Thailand's 'Floating Train' Vies for World's Most Scenic Railway Journey

Passengers on this route have been awestruck by the seemingly infinite water vistas, reminiscent of scenes from Studio Ghibli films.

As Thailand's much-talked-about "floating train" glides through the picturesque landscape, a lone boatman observes its passage while passengers eagerly capture water views. These travelers disembark from carriages parked on a narrow bridge, eager to capture unique selfies.

Railway journeys are gaining traction in Thailand as tourists increasingly seek distinctive, off-the-beaten-path travel experiences, moving away from the crowded temple and beach destinations.

Saturday marked a significant milestone as the State Railway of Thailand launched its inaugural Bangkok to Pasak Jolasid Dam service, known as "Rot Fai Loi Nam," coinciding with the end of the rainy season.

In the early morning hours, hundreds of passengers gathered at Bangkok's historic Hua Lamphong Station, ready to embark on the adventure. As the train made its way, passengers in third class enjoyed the passing scenery, leaning out of the windows to take photographs while embracing the natural air conditioning.

The journey offered breathtaking views of lotus ponds, jungles, temples, and rice paddies, and passengers marveled at the seemingly never-ending water vistas. For 11-year-old Lily Piratchakit, traveling with her mother, the water views seemed "endless" and the experience was "amazing." She expressed her joy in being outdoors and breathing in the fresh air.

During a stop at Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, local vendors, affectionately known as "Thai aunties," boarded the train to sell candy floss and the famous basil stir-fry dish known as pad krapow.

The refurbished Japanese train, pulling over a dozen carriages, traversed the Pasak Jolasid reservoir via a series of viaducts, providing a 20-minute selfie opportunity for passengers.

Wei Wu, a 21-year-old Taiwanese university exchange student, described the experience as thrilling. She relished the chance to pose for photos on the railway track and remarked that it was her first time taking a train in Thailand. Wei Wu believed that many tourists only encounter the stereotypes of Thailand, missing out on such unique experiences.

Throughout most of the year, cattle graze underneath the bridge. However, from October to January, when the water levels rise on both sides, the train appears to float on water, creating a captivating sight.

Other passengers likened the journey to a scene from a Studio Ghibli film, with the route along the dam evoking memories of the famous train sequence from "Spirited Away."

Rail enthusiast and travel blogger Richard Barrow, a long-time British expat, emphasized the missed opportunities for English-speaking tourists due to limited English-language publicity for such excursions. He highlighted the absence of English information for trips like the floating train journey and the steam excursions that occur six times a year.

Later in the day, some passengers explored the Pasak Jolasid Dam and enjoyed picnics. The dam serves agricultural and flood prevention purposes and is increasingly becoming a tourist attraction, particularly during the popular rail trips from November to January.

For one couple, Mail and his boyfriend, the floating train offered the perfect compromise between their preferences for water views. While Mail may not be a fan of the sea, his boyfriend enjoys it, making the floating train experience an ideal solution.

 

Source: euronews.com