Buying a train ticket

[dave1122]

Hi,

Im hoping to catch the train from Hua Hin to Bangkok on the 28th of Dec. I arrive in Hua Hin this coming Thursday, if I go to the train station on Thursday is it likely there will be tickets available? Can I buy a ticket this early?

Thanks

[lomuamart]

You can buy tickets up to three months early for long distance/ sleeper travel but I'm not sure if that includes HH to BKK.
It'll probably depend on which train you want to get. If you can't buy in advance, you'll just have board on the day.

[dave1122]

Thanks, I will go there on Thursday and see if I can grab a ticket. Is it likely to be busy this time of year?

I plan to take the train rather than a van for the experience, is it worth it? I have the time.

[Homer]

I plan to take the train rather than a van for the experience, is it worth it? I have the time.

Never taken train from HH to Bangkok, but I've read about it on tourist forums. Consensus is to take the minivan because it's 2.5 hrs vs 4.5 and the scenery isn't much. It must be true, I read it on the internet.

A big factor is where are you headed in Bangkok? Minivan goes to victory monument which is a short walk from the skytrain.

All things Thai trains at http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm

[dave1122]

A big factor is where are you headed in Bangkok? Minivan goes to victory monument which is a short walk from the skytrain.

Thanks for the link.

Im staying at a hotel a few mins walk from victory monument. For some reason I thought it would take a few hrs, I'll catch a van back to BKK and try the train going BKK - Ayutthaya instead.

With the Vans I have read that luggage can be a bit of a problem, I just have a normal size case and a backpack. Would this be ok?

[Randy Cornhole]

Homer wrote -

It must be true, I read it on the internet.

Everyone knows all things on the interweb are very accurate indeed. It goes without saying.

[juehoe]

Thanks, I will go there on Thursday and see if I can grab a ticket. Is it likely to be busy this time of year?

I plan to take the train rather than a van for the experience, is it worth it? I have the time.

I have done 3 years ago and it is some special kind of adventure. I would say, that you should do it - one times.

The minibuses are faster and cheaper, of course. But it is really cramped inside and they dive like hell.

[Arcadian]

We bought tickets in advance from a travel agency in BKK to travel to HH, why not try to do this in HH?

[Homer]

With the Vans I have read that luggage can be a bit of a problem, I just have a normal size case and a backpack. Would this be ok?

The one time we came from Bangkok and there were people with large luggage it was piled on the back bench seat. I don't know if they had to buy a seat for their luggage. I've done the round trip 3 times, each time with an airline carry-on sized bag. Most of the passengers were without luggage or just carrying something the size of a big purse or laptop bag.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the maximum number of passengers was the same as the number of seats after coming from a country where if the row was designed for two that meant three had to fit. Only two of the trips had a full van. I like prudent drivers and have had no reason to feel uncomfortable with or complain about their driving.

[margaretcarnes]

Thanks, I will go there on Thursday and see if I can grab a ticket. Is it likely to be busy this time of year?

I plan to take the train rather than a van for the experience, is it worth it? I have the time.

If the train is busy on 28th it will only be due to farang. Thais don't make a thing about going away or visiting folks for Christmas. New Year is a bigger deal for them but even then they are more likely to be travelling the other way to escape Bangkok.
The train is slow, quirky, and can be fun. At the ticket office in HuaHin the staff always seem to assume that farang need first class air conditioned 'luxury' with a blanket and snacks provided. Avoid it. For the experience it's best IMO to go cattle class if possible (3rd.) although that's where advance booking could be an advantage - because not all trains have 3rd class. Park your butt in the buffet car and enjoy.
The 'bullet' buses have pros and cons. Speed (plenty of it), low cost, and frequency. And they will get you to Victory Monument. Maybe. Many expats simply won't risk using them - others love them.
You might want to also take into account timings of the 2 options so I'd check the train times first to see if they suit. Enjoy.