train travel

[gazbif]

Hi, i'm looking for some advice i arrive in Bangkok on the 24th dec about 12 in the afternoon.I'm thinking about getting a train down to hua hin is this a wise option. Or should i get a taxi for 2,000 baht which is hassle free

[Big Boy]

I'd opt for a taxi every time. Do you really want to mess about with taking twice as long travelling by train after such a long journey?

[sarnie]

We've tried the train but it took 4 hours. Most of the time now we travel t Hua Hin by mini bus which cost 180 bht

[johnnyk]

Mini bus now 200.

[STEVE G]

Certainly if I was arriving at that time on the 24th I would get a taxi.
You'd be in Hua Hin during the afternoon, have time for a bit of recuperation before dinner and a night on the town.

[Big Boy]

Think about it - you'll need to find a taxi to the train or minibus anyway.

If you choose the minibus, you'd better not have any luggage, and be prepared for a white knuckle ride, with no leg room.

If you choose the train, you've got to hang around waiting for the next train. Then 4 hours plus travelling. You can probably say goodbye to Christmas Eve celebrations - you're going to be too knackered.

Get a taxi all of the way - in your hotel by 4. Time to take 40 winks and a shower - on the town for 8.

Trains run every day - if you're that keen to have a train ride, take the train another day, and enjoy it. Take the train on the 24th, and you'll probably fall asleep, and entertain the locals when you start dribbling.

[margaretcarnes]

Yes normally I would say train every time - but always stop over in Bangkok first. So if you want to get straight to HH for the evening I think it will have to be taxi. Especially as you land at midday. Given time for clearing the airport, getting to HuaLampong etc I'd guess you wouldn't be in HH before 10 pm by train.
By the way the rail link from Swampy to Bangkok is due to open Dec. 5th I think? Others might be able to confirm this. Even so the link won't yet take you straight to HuaLampong. [/code]

[Governor]

Yes normally I would say train every time - but always stop over in Bangkok first.

By the way the rail link from Swampy to Bangkok is due to open Dec. 5th I think? Others might be able to confirm this. Even so the link won't yet take you straight to HuaLampong. [/code]

Yes the train is worth doing, but the only "fast" train leaves Bangkok in the morning, so on the 24th you would only be able to get a much slower one.

Yes the airport rail link is scheduled to start a test service on December 5th, though the trains are already being tested on the line, with passengers, on an ad hoc basis. Mags is correct in saying that the rail link doesn't go directly to Hua Lamphong, you will have to get the train to Makkasan then walk accross the Petchaburi Road, there is no link, to Petchaburi MRT for the onward journey to the rail terminal.

In your case I would certainly get a taxi from the airport and not go into town to get a minibus, a tad more expensive, but quicker and a tad safer.

[Sabai Jai]

I agree with the above experts.

Train is not an attractive option from Swampy airport -

It is a slightly better option from the Old Airport, Don Meung as, if you know what you are doing, you can get on the train at Bang Sue station avoiding going into Bangkok. (used to cost me 49 Baht a few years ago)

But Don Meung just handles domstic / low cost airlines now

Regards Sabai Jai

[Rider]

I hate the train, always take a taxi or bike nowadays...

[gazbif]

Cheers everyone for the good advice , taxi it is .

[Big Boy]

Good choice. I'm sure your holiday will get off to a much better start as a result.

[caller]

I hate the train, always take a taxi or bike nowadays...

Now there's an unexpected twist - does the bike go on the roof rack?

[The Dude]

If you want to save 1000 baht and get to hua hin at 6:00 then I would suggest dusit thani shuttle in Bangkok. The cost is 600 baht and it leaves everyday at 3:00pm to the hua hin dusit. Once you arrive at the hua hin dusit they provide a free car ride to anywhere in hua hin. I stay about 10 km south of hua hin and it is free everytime. The shuttle from Bangkok usually has two or three people on it with about 10 seats or more. Free water, newspaper, very comfortable. No limit on luggage. 400 baht to get to the dusit Bangkok from the airport, 600 baht shuttle to hua hin. Free ride to your hotel in hua hin. Many places to shop near the dusit if you have an hour or two to spare. The dusit will take care of your bags. I have always called the hotel the day before to book the shuttle but I think that you can call the day of or email them. If you don't call and nobody has booked the shuttle then they might cancel for a day. Always call

[Rider]

I hate the train, always take a taxi or bike nowadays...

Now there's an unexpected twist - does the bike go on the roof rack?

Unfortunately even the Rider has to take the taxi, much as I'd prefer riding like the wind when I come and go from the airport.

I tried to arrange with Swampy airport to leave my CBR in the domestic airline hanger where it would have some fellow machines for company but no dice on that one