policy in the past set this price until now no one change it Except kanchanaburi line same price with thai ppl

[@ma3stro681]

It’s a very uncomfortable ride on a 3rd class train, especially on the wooden seats. I’d rather pay more for something faster and more comfortable, though love the open windows. Just don’t be too near the engine and cop toxic diesel fumes the whole trip, and don’t forget your earplugs as it’s very noisy …

[@sooantonysolotraveler]

Yes, I had took the same type of 3rd class train first time in Bangkok from Bang Sue station for about SGD$20.00 to Hua Hin there. I dislike it that the carriage was very noisy and at some journey moving certain moment it could be very bumpy and shaky. I did not bough food from those people but I brough myself a few small package of biscuits and drink, to eat and drink it. I had made a mistake I alighted at the wrong train station at the second last station before Hua Hin station. Luckily I had managed to purchase another train ticket from that train station to continue to reach Hua Hin there. The next train was lucky for me it would arrive in an hour time I was worried that the next train might need to wait until next day.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks for telling your story. I agree the train is noisy and it's certainly not the smoothest ride. For me that's all part of the experience, but I understand why some people wouldn't like it. Unfortunate, that you got off at the wrong station, but we'll done for being able to complete your journey by train!

[@davidmcquaid2557]

Fantastic video. Can you do one showing the difference between the new and old stations once you arrive there? But as always the best info and content!

[@balloonchaser]

Many thanks for the positive comment, David. Also, thanks for the video idea!

[@scottmcgowan4813]

Great Video, worth every bit of 42 Bht for that very pretty food seller,

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Scott! When I referred to the beautiful views, I was looking out of the window. But you've noticed another benefit! 😃

[@mothoin]

Thanks again for sharing your adventures. I love train journeys too. 11 baht from Udon Thani to Nong Khai. Obviously the trains are subsidised by the Thai government. I'm just back from Japan where I took the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto. Great experience 600km in just over 2 hours, not as cheap as Thailand though 😂

[@balloonchaser]

Many thanks for commenting, Patrick. Train prices still amaze me in Thailand. You also reminded me that I need to try the trains elsewhere in Asia. Especially "bullet trains"!

[@mothoin]

@balloonchaser Yes, you should. My first time in Japan and it exceeded all expectations. Some beautiful old-style classic trams still in operation in Hiroshima too.

[@rinkadink66]

I have been on this train a couple of times..very good.. not much to see.. but relaxing.. cheers 🍻

[@balloonchaser]

Yes, I think you summed it up nicely there, Chris. Views pleasant more than spectacular. Some nice hills or mountains near Hua Hin. Very chilled!

[@rinkadink66]

@@balloonchaser thanks.. actually I am railway nut.. and love travelling by train.. behind the hills you saw in Burma.. the train from Rangoon to Dawei..is probably my favourite journey in SE Asia.. bit dangerous at the moment however..

[@balloonchaser]

@rinkadink66 Nice one, Chris. I'm planning to go 'international' next. Not sure which route. Possibly try out the extended link to Laos, or maybe Singapore or Malaysia. They're all on the list!

[@rinkadink66]

@@balloonchaser if you go down south..the line from Hat Yai through Yala (nice town) Trumpat.. then eastern line (Jungle line) to Singapore is a good choice..used to be very sleepy..but now I think its all mod cons..cheers

[@balloonchaser]

@@rinkadink66 Thanks for the tip! I think I'll give it a go in the next few weeks (or months)!

[@farangtravels3956]

Looks great

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks! It was a wonderful journey, really!

[@benleno]

We went on an express train for 340b on the way and we took the 44b on the way back. Both third class. No differences in time or comfort.

[@balloonchaser]

When I went from Krung Thep Aphiwat it was certainly quicker (and more expensive). But it was half as much fun as this service IMHO!

[@bigbopper6311]

great job BC. looks like they could give british rail a run for their money. Thonburi, isn't that the stop passed Tunbridge Wells on the Hastings line.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, BB. But I hope you aren't taking the Hastings' name in vain! I used it most days for about 15 years to commute. First from Orpington, then Sevenoaks, and then Tonbridge. If I hadn't come to Thailand, I'd be at Tunbridge Wells or further by now. Anyway, everyone knows Thonburi is the same place as Chonburi! 😀

[@bigbopper6311]

@@balloonchaser I travelled that line from 1975 for a few years. Got on at Etchingham off at Connon Street.

[@bigbopper6311]

Cannon Street....i got fumble fingers

[@balloonchaser]

@bigbopper6311 Cannon Street can be ok. But really, I'm a Charing Cross guy. Worked for years on The Strand. Seems a million miles away now tho'!

[@markdumbrell2618]

Another interesting video, great job. Do you know the timetable for same train going back to Bangkok? Thanks 🙏

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks! The train on the way back leaves at 12.47 from Hua Hin (I think).It's train number 264. It gets back to Bangkok at about 17.30. For me, I got a big bus to suvarnabhumi airport. More on that later!

[@markdumbrell2618]

@@balloonchaser thanks for the reply, I like the old school train 🚂, I’ll give it a try next trip 😃

[@balloonchaser]

@@markdumbrell2618 Thanks, Mark

[@Goldfinger555]

Thanks for the links to looking at schedules and booking. When would you actually book ahead? Perhaps if you wanted a higher class seat guaranteed? Seems like most just buy at the station.

[@balloonchaser]

Good question. You're right, some of the long-distance trains from Krung Thep Aphiwat Station (the new main station for Bangkok) do get booked up weeks or sometimes months in advance. Also, when I went to Hua Hin in Second Class before, I wanted a particular seat at the front. In these cases, it's a good idea to book and select your seat. The local slow trains, like the one in this video, can't be booked in advance, so just turn up in good time and buy on the day of travel. Happy travels!

[@inzakaew]

special express /express/rapid you can book from internet (d-ticket app or website) For ordinary train can not book only sale at station

[@Goldfinger555]

@@inzakaew Thanks!

[@tonymatthews2344]

very nice but way too expensive,........almost two quid for a four hour journey including food!! have you done the trek up to Chiang Rai BC? not sure how long it would take but may be worth a look, would be some beautiful scenery (that's if the rail line actually goes up that far)

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Tony. I haven't been to Chiang Rai, but I did take the second class sleeper service from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. In fact, I vlogged it here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZ-xaWx3pr-LpK8si=tkdbocN55xosr-YN If you time it correctly from Bangkok then you wake up to an excellent cup of coffee and sunrise in Chiang Rai. Takes 13 hours, so I'd recommend a sleeping berth, although you can save money and just get a seat!

[@alanwood4968]

just under a pound on the overhead railway 0.97p. reduced this year. why overhead trains during the rainy season you could get flooding only last 20 minutes to 2 or three hours so you are able to cross any flooding or stay any side of it till it goes down. It is not cold and there is plenty to see and you will notice the Thais just going about their business. Even if it is pouring down i mean you could almost swim in down pours they are still on motor bikes and scooters rain or not and you see the big grin on there faces oh my i love this place.

[@balloonchaser]

You're right, Alan. Amazing value and considering the extreme weather conditions (heat & rain) you can get in Thailand, they do an amazing job of keeping these old trains running. Living here over the years here I've found Thai people to be extremely resilient, they generally just smile and get on with it, as you say!

[@vincentmcgarry3598]

Do they still travel from the old station in bkk to h h?

[@balloonchaser]

Vince, you can get train number 261 that leaves Hua Lamphong at 09.20 daily. Other than that, you need to go to the new Krung Thep Aphiwat station, I think.

[@SteveSmith-zz4ih]

Dumb question is there reasonable accommodation within walking distance of the station or is it a Taxi/tuk tuk/bolt into town? yer i know look it up but i was hoping for a easy fix.

[@balloonchaser]

Hi Steve. Assuming you mean at the Hua Hin end, I stayed at Royal Pavilion for under 1,000 baht. They'll be others closer, but I walked there with no problems.

[@2468mrg]

Much prefer 3rd class to 2nd class,did a few journeys in the past from hua hin to ao manao,ban krut,trat and further south,its just a lot more relaxing and you dont feel so boxed in as you do on a 2nd class,freedom to move around and stand between train cars is important...the food ah the bamboo sticks with rice and red bean are aroy mak !

[@balloonchaser]

I agree with you completely. I much prefer third class to second class, especially if the journey time is under four hours or so! It seems like it's the real experience somehow, whereas second class just seems like some old trains imported in from other countries. And the food in third class is normally more plentiful as the vendors find it easier to board the trains.

[@inzakaew]

Train number 251 not much passenger When train went to nakhon pathom & ratchburi most passenger is students After petchburi most passenger is local ppl But if you take train number 255 on morning too many ppl & also too many food I love train start from thonburi station

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, that's very interesting about the other trains and the kinds of people who catch them! I agree with you, starting at thonburi can be a great option!

[@blakesterdrums1647]

How much of a tip did you give her?

[@balloonchaser]

No, I just bought most of her food! She was very friendly. In fact most of the vendors are friendly.

[@blakesterdrums1647]

@balloonchaser oh it looked like when she gave you change you gave her a tip after

[@balloonchaser]

@blakesterdrums1647 I don't think giving a small tip would be a bad idea, tbh. But in this case, she seemed OK that I bought "a lot" and got some more a bit later as well!

[@KeepingItRealBro]

Got a train from Bang Sue Grand to HH, earliest availability was also 3rd class carriage, but price beyond 300 THB. That said, the interior was a bit nicer, but not by much. Considering what I know now, I'll never go 3rd class again. Inhaling pollution the entire journey, black nostrils on arrival, sweaty. Not even for free, thanks.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks for your input. Interesting perspective. Have to say I was near the locomotive for most of the journey, and there were a few fumes occasionally. But the only time it was pleasant was a very small area where there was some kind of crop burning. Now, I wouldn't fancy it if it was a crop burning area and season. Anyway, thanks again for the comment!

[@thecryptostrategist2433]

This is the kind of train that i would take because the 72 baht price is just so tempting. However, if I made my wife do that, she would be muttering about divorce for half the journey.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, David. 42 Baht is the bargain of the century! I'm wondering, given your wife would only be muttering about divorce for half the journey, what she'd be doing for the remainder? As she's from Asia, I'm going to have to guess eating or sleeping! Unless you have plans to kick her off the train at my old stomping ground of Ratchaburi! Anyway, best regards to you both!

[@GaryV-p3h]

Cheap & on time, the exact opposite to British trains.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Gary. Thai trains used to be cheap and late, but since the line upgrades, they seem to be much better. We don't need British Rail pricing here, thanks! 😀

[@GaryV-p3h]

@@balloonchaser Tomorrow is my 60th birthday & I'm taking early retirement to start living again, hopefully with my first visit to Thailand in a few months.

[@balloonchaser]

@user-ol6rd7pl5t Many happy returns of the day for tomorrow 🎂 The big six-oh! What better way to start retirement than a trip to Thailand ! Go for it!

[@martinfairbairn1052]

Yep, you're absolutely correct it's great value and worth doing. It's a real shame about the ongoing station modernisation. The old Hua Hin station was a jewel. The new stations are dystopian (Oh well Thailand joins the modern world order).

[@Roof_Pizza]

Another decade before the high-speed trains will be using those new stations in Hua Hin etc.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, agreed the old Hua Hin station was unique, right down to the design and colour scheme. Now the new stations have adopted the colours and shapes it devalues the original a bit. And Aphiwat will never have the allowed of Hua Lamphong or even Thonburi, but I do understand why it's necessary for future progress!

[@balloonchaser]

That's probably true. Aphiwat station looks kinda empty and soulless, but then again, it's the way of the future.

[@keith9970]

Michael Portillo is getting concerned, very concerned 🚆

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Keith! He made the right choice switching from government to train journeys, I think. Much more enjoyable!