The State Railway of Thailand recently refurbished a number of KiHa-183 trains that had been donated to them by the Hokkaido Railway Company in Japan. With their distinctive elevated cab and a slanted nose, they are proving to be popular as special excursion trains in Thailand. The first limited route that was opened was between Bangkok and Chachoengsao. The next route is to Lopburi during February for the King Narai Festival. This year the festival will take place from 9th-18th February 2024.

Lopburi is a well-known destination among foreign travellers as the Monkey City. It is also important historically as during the 17th Century it was the centre of culture, religion and diplomatic relations in Thailand. Indeed, the French Ambassador visited here in 1685 during the reign of King Narai the Great. Every year, during February, they hold a festival here honouring this king.

The State Railway of Thailand has organised four special train excursions to the King Narai Festival over one weekend on 17th and 18th February 2024. The ticket price is 1,499 Baht and includes the round trip by train and a tour of the historical sites in Lopburi. Special Excursion train No. 957 leaves Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) at 12:00 p.m. It will pick up passengers along the way at Bang Sue Junction (12:20pm), Rangsit (12:57pm), before arriving in Lopburi at 2:30 p.m. The return journey is then at 7:30 p.m. arriving back in Bangkok at 10:05 p.m.

You can buy tickets for this trip at your local station or online at the official website D-Ticket or their app. The cost is 1,499 Baht for the round trip. There are four carriages. The carriage at each end only has 40 seats each as they include the driver’s cab. The two carriages in the middle have 68 seats each. 200 out of 216 seats will go on sale as the other seats are for railway staff and guides. Click here to see more pictures of the inside of the train including the toilets.

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