Travelling by train in Thailand can be a wonderful way to enjoy the benefits of slow travel. Whether you’re on board a no-frills ordinary train rattling through the Isaan countryside or taking in the early morning scenery on board an overnight sleeper service, Thailand train travel is an experience to remember.
(Photo: NattapolStudiO / Shutterstock)
The Royal Blossom is one of Thailand’s newest and most distinctive rail experiences. Operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the train combines Japanese engineering heritage with Thai design and hospitality to create a premium sightseeing journey. Introduced in 2024, the Royal Blossom trips are proving popular with domestic and international travellers
History of the Royal Blossom trains
The Royal Blossom train has an interesting international history. The carriages were originally part of Japan’s Hamanasu overnight train, which ran between Aomori and Sapporo in Hokkaido. After the service ended in 2016, several cars were transferred to Thailand. The State Railway of Thailand refurbished these cars and transformed them into a luxury sightseeing train.
(Photo: State Railway of Thailand)
Inside the Royal Blossom
The finished train consists of five carriages: three passenger cars, one private group car with rooms for small groups, and one leisure car serving drinks and snacks.
(Photo: State Railway of Thailand)
The refurbishment project included redesigning the interior with velvet seating, cedar wood finishes, wide panoramic windows, and a cafe-style leisure carriage.
(Photo: State Railway of Thailand)
Modern upgrades include improved accessibility for elderly and disabled passengers, USB charging ports and air purification systems.
(Photo: State Railway of Thailand)
Royal Blossom routes
Royal Blossom trains mainly operate as short-distance tourist excursions from Bangkok. Routes have included:
- Bangkok – Chachoengsao
- Bangkok – Hua Hin
- Bangkok – Kanchanaburi (Bridge over the River Kwai and Death Railway)
- Bangkok – Pa Sak Jolasid Dam (Lopburi)
- Bangkok – Phetchaburi
Most trips are day excursions that combine scenic rail travel with guided tours and sightseeing stops along the route.
The Bangkok–Kanchanaburi journey is one of the most popular, travelling on the historic Death Railway and visiting landmarks such as the River Kwai Bridge.
Dates the train operates
Unlike regular trains, the Royal Blossom runs on scheduled tourism trips rather than daily services. Special trips are often scheduled on weekends or during tourism campaigns. Because of the limited departures, tickets can sell out quickly.
KiHa excursion trains
In addition to the Royal Blossom trains, the SRT also renovated some KiHa commuter trains from Japan. These trains run on excursion routes from Bangkok to destinations to destinations such as Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi, and Lopburi. Visit the D-Ticket website and see the section, ‘Exploring Thailand by Train’.
How to book tickets for the Royal Blossom trips
Tickets for the Royal Blossom train can typically be booked through the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) using several methods:
- Online through the SRT D-Ticket website or mobile app
- In person at railway station ticket counters across Thailand
- Via authorised travel agencies or tour operators offering packaged excursions
The D-Ticket website is available in Thai and English, but it can be frustrating to use. Details of the Royal Blossom trips can be found in the ‘Exploring Thailand by Train’ section.
Tickets often go on sale up to 30-90 days in advance. Many trips include a full package with transportation, meals, drinks, sightseeing tours, insurance, and guide services. Typical prices usually start from around 1,799 baht per person for standard seats on day trips.
When booking train trips in Thailand (online or in person), you will need your passport number. If you are in Thailand, you can contact the 24-hour SRT Hotline (available in English) by dialling 1690. For trip reports and questions, the Asian Train Guide Facebook page is an excellent resource.
Thailand train travel ideas
- 8 of the best train trips in Thailand
- How to explore Thailand by train
- Itinerary Ideas: Bangkok, Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan by train
- Itinerary Ideas: Southern Thailand by train
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Tourism Thailand (UK & Ireland)
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