The State Railway of Thailand and the Tourism Authority of Thailand have unveiled a brand-new and captivating travel experience for tourists for the upcoming winter season: the Rot Fai Loi Nam, also referred to as the "Floating Train."
On Saturday, this adventure set off on its first expedition, ushering in a new era of discovery and the end of the rainy season. According to a report from The Straits Times, this century-old Thailand train station saw a plethora of excited people board the train before daybreak as it left Bangkok's famed Hua Lamphong Station.
Passengers were treated to spectacular views of lotus ponds, lush forests, famous temples, and tranquil rice terraces as the Floating Train' Rot Fai Loi Nam traveled into the heart of Thailand. Travelers in the third-class cars peered out the windows to take in the scenery and enjoy the natural air conditioning that the train's rapid motion offered.
This aerial photograph taken on November 4, 2023 shows tourists travelling aboard the popular "Floating train" taking photographs along the railway tracks during a stop in the middle of Pasak Jolasid Dam, Thailand's biggest reservoir in Lopburi province. A lone boatman watched the spectacle of Thailand's so-called "floating train" as selfie-seeking passengers soaked up the water views after disembarking from carriages stopped on a narrow bridge.
It took around three and a half hours, during which a Japanese train that had been renovated and had more than a dozen cars rolled gracefully over the Pasak Jolasid reservoir. A picturesque route across viaducts halted for 20 minutes, enabling passengers to capture the stunning scenery and make memories, including perfect moments to take "selfies" for social media sharing.
What Can Tourists Expect?
The Rot Fai Loi Nam program offers six tempting itineraries to secondary cities that allow visitors to experience Thailand's natural beauty and rich history fully. It is designed to accommodate both day visits and overnight experiences on weekends. Visitors may spend 20 minutes visiting Thailand's biggest reservoir, Pasak Jolasid Dam in Lop Buri, from Hua Lamphong Station.
Huge flower meadows softly bathed in sunshine seem to extend to the horizon only a short distance from the dam. The round-trip journey costs different amounts per person; conventional carriages start at 330 baht, while air-conditioned carriages cost 590 baht. For group outings, private train carriages are offered.
According to Bangkok Post, refurbished KIHA 183 trains will run 14 special journeys between now and December, each with a maximum capacity of 200 people. Day trips cost 1,499 baht and overnight adventures 3,999 baht.
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Travelers who start their excursion on November 25, 26, December 9, or 10 can see stunning sunflower and chrysanthemum fields as the sun sets in Saraburi and Lop Buri. Furthermore, by dressing in traditional Thai attire, travelers may have a unique experience and go back in time to the Ayutthaya era while seeing Lop Buri and Ayutthaya between December 23 and 24. Fans of Channel 3's Love Destiny 2 will enjoy this cultural immersion at the King Narai Ratchaniwet Palace and the Glorious Ayutthaya Fair 2023.
This photograph taken on November 4, 2023, shows a tourist aboard the popular "Floating Train" taking photographs with her smartphone while crossing over the Pasak Jolasid Dam, Thailand's biggest reservoir in Lopburi province. A lone boatman watched the spectacle of Thailand's so-called "floating train" as selfie-seeking passengers soaked up the water views after disembarking from carriages stopped on a narrow bridge.
October through January is a particularly charming time of year for the Thailand Floating Train excursion because of the rising water levels on both sides, which give the train the appearance of floating smoothly on the water. Many people have enjoyed this natural sight, including Richard Barrow, a longtime British expat, train aficionado, and travel writer. Mr. Barrow has already booked three more trips for this season because the experience so enthralls him. He complained that this unique experience of the Floating Train' Rot Fai Loi Nam has mostly been promoted in Thai, leaving many foreigners uninformed of this compelling adventure.
Indian Tourists Get Visa-Free Entry to Thailand
In other news, Thailand is removing visas for many travelers to bolster its tourism economy. Indian tourists visiting Thailand between November 10, 2023, and May 10, 2024, may enter without a visa. According to a Quartz report, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made this declaration after a cabinet meeting on October 31. This initiative is expected to increase tourism from India, a favorite destination for couples seeking beautiful retreats and health aficionados. Thailand's repeal of the $57 visa cost and immigration procedure streamlining might attract more Indian travelers.
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