5-11-2023 (BANGKOK) The captivating sight of Thailand’s renowned “floating train” attracted the attention of a lone boatman as passengers disembarked from carriages and indulged in capturing selfies, relishing the picturesque water views from a narrow bridge.
In the kingdom, railway adventures are gaining momentum among tourists seeking unique off-the-beaten-track travel experiences, steering away from the usual temple and beach visits.
On Saturday (Nov 4), the State Railway of Thailand inaugurated its inaugural Bangkok to Pasak Jolasid Dam service, also known as “Rot Fai Loi Nam,” signaling the end of the rainy season.
Before sunrise, numerous bleary-eyed passengers boarded the train at Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong Station.
As the journey unfolded, lotus ponds, jungles, temples, and rice paddies swiftly passed by, while third-class passengers leaned out of the windows, capturing photographs and relishing the refreshing natural air.
At Ayutthaya, the ancient former capital of Siam, elderly Thai women joined the train, offering delicacies such as fairy floss and pad krapow, a renowned stir-fry basil dish.
After a three-and-a-half-hour ride from Bangkok, the refurbished Japanese train, pulling a string of carriages, traversed the Pasak Jolasid reservoir using a series of viaducts. The train then paused for 20 minutes, allowing passengers to take memorable selfies. Throughout most of the year, cattle graze beneath the bridge; however, from October to January, the water level rises on both sides, creating the illusion that the train is floating on water. Richard Barrow, a long-time British expat, train enthusiast, and travel blogger, expressed his delight, stating that he has embarked on this journey multiple times and has already booked three more trips for this season.
Barrow lamented that the promotion of this unique experience was primarily in the Thai language, with limited information available in English. Consequently, many foreigners remain unaware of this remarkable opportunity, which he described as a missed chance to attract international visitors.
Eleven-year-old Lily Piratchakit, enjoying a day trip with her mother, described the water views as “endless” and expressed her amazement at the experience. She told AFP, “It was amazing. It’s nice to travel, be outdoors and get some fresh air.”
Wei Wu, a 21-year-old Taiwanese university exchange student, found the opportunity to pose for photos on the railway track exhilarating. She shared her excitement with AFP, saying, “It’s very cool. It’s my first time taking a train in Thailand. Most tourists will only see the stereotypes of Thailand.”
Following the train ride, some passengers visited the Pasak Jolasid Dam and relished picnics in the picturesque surroundings. The dam serves agricultural purposes and aids in flood prevention. In recent times, it has become a popular tourist attraction, with the rail trips operating between November and January.
For Mail, 28, and his boyfriend, the experience of the floating train provided the perfect compromise for enjoying water views. He jokingly remarked, “I don’t like the sea, but he likes it. That’s why we came here.”
