During our trip around Thailand, we needed to get from Krabi to Hua Hin. One option available was to fly to Bangkok, then make our way back down to Hua Hin, but where is the fun in that! We were on a family adventure, and the thought of the overnight train was an experience we didn’t want to miss. I can’t recall how much this cost us in total, but it was definitely cheaper than flying.
Map
Getting ready
Our day started in Ao Nang. We grabbed a quick breakfast at our hotel before checking out and starting our journey at around 8 am.
The hotel arranged for a taxi to take us to the local bus station.
Krabi Bus Station
Once at the station we booked our bus to Surat Thani. We had a choice of either travelling on the public bus or a tourist mini bus. I had heard so many horror stories about the mini buses, and so we opted for the public bus.
The bus took about 3.5 hours in total, and we arrived in Surat Thani about 1pm.
Surat Thani
The bus route is nowhere near the train station. We had plenty of time to kill, and didn’t know what would be available near the train station, so we went for a look around Surat Thani. There wasn’t much to see, and the place was dirty with rats everywhere, so we decided to head for the train station. We stopped a local tuk tuk, negotiated a price, and hopped in.
On the way the driver made a quick pit stop while he collected his license from his house. Due to the language barrier, we had no idea what was happening. I’m not going to lie, for a few moments we thought our journey had come to an end.
Surat Thani Train Station
Our driver dropped us off at the train station. There was a fair few trains going to Hua Hin at this point. However, as we had nowhere booked for that night at the other end, we decided to select a first class cabin on the later train, leaving at 11pm.
We asked about left luggage and to our surprise there was one, ran by a local family. They took our bags and gave us tokens to return when we came back.
We left the station and headed to Panna Restaurant for some dinner and beers. We spent the evening watching the trains leave and shouting choo choo.
After dinner we headed to the nearby 7/11, grabbed a final drink and headed to the train station. How Megan was still going at this stage is beyond us – especially in the heat.
Thailand family adventure, hits the brakes!
Just as we were getting close to the promise of a bed for the night and some sleep, up came the announcement that our train was delayed by 2 hours.
While it was fine for the other end as we couldn’t check in until 1 pm we were devastated and exhausted – why didn’t we just fly like normal people travelling with a 2.5 year old would have done!
Luckily we spotted that tickets can be exchanged up to 30 minutes before the train arrives, and there was a train due to leave at 11:30. We managed to get swapped onto the last available first class cabin.
The Train
The train arrived albeit it late and it was a huge!! We found our carriage, located our room and to quote the 3 little bears – “SOMEONE WAS SLEEPING IN OUR BED”!!! Although the Thai guard sorted it out very quickly, changed the sheets, and into our cabin we went for the night.
Nicola went to the toilet in the middle of the night and found this:
Just you try squatting, in the dark on a speeding train, aiming into a hole on the ground!!!! All part of the adventure – right?!
The guard knows when you’re to get off and will wake you up. Although have an alarm set just in case.
Hua Hin
We rolled into Hua hin at 7:30am. At the station local food sellers were there waiting to deliver food though the windows of the train. Sadly we didn’t get to try any!
We got off and went on the search for a taxi to take us to our hotel. Arriving there at 8 am, and with no room available, the hotel manager offered us free breakfast, which was a lovely touch.
What an epic Thailand family adventure it was, 27 hours from checking out – to checking in. Megan took it in her stride, even when myself and Nicola felt the strain, Megan kept us entertained.
Would we do it again, 100% YES this made memories a flight and short train back down wouldn’t have done that. Megan still talks about sleeping on the top bunk of a train. Sadly our local train doesn’t offer such luxury on her 20 minute journey to her Grandas!
Top Tips
1. Have a backup plan in case “Plan A” doesn’t work out – local transport in Thailand can be unpredictable.
2. Bring plenty of snacks and water for the bus, but remember the bus doesn’t have a toilet.
3. Embrace your adventurous side!
Read more
If reading about our Thailand family adventure, has whet your taste buds. Check out our other blog post on Thailand..
Thanks for taking the time to read our post.
The Lewis Family.
Wow what a journey! It sounds pretty amazing though, not something you do everyday, the tips are helpful too – I would definitely bring a load of snacks and water with me! I think this would have been a bit daunting for me, but I’m glad you got to the place you needed to be and that the journey wasn’t too bad! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Chloe xx
http://www.chloechats.com
Oh my gosh! What a crazy adventure- and with a toddler in tow! Hats off to you! I don’t think we could do it!
That was indeed a journey! I know what’s it like traveling with a toddler, my little brother is one! Glad you enjoyed your time!
I would love to go Thailand. Wanted to go bali last year. Let see if next year will happen hahah.