True Story: Traveling by Train from Suratthani to Koh Samui

Take the train to Koh Samui for an interesting experience (photo courtesy globaltravelmate.com)

Koh Samui travel by train is an exhilarating experience for those who are looking for an adventure. One can start by purchasing a first class train ticket from Bangkok to Suratthani. Tickets are quite expensive but if a traveller is willing to take the lower bunk, it could be cheaper. Aside from a double compartment, amenities for first class travellers include a window, a table, a sink and a plug socket. At sunset, uniformed attendants are all over the train, making the beds.

The walkways of the carriages of first class trains are very narrow. It is very difficult for a voyager laden with luggage to meet someone coming from the opposite direction who is also carrying his things. First class passengers of Koh Samui travel have free access to toilets that are not crowded and contain running water. It is wise to select a compartment whose sink has running water as some of the sinks on the train do not have water.

To reach the restaurant carriage, first class passengers have to cross all the way across the other sleeper carriages of the train. The restaurant has jovial atmosphere as the music video plays at a high volume and customers are drinking large mugs of Changs and Singhas. As it is a smoker carriage, men are smoking to relax. The waiters joined the fun by singing along with the Thai music and train guards are allowed to smoke. Sitting beside open windows is the best option for those who want more air circulation.

For fun-loving travellers, Koh Samui travel by way of train is a great way of getting to the island and is a lot cheaper than taking a plan and more fun than taking a van. Since the train has travellers from all over the country, it is a great place to meet new friends. However, since there are so many strangers on the train it is not safe to leave baggage opened even inside the compartment. The best place to keep things and valuables is inside the compartment’s locked cupboard. It is also advisable to keep extra T- shirts during train travel.

A train traveller does not need an alarm clock as a sleeping train does not keep a punctual schedule, since the carriage guard is around to wake up and inform tourists that the destination is just a few minutes away. Koh Samui is really one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations. Make sure you get there safe and enjoy the journey.