My Train Journey to Hua Hin

Recently, I think Hua Hin is the hottest place for traveling.

As a matter of fact, I want to go there long time ago but just did not put it into an action.

Until I read a blog related to discovery Hua Hin by train and finally decided to move on.

This is my second experience to travel by train.

Although it's a long journey, I'm quite comfortable with it!

After set up a travel date (mid of Dec, 2014), I purchased train ticket (Bukit Mertajam to Hua Hin) from BM train station.
Normally it opens for sales one month before (only available for one way ticket).

It's better to purchase upper bed and lower bed together, then you can sit opposite to your travel partner in the same row.

Train Ticket Fare: Upper Bed (RM105.20) and Lower Bed (RM97.20)
Departure: 2.41pm     Arrival: Next Day 6.50am (Thailand local time)
Coach number: 36 International Express (From Butterworth to Bangkok)

For return ticket, you can only purchase in Thailand (any train station).
I made a train ticket booking via phone and asked my Thailand friend to pick up next day.
Then, I get from her during my business trip.
Train Ticket Fare: Upper Bed (1135 Baht) and Lower Bed (1045 Baht)
Departure: 6.45pm       Arrival: Next day 12.32pm (Malaysia local time)
Coach number: 35 International Express (From Bangkok to Butterworth)

What you can do here:

a) If you have a friend in Thailand or any friend travel to Thailand, you may ask them to help you to pick up the ticket (remember to pass them a copy of your passport, if you purchase many tickets, only one passport is required). First of all, you can make a phone booking one day before (passport number required) as the booking reservation is valid until next day 4pm only, then it will be cancelled automatically.
Thailand Train Ticket Booking (Tel): +66 2 265 8080
P/S: Normally ticket is opened for sales one month before, but for Thailand, it might be earlier. Please call to confirm to avoid any disappointment as the seat is very limited.

b) If you plan to buy return ticket on the spot upon arriving, be prepared the ticket might be sold out.
Then, you can purchase return ticket from Hua Hin to Hatyai and then Hatyai to Butterworth at the same counter.

c) If the train from Hatyai to Butterworth is fully booked, another option is return by bus (from Hatyai).
Bus Online Booking: http://www.easybook.com/ 
(Departure: Hatyai; Arrival: Penang Komtar)
The best they can do for you--- drop off at Butterworth

d) Return by flight (Bangkok to Penang)

Here starts my train journey!

The train is clean and the seat is quite comfortable!

Traveling by train is definitely a good way to get a peace of mind.

Backpacking experience!

Inside the train

     

Relax and view the beautiful scene!

During the long journey, we can view the beautiful scene, watch a couple of movies, listening to music and chit-chatting.

The train service is including currency exchange, dinner and breakfast offer (it is optional, pay by your own). Since we brought our own food and snacks, we just ordered one set of dinner for sharing.

Upon arriving border, the train will be stopped, all of us have to walk out for custom checking.
After entering Thailand, Thai women will carry some food and sell on board if there is any stop.

At the night time, train staff will help us to set up the bed.

Our seats become bed. Pillow and blanket are provided.

We have privacy as our beds cover by curtain!

We had a good sleep for whole night long.
After awake, we had our breakfast and soon arrive at Hua Hin station.

Breakfast on board

Hua Hin, here we come!!!

(to be continued...)