Top 10 Trains in Thailand

Every day, thousands of visitors come to Thai Train Guide looking for details about trains across Thailand. Out of curiosity—and for a bit of fun—we took a look at which train reviews are read the most.

Here are the Top 10 Most Read Train Reviews in Thailand:

1. Special Express No. 9: Bangkok to Chiang Mai
2. Special Express No. 46: Padang Besar to Bangkok
3. Special Express No. 32: Hat Yai Junction to Bangkok
4. Rapid No. 171: Bangkok to Sungai Kolok
5. Special Express No. 43: Bangkok to Surat Thani
6. Special Express No. 13: Bangkok to Chiang Mai
7. Special Express No. 10: Chiang Mai to Bangkok
8. Special Express No. 7: Bangkok to Chiang Mai
9. Special Express No. 40: Surat Thani to Bangkok
10. Special Express No. 45: Bangkok to Padang Besar

It’s no surprise that the Bangkok–Chiang Mai route dominates the list, with multiple trains in the top ten. The most popular of all is Special Express No. 9, the modern CNR sleeper train.

The Southern Line also features heavily, especially services to and from Padang Besar, Sungai Kolok, Hat Yai Junction, and Surat Thani. Hat Yai serves as the gateway to the deep south and Malaysia, while Surat Thani is the jumping-off point for Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Khao Sok National Park. Judging by visitor interest, it seems many of our readers are also traveling in from Malaysia.

Other Popular Trains in the Top 20

Coming in 11th, Ordinary No. 275 heads towards the Thai–Cambodian border. While the service currently doesn’t cross into Cambodia, it remains popular—likely with travellers on border runs.

At 14th, the international train Rapid No. 133 links Thailand with Laos, running from Nong Khai across the border to Vientiane (Khamsavath). Close behind, in 15th, is Special Express No. 25, a modern CNR sleeper to Nong Khai. Many passengers seem to take this train to the border and then transfer across the bridge into Laos.

Finally, in 18th place, Rapid No. 167 travels down the Southern Line to Kantang in Trang, a favourite jumping-off point for exploring the islands of southern Thailand.