Tuesday, 4 December 2012

HUA LAMPHONG TRAIN STATION BANGKOK


HUA LAMPHONG TRAIN STATION, BANGKOK, THAILAND.

                                                                         ARRIVE AND SURVIVE WITH LOK8RBOUTIQUE.


If you're travelling by Train from Bangkok or arriving in Bangkok you'll probably be coming across
 HUA LAMPHONG TRAIN STATION. It's a grand old station, with some very impressive arches and has a really nice ambient light when the sun shines through the roof at certain times of the day. Generally it's an old station that is in need of an overhaul and general refurbishment.
Hua Lamphong is situated very close to Rama 4 Road, a short distance from China Town and is fairly close to Bangkok City Center, MBK, Siam Square, Siam Paragon are all within easy reach.
You shouldn't have much trouble getting there. Hua Lamphong is served by:
MRT (SUBWAY) with a direct link, also several buses stop at the station or very close to it. Taxis
TAXI S are really easy and cheap, always always use the meter and just ask for HUA LAMPHONG...SATHANEE ROT FAI ( train station), allow plenty of time for your trip to the station a YES... it's Bangkok and YES... the traffic will be heavy!!!!!
BUSES, TUK TUK's and MOTOR CYCLE TAXIS 
 These are also options, but honestly not a good choice if you've got baggage!
To give you an idea of cost, a taxi from MBK should be no more than 50 to 100 baht depends on the route and traffic! A Taxi from Asoke around 100 to 150 Baht again depends on traffic.
Once you arrive by your chosen mode of transport walk through the busy opening and head to the Information Counter and get a time table...split into regions North, South And North East, and figure out your desired route or destination.
You'll then need to go to the Ticket  Booking Office, usually you'll get your best help near here, there are several people standing around here sometimes with Thai Railway Brochures these are employees of the Train Authority, these are your friends! They'll help you with the counter to use and help you communicate with the Ticket officer! It's fairly easy...YOU CAN BOOK IN ADVANCE well worth it if you're travelling at a busy time!!! PLEASE BE AWARE OF TICKET TOUTS OR AGENTS WORKING FOR TRAVEL COMPANIES..DON'T USE THEM! 
NOW You.ve got your ticket check destination, time, date,tyre oe train (sleeper etc.) seat and car number..OK DONE!
Now what about the facilities while you wait....
SEATING...well there are seats in the main waiting area, sometimes it's OK and you'll get a seat other times the floor is your best option!
ATM's & BANKS. There are several ATM's in the station, be careful and watch your back. A better choice of ATM's are available in the concourse of the MRT Station, also outside the station on the main road sre several major banks.
TOILETS. erm the best best description is basic and smelly! oh and there is a small fee..between 3 & 5 Baht should do it! There is a disabled toilet and access is OK.
FOOD & DRINK. The food and drink on offer certainly doesn't reflect Thai Cuisine, in the station is probably the worst food I've ever tasted in Thailand! Some of the little noodle shops just outside are OK, but, give the Food Court a Miss!
The best food is outside either on the small street adjacent to the station or on the main road. There are several good coffee shops around and they're a nice place to relax for an hour or so!
CONVENIENCE SHOPS. There are several shops around the station, there's one shop in the station and it's well stocked, you'll pay a little more than outside, there are several 7-11's near to the station, you'll get a good selection of snacks and drinks.
PHARMACY / DRUG STORE.Inside the station there's a little pharmacy at the entrance of the convenience store. Usually you can find basic pharmacy products in 7-11 stores.
LEFT LUGGAGE. There is a left luggage Department inside the station, honestly, I've never used it! Say No More!
PUBLIC TELEPHONES.There are several banks of phones situated near to the platform entrance and close to the toilets.
HOTELS. If you need a hotel there are several hotels around the station varying in price and quality. There are some really good quality hotels that are very affordable. A Budget Guest House may start at about 180 Baht can vary and a nice Boutique Hotel around 1,000 Baht. (A blog will follow on a good selection close to the station).

OK now the clock is ticking and you're departure time is getting closer. Keep an eye on the DEPARTURE BOARD, your destination time, platform number and train destination will all be displayed in Thai and English. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your platform and time to find your car and seat and get comfy for your trip. Ensure you have your ticket to hand to check your car and seat number etc. there can be a bit of confusion at this point! Trains may only give a short notice before leaving and time flies, don't get caught out running down the platform weighed down with your bags waving frantically...it happens!
Don't worry about food on your train, usually you can order food, snacks and drinks on the train and you'll be well served by local Thai people selling snacks and drinks as the train weaves it's journey through the towns and villages of Thailand!
ENJOY YOUR TRIP!

When you arrive at Hua Lamphong it's a fairly simple affair.Check you've not forgotten anything...kid's..wife etc!  Most immediate essentials can be found close to the end of the Platform.
 Your basic facilities.
TOILETS. erm the description is basic and smelly! oh and there is a small fee..between 3 & 5 Baht should do it! There is a disabled toilet and access is OK.
ATM's & BANKS. There are several ATM's in the station, be careful and watch your back. A better choice of ATM's are available in the concourse of the MRT Station, also outside the station on the main road sre several major banks.
FOOD & DRINK. The food and drink on offer certainly doesn't reflect Thai Cuisine, in the station is probably the worst food I've ever tasted in Thailand! Some of the little noodle shops just outside are OK, but, give the Food Court a Miss!
The best food is outside either on the small street adjacent to the station or on the main road. There are several god coffee shops around and they're a nice place to relax for an hour or so!
CONVENIENCE SHOPS. There are several shops around the station, there's one shop in the station and it's well stocked, you'll a little more than outside, there are several 7-11's near to the station, you'll get a good selection of snacks and drinks.
PHARMACY / DRUG STORE.Inside the station there's a little pharmacy at the entrance of the convenience store. Usually you can find basic pharmacy products in 7-11 stores.
LEFT LUGGAGE. There is a left luggage Department inside the station, honestly I've never used it! Say No More!
PUBLIC TELEPHONES.There are several banks of phones situated near to the platform entrance and close to the toilets.
HOTELS. If you need a hotel there are several hotels around the station varying in price and quality. There are some really good quality hotels that are very affordable. A Budget Guest House may start at about 180 Baht can vary and a nice Boutique Hotel around 1,000 Baht. (blog following).
SEATING...well there are seats in the main waiting area, sometimes it's OK and you'll get a seat other times the floor is your best option!

OK you now your settled had a coffee, freshened up and so on you need to get out of the station.

IF YOU NEED HELP WITH A HOTEL PLEASE CHECK OUT OR WEB SITE www.lok8rboutique.com 
 You'll find a great selection together with address phone numbers email etc,
 lok8rboutique only offers Affordable-Quality ..for Hotels and a whole lot more..check us out!
 We have some great Affordable Quality Local Indy Biz in Thailand & Laos.

MRT STATION (SUBWAY). Easy to find follow the signs to the MRT it's a short walk, down an escalator and along an underground walkway. The MRT is a really convenient way to get around the city it will link you to BTS (SKY TRAIN) at Sukhumvit / Asoke Station. You can buy tickets at the counter or from machines.
TAXI. The main Taxi Rank is near to the Station Entrance during normal worling hours it's usually OK. Always use the Taxi Meter.
 Taxis after Midnight and between 6 am can be very very dodgy usually they refuse to use the Meter and they also may want 400 Baht for a short trip. REFUSE!!!!!!!
Walk outside the station onto the busy main road (RAMA4) and you'll get a Taxi with usually with no problem or hassle!
An idea of cost, a taxi to MBK should be no more than 50 to 100 Baht depends on the route and traffic! A Taxi to Asoke around 100 to 150 Baht again depends on traffic.
BUSES, TUK TUK's and MOTOR CYCLE TAXIS are all available,but if you have baggage not a great option. One word about TUK TUK's they may offer you a great trip around Bangkok and all for 20 Baht....it's a scam, you'll be taken to Tailors, Gem Shops and Every other dodgy place around....don't do it it will drive you crazy!!!
Please be aware of travel agent touts offering you deals ...they are generally over priced and deliver poor quality services....wait until you get settled in your hotel before you decided on your next trip!
ENJOY YOUR STAY IN BANGKOK!

WE ARE WRITING MORE AND MORE BLOGS EVERY DAY... PLEASE HELP US, SHARE WITH US ANY AFFORDABLE-QUALITY MOMENTS FROM HOTELS TO RESTAURANTS TO BARS..
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 WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU,
 KENNY
 AND THE TEAM AT LOK8RBOUTIQUE.

SOME PHOTOS TO HELP YOU THROUGH THE STATION.........




a view from outside
contact us anytime for great help!
It's easy to get a timetable!

sit in the shade!

advanced booking no problem!
arrive and survive
Taxi and a friendly policeman!
cool lookin' train.


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