BANGKOK, 23 April 2025: Visa, a leader in digital payments, has shared cross-border data on consumer spending travel trends for both inbound and outbound travel during the first two months of this year.
Inbound travel to Thailand remains robust, driven by increased spending from travellers who are residents of the US, UK, France, and Australia. Visa observes the largest spending contribution in the top corridors, which include the US, UK, mainland China, France, and Japan.
Photo credit: Visa Card. Visa Thailand, Country Manager Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa.
Inbound travel
Tourists travelling to Thailand spend most on accommodation, restaurants, retail goods, health care, and food and groceries. The top provinces that recorded the highest spending in Thailand include Bangkok, Phuket, Chonburi (where Pattaya is located), Samut Prakan (driven by spending at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport), and Surat Thani (where Koh Samui and Koh Phanghan are located).
Across the provinces, spending at quick-service restaurants increased consistently year over year. Chonburi and Chiang Mai saw the strongest growth in this category. During the week of the Lunar New Year, these two provinces also showed the most significant year-over-year growth in spending.
Visa Thailand, Country Manager Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa stated: “Thailand remains one of the world’s top travel destinations, and we are pleased to see continued growth in tourist visits. In the first two months of this year, we observed a 26% year-on-year increase in spending from tourists in our leading inbound markets – United Kingdom and France, highlighting Thailand’s ongoing appeal as a travel destination. However, we see softness in spending among Chinese and South Korean travellers.
When we look at outbound travel, Japan continues to be the preferred destination for Thai consumers. We are also witnessing strong triple-digit year-on-year growth in travel spending in Mainland China as its appeal as a travel destination rises. Our data insights enable us to collaborate with our partners to offer relevant benefits to our cardholders, ensuring a seamless and secure experience when they travel and pay with Visa.”
Outbound travel
Visa’s findings showed that Thai consumers travel to Japan, Hong Kong, the UK, South Korea, and France during the first two months of the year.
The top categories Thai consumers spend most when travelling this year included department stores, apparel & accessories, retail goods, restaurants and accommodation. In Japan, Thai cardholders spent almost 30% of their travel dollars at department stores, one of the highest compared to other top destination corridors. Travel spend at discount stores, restaurants and food & groceries also saw 20% and 18% year-on-year growth respectively.
Over 30% of Thai cardholders’ travel spend in France and Hong Kong was on apparel & accessories, while more than half of their travel spend in China was at department stores and on retail goods. China also saw the strongest year-on-year triple-digit growth in spend across all key categories compared to other travel corridors, especially at department stores, apparel and accessories, discount stores and entertainment. This showcases China’s increased appeal as a travel destination for Thai consumers.
Visa shares cross-border data on consumer spending, showcasing Thailand’s inbound and outbound travel trends for January and February 2025.
Affluent Segments Driving Growth in Domestic spend
The emerging affluent and affluent segments in Thailand are driving the growth in face-to-face spending domestically. These customer segments spend most on healthcare, retail goods, restaurants, home improvement & supplies, fuel, food and groceries.
In addition, there are some growth categories where cardholders are spending more, including professional services, which doubled in spending, and education and government services, which grew by close to 30% year-on-year.
BANGKOK, 22 April 2025: Dusit Hospitality Services, a subsidiary of Dusit International, has been appointed by Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC) to provide building management services at the super-luxury Mulberry Grove The Forestias Condominiums.
The flagship residential component of the pioneering The Forestias mixed-use development in Bangkok is set across six acres of space by a newly planted 12-acre private forest in the city’s Bang Na district.
Mulberry Grove The Forestias Condominiums comprises six low-rise buildings offering 269 residences — from one-bedroom units (63.33–69.15 sqm) to expansive penthouses exceeding 1,000 sqm.
Designed around Nurturing Multi-Generational Living and Connecting with Nature concepts, the project combines sustainable architecture, wellness-focused innovations, and elegant communal areas to foster meaningful connections and a sense of belonging across generations.
Onsite facilities include a welcoming event space and coffee bar, a family dining area, a meeting room and co-working space, and a fully equipped fitness room. Outdoor highlights include, among others, a lap pool, children’s pool, putting green, climbing wall, waterfall zone, and onsen – all thoughtfully designed to enrich the living experience for residents of all ages.
As part of its appointment, DHS will manage the buildings and common areas of Mulberry Grove The Forestias Condominiums following Dusit’s internationally recognised standards. This will bring the company’s five-star hotel expertise and signature brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the residential sphere.
“We are honoured to be selected by MQDC to manage Mulberry Grove The Forestias Condominiums — a project that thoughtfully reimagines how families can live, connect, and thrive together,” said Dusit Hospitality Services Managing Director Supakit Tiyawatchalapong.
“At DHS, we believe true luxury lies in the details – and our approach to ‘hotel-inspired living’ ensures every resident enjoys personalised service, exceptional care, and a warm sense of community that endures.”
MQDC Senior Vice President Chakrit Hassarangsee said the collaboration with DHS reflects MQDC’s ongoing commitment to delivering the highest standards of residential living.
“Dusit Hospitality Services brings Dusit’s decades of hospitality experience and international recognition to property management,” he said. “Their expertise, combined with dedicated services such as a professional concierge and access to wellness specialists, will elevate every aspect of the living experience – reaffirming our goal to make Mulberry Grove The Forestias Condominiums a truly exceptional place to call home.”
For more information about Dusit Hospitality Services, visit dusit-international.com. Or visit Mulberry Grove and The Forestias, mqdc.com.
KUCHING, 22 April 2025: Sarawak is a land of breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant Indigenous traditions, which can be experienced by staying in a traditional longhouse.
Indigenous tourism in Sarawak involves far more than staying in traditional longhouses. Visitors can engage with the village community and participate in cultural festivals depending on the season.
Photo credit: Sarawak Tourism Board.
Beyond the village, expert guides help you explore the pristine landscapes that Indigenous people have cared for over generations. Come and connect with the local people and their age-old traditions. Learn from the diverse ethnic groups their history, beliefs, and way of life. They celebrate and preserve their cultural identity by sharing their heritage with visitors.
Here is an introduction to Sarawak’s indigenous tourism experiences through its longhouse stays.
Traditional Longhouse Visits
Stay with indigenous families in traditional longhouses to experience their daily routines, food and hospitality. Visitors can engage in time-honoured activities such as weaving and cooking. Learn how they navigate and survive in the rainforest. Try your hand at traditional methods of fishing or farming. You can check their homestay programmes, join a tour or engage a guide.
A treat for visitors to watch a Bidayuh traditional dance at Annah Rais Longhouse Source: gokayu.com
Annah Rais Longhouse is a large traditional Bidayuh longhouse, accommodating more than 80 families. It is over 150 years old and offers a unique insight into their lives, showcasing their customs, rituals and communal living. Visitors can enjoy their traditional cuisine and culture, including music, dance and handicrafts. You can also visit the hot springs and nearby waterfalls, go rafting and do jungle walks. The drive from Kuching city takes about 1 hour. You’ll see the beautiful rainforest and Padawan Mountain along the way.
The warm smiles and hospitality of the Ibans at Batang Ai longhouse awaits you. Source: Sarawak Tourism Board.
The longhouses at Batang Ai, Sri Aman division, are considered the oldest Iban settlements in Sarawak. Dive deep into the lively Iban culture through music, dancing and traditional dishes. Situated in the thick rainforest near Batang Ai National Park, these longhouses are accessible via a scenic four-hour drive from Kuching, where travellers pass through the charming countryside and small towns. When you arrive at Batang Ai Dam, you can board a native boat for an upriver expedition to the longhouses. This journey is an adventure, and you get to appreciate breathtaking natural landscapes.
Bawang Assan longhouses near Sibu town comprise a captivating group of nine Iban longhouses that date back to the 18th century. This collection showcases a unique mix of traditional and contemporary features, allowing visitors to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Iban community. The drive from Sibu to Bawang Assan takes about 40 minutes.
LUANG PRABANG, Laos, 22 April 2025: The Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF), an annual signature event of the Greater Mekong Subregion’s seven country members, will convene in Luang Prabang from 25 to 27 June.
MTF is organised by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), representing the tourism interests of seven countries: Cambodia, China (two provinces, Yunnan and Guang Xi), Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Last year, MTF2024 was hosted in Lijiang, China, Yunnan, from 22 to 26 April, with approximately 200 delegates.
What to Expect at MTF 2025
The Mekong Tourism Forum 2025, hosted in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, will adopt the conference theme of “United Journey – Stronger Together.”
This theme underscores the critical importance of collaboration in tourism planning and development. It highlights the collective responsibility of stakeholders to implement the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030 as a roadmap for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Standout presentations
The GMS Tourism Strategy 2030 launch, a roadmap for tourism development that emphasises sustainability, digitalisation, resilience, and regional cooperation to drive regional tourism growth, will be presented to the forum.
A keynote speech will highlight collaboration’s transformative power and explore how working hand-in-hand across borders, sectors, and societal levels fosters a more resilient and thriving GMS tourism landscape.
A technical tour showcasing Luang Prabang through themed tracks, offering insights into cultural heritage, sustainability, and local craftsmanship.
Sessions are packed with 17 speakers.
Deniz Kucukusta, Assistant Dean and Associate Professor Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Chuwit Mitrchob Deputy Director General Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA.)
Mason Florence Author Louis Vuitton City Guide.
Sanchai Kiatsongchai Director of Research and Development Institute
Loei Rajabhat University.
Toune Sisouphanthavong Founder & Owner Manda de Laos Restaurant.
Steven Schipani Principal Tourism Sector Specialist Asian Development Bank.
Hanh Nguyen General Manager Intrepid Travel.
Premruethai Tosermkit Owner/CEO Harmony At Huai Lan.
Choub Rathana Director of Tourism Planning and Development.
Masaru Takayama Founding Chair Asian Ecotourism Network.
Inthy Danesavanh, President and Founder of Lao Tourism Association, Inthira Group.
Lee Choon Loong Owner Discovery MICE.
Jessica Mauer Programme Coordinator Wildlife Conversation Society (WCS), Lao PDR.
Jason Rolan Senior Partner / Editor in Chief
RDK Group / Champa Meuanglao Magazine.
Tara Gujadhur Co-Director Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre.
Soudaphone Khomthavong Director Luang Prabang’s Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism.
Veomanee Douangdala Co-Founder Ock Pop Tok.
Dates and Venue
25 to 27 June 2025 Pullman Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR (Pre-MTF sessions, including the GMS Tourism Associations Workshop, will occur on 25 June.)
Registration
Admission is free, as the event is hosted by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT) Lao PDR. Registration will close at 2359 (GMT+7) on 8 June 2025, or once all available spots are filled, whichever comes first. For more information visit: MEKONG Tourism FORUM 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, 22 April 2025: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) is shining the spotlight on MATTA Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam 2025 (MPG 2025), due to take place in Kuching Sarawak this October.
The registration of players for the MPG2025 will officially open on 1 May 2025 at 1201 through its website www.mattampg.com.
Photo credit: MATTA. From left:Ruslan Bujang President Kuching Pickleball Association;Harmeet Singh Vice President Malaysia Pickleball Association;Nigel Wong President MATTA;Oscar Choo Organising Chairman MATTA Pickleball Grand Slam;Amelia Roziman Chief Executive Officer Business Events Sarawak;Delima Ibrahim President Sarawak Pickleball Association.
MATTA is supporting the inaugural pickleball tournament with the largest cash prize pool. The sporting event will held in Kuching, Sarawak, from 7 to 20 October 2025.
Malaysia’s fastest-growing sport is making waves; the numbers speak for themselves. Since surpassing 30 registered pickleball associations and clubs under the Sports Commissioner of Malaysia in July 2024, the sport has recently seen an incredible participation surge. What quickly evolved from a niche pastime has now transitioned into a national sporting sensation, firmly placing itself in the country’s sporting landscape.
“At MPG, Pickleball meets tourism, and at MATTA, the Association sees its great potential and strength in promoting and developing sports tourism and connecting communities across borders through shared passion and healthy competition. Tournaments like MPG2025 are designed to encourage both inbound and outbound travel, global friendships and cultural exchange through Pickleball,” said MATTA president Nigel Wong.
With a cash prize pool of MYR100,000, MPG2025 is set to attract over 1,350 players and more than 2,600 spectators, contributing an estimated MYR31.6 million in tourism revenue. The tournament aims to position Malaysia as Southeast Asia’s leading sports tourism destination.
MATTA calls out to all pickleball enthusiasts to register for both local and international participants in the following categories:
Team Event (Adult Open): October 7–13, 2025
Individual Event (Adult & Junior Open): October 15–20, 2025
Endorsed by the Malaysia Pickleball Association, Sarawak Pickleball Association, and Kuching Pickleball Association, and supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, the MPG2025 is set to kick start the further development of Pickleball as a competitive and recreational sport for the people and developing domestic and inbound tourism.
With MATTA spearheading the organisation and promotion, this event aligns with Malaysia’s vision of strengthening its tourism sector through innovative, high-impact programmes and activities.
KUALA LUMPUR, 22 April 2025: The 56th edition of the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents’ National MATTA Fair, held from 18 to 20 April 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) Kuala Lumpur, delivered impressive performance data for the three-day travel show.
The MATTA Fair is recognised as the country’s largest International Travel Fair. The April edition drew over 210,000 visitors and generated a projected MYR270 million in sales, outperforming the previous fair, which had 190,000 visitors and MYR250 million in sales.
Photo credit: MATTA.
Encompassing over 37,000 sqm of exhibition space across eight halls, the MATTA Fair featured 1755 booths from 327 participating member organisations. The count surpassed the 1,590 booths recorded in the 55th edition in September 2024.
The breakdown included 204 tour and travel agencies, 10 National Tourism Offices, 11 State Tourism Offices, 58 participating Hotels and resorts, 11 theme parks, three airlines, and 31 other travel-related services.
Recognised as the largest consumer travel fair in Southeast Asia, the April edition attracted over 210,000 visitors. It generated a projected MYR270 million in sales, outperforming the previous fair (September 2024), which had 190,000 visitors and MYR250 million in sales.
Even the sponsor count for the 56th edition of the MATTA Fair reflected the show’s scope and reach. It is probably the largest consumer travel show in Southeast Asia.
4. Malaysia Aviation Group – Official Airline Partner & Premier Sponsor
5. High Commission of India – Sponsor
6. AmLeisure Media – Media Partner
7. Visit Malaysia 2026 – Strategic Partner
Additionally, MATTA continued to advocate for sustainability. Through its rebranded sustainable initiative, the MATTA Eco & Sustainable Tourism Initiative (MESTI), and its sustainable criteria, exhibitors participated in the MATTA Fair Booths Excellence Award 2025, judged on their contribution to a greener travel experience.
Award categories winners
BEST NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION (NTO) BOOTH AWARD – MACAO GOVERNMENT TOURISM OFFICE (received by Sammie Tam, Senior Marketing Executive, MGTO)
BEST STATE TOURISM ORGANISATION (STO) BOOTH AWARD – TOURISM SELANGOR (received by Puan Khuzaimah Jamaluddin, Promotion Manager at Tourism Selangor)
BEST TRAVEL AGENT BOOTH AWARD – STELLAR ECO VENTURE SDN BHD (received by Wendy Lai Wen Yin from Stellar Eco Venture Sdn Bhd)
BEST SUSTAINABLE BOOTH AWARD – ICE HOLIDAYS SDN BHD (received by Mr Mita Lim, Managing Director of ICE Holidays Sdn Bhd)
B2B sales on the sidelines
MATTA also staged the inaugural international B2B event, MATTA Connect, on 17 April 2025 at MITEC, a day before the National MATTA Fair opened. The event allowed international sellers from many different countries to connect with local Malaysian travel agents as buyers to explore new international destinations and establish new business partnerships.
Pickleball in the Spotlight
In addition the MATTA Fair ventured into sports tourism, by introducing interactive Pickleball Court to coincide with the promotion of Malaysia’s first-ever international pickleball competition, the MATTA Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam 2025.
For more information on the show, visit MATTA Fair KL on Facebook.
MUMBAI, 22 April 2025: SOTC Travel has announced its partnership with Shoppers Stop, India’s premier fashion, beauty, and gifting omnichannel destination, as the Travel partner for their summer campaign ‘Travel Edit’.
The partnership aims to bring the best of travel and lifestyle by inspiring customers and accelerating brand visibility by tapping into heightened travel intent during the summer holiday season.
Photo credit: SOTC Travel.
The partnership enables the brand to appeal to the consumer’s appetite for holidays and lifestyle upgrades, which is at an all-time high. Both brands aim to synergise their offerings to deliver an unmatched customer experience.
Leveraging Shoppers Stop’s pan-India retail network across metros and tier 1 cities, the campaign partnership will offer various benefits.
● SOTC Travel customers booking holidays worth INR100,000 or more will receive Shopper’s Stop Platinum Membership and benefits worth INR10,000+, including complimentary makeup services, skin consultations, hair styling and sessions with a personal styling service and exclusive offers on select brands.
● Shoppers Stop customers spending above INR10,000 will receive SOTC Travel vouchers offering substantial discounts across all holiday packages: INR5,000 off on Long-Haul Holidays, INR3,000 off on Short-Haul Holidays, and INR2,500 off on India & Indian subcontinent holidays (per family). Vouchers can be redeemed at SOTC outlets or by calling their toll-free number.
● Top three spenders at Shoppers Stop will win a free holiday from SOTC to Switzerland and Phuket for their family (2 adults + 1 child)
The campaign will run until 11 May 2025, across 110 Shoppers Stop stores in 68 cities across India and digital platforms. It will offer curated fashion capsules and travel offerings to help Indian consumers pack and plan their perfect summer vacation. Customers will benefit from a SOTC Travel dedicated kiosk at all Shoppers Stop outlets, where holiday experts will co-curate their holidays.
The campaign launched with an exclusive fashion show unveiling the collection at the Shoppers Stop marquee store in R-City Mall, Mumbai.
SOTC Travel Limited President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours SD Nandakumar said, “With a legacy of over 75 years in pioneering holidays, we believe that nobody understands Indian travellers better than SOTC Travel.
We’re witnessing a growing trend — today’s Indian traveller are the protagonist in their travel story and are keen to showcase their travel experiences over social media platforms. Travellers are curating fresh wardrobe styles inspired by the destination, whether it’s a concert, a beach getaway, poolside party or even airport transit looks.
With summer being the peak holiday season, we seized this strategic opportunity to connect with this new-age, style-conscious traveller. Hence, our partnership with Shoppers Stop strategically tapped into their consumer reach and expansive pan-India retail network across metros and tier 1 cities. By integrating destination-inspired style with personalised holiday experiences, we’re not just enhancing the travel journey — we’re unlocking a high-potential segment of fashion-forward travellers.”
SINGAPORE, 22 April 2025: Eastern & Oriental Express Belmond Train, Southeast Asia, has named Win Min its General Manager, effective immediately.
Win Min joins E&O from Residence Phou Vao as the interim General Manager. He began his career with Belmond in 2013 in Myanmar, where he served as Hotel Manager on Orcaella, a former Belmond river cruise.
In 2017, he took on the role of Hotel Manager, overseeing The Governor’s Residence hotel and Road to Mandalay river cruise, also previous Belmond properties.
Belmond Senior Vice President of Trains and Cruises Gary Franklin shared: “We welcome Win to his next step with Belmond. Win has had a long-standing career at Belmond, and we look forward to him bringing his expertise and leadership to the Eastern & Oriental Express.”
Eastern & Oriental Express Trains offer two itineraries on board the iconic 16 dark green carriages: The Essence of Malaysia (November to February) and Wild Malaysia (March to October).
Departing from Singapore (Woodlands), the luxury train trip visits destinations like Penang, Langkawi, and the Taman Negara National Park before returning to Singapore.
The Eastern & Oriental Express runs three-night itineraries year-round, with the “Wild Malaysia” itinerary from March to October and the “Essence of Malaysia” from November to February.
Accommodation prices start from USD5,800 per person in a Pullman cabin, including all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, onboard entertainment and onboard and offboard activities.
SINGAPORE, 22 April 2025: Vietjet launched two new direct routes connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao on 19 April from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
It marks another step in expanding the airline’s domestic network and cuts travel time to Con Dao. Singaporeans, for example, can fly directly to either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and then connect with a domestic flight to Con Dao.
Photo credit: Vietjet.
The new routes will operate with a total of 28 roundtrip flights weekly. Vietjet offers two daily morning departures from Hanoi to Con Dao, with a flight time of two hours and 10 minutes. Two daily morning flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao will have a flight time of 40 minutes.
Vietjet operates direct flights to Singapore from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Danang. As part of its strong flight network growth, the airline will launch a new direct service between Singapore and Phu Quoc — Vietnam’s largest island — beginning 30 May 2025. This will mark Vietjet’s fourth route to Singapore, further enhancing regional connectivity.
Vietnam Airlines flies to Con Dao from Ho Chi Minh City (around 25 flights daily) and Can Tho (five weekly). Both routes are flown by ATR72s. The roundtrip fare averages USD180.
Why visit Con Dao
Con Dao is located in Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Vietnam. It is the largest archipelago island, famed for its beaches and tragic history as a former penal colony under French and Vietnamese administrations. Con Dao is accessible by ferries and domestic flights.
The island boasts some of Vietnam’s most beautiful and unspoiled beaches, with soft white sand and clear turquoise waters.
Bai Dat Doc is often cited as the best beach on Con Son Island, a long crescent of sand surrounded by green hills.
Dam Trau Beach, close to the airport, offers stunning sunsets and the unique experience of watching planes land.
For a more secluded experience, Bai Nhat Beach appears at low tide and is perfect for sunset views, while Ong Dung Beach requires a hike through the National Park. The Con Dao National Park protects a significant portion of the archipelago, known for its lush tropical forests, diverse wildlife, and scenic hiking trails.
Harsh penal history
Con Dao’s was a former penal colony, earning it the grim nickname “Hell on Earth.” Visitors can explore the Con Dao Prison, including the infamous “tiger cages,” to understand the harsh realities faced by political prisoners during the French colonial era and the Vietnam War.
The Con Dao Museum provides valuable context and displays artefacts and photographs detailing the island’s history and biodiversity.
The Hang Duong Cemetery is a significant memorial site where thousands of prisoners are buried.
Marine Life and activities
The waters surrounding Con Dao are home to coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Island hopping tours allow you to discover hidden beaches, bays, and underwater caves around the archipelago.
Bay Canh Island is particularly known for its well-preserved reefs and turtle conservation projects.
From July to September, you can witness the moving sight of sea turtles laying eggs, and later in the season, baby turtles hatching and making their way to the sea.
Tranquility and escape
With a relatively small population, Con Dao offers a secluded and peaceful atmosphere, a welcome contrast to the bustling mainland.
It’s an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation, allowing you to escape the stresses of everyday life.
The coastal roads are ideal for scenic drives or motorbike rides, offering stunning coastline views and lush landscapes.
Photo credit: Google Maps. Can Dao’s location; a 40-minute flight from HCMC.
BANGKOK, 21 April 2025: Thailand’s sun-kissed beaches, misty northern hills and vibrant cities are best known through digital postcards and travel blogs — but to truly feel the rhythm of the country, hop aboard a train.
In a land where modernity meets tradition, Thailand’s railways offer a unique, nostalgic, and surprisingly luxurious way to traverse its diverse landscapes.
Rail travel in Thailand is not only affordable and practical — it’s an experience in itself. With colonial-era stations, panoramic countryside views, and local life on full display, the journey is often just as rewarding as the destination. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or a luxury seeker, there’s something magical about the chug of the engine, the rattle of the tracks, and the wide-open windows offering glimpses of rice paddies, mountain passes, and fishing villages.
Photo: SRT Royal Blossom, a luxury tourist train operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). It is refurbished from Japan’s Hamanasu train cars and designed for premium travel experiences.
Thailand’s Rail Network: A Snapshot
Operated primarily by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the country’s rail system spans over 4,345 kilometres, with four main lines — Northern, Northeastern, Eastern, and Southern — radiating from Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong Station, a heritage gem in its own right.
• Network length: 4,345 km
• Number of main lines: 4
• Longest route: Bangkok to Sungai Kolok (over 1,100 km)
• Popular train types: Ordinary, Rapid, Express and Special Express (including overnight sleepers)
• Luxury trains: Yes — most notably the SRT Royal Blossom
• Electrified rail: Limited (expanding via the urban SRT Red Line and upcoming high-speed projects)
• Average ticket cost: From THB15 (UKP0.36) to THB6,000+ (UKP144.50+)
Key features of the SRT Royal Blossom:
• Design: The exterior is bright red with gold accents, while the interior features comfortable seating and scenic viewing areas.
• Facilities: Equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and private restrooms.
• Services: Offers meals, beverages, and a café car.
• Routes: Operates on short-haul routes, including day trips to destinations like Hua Hin.
• Schedule: Runs every Saturday and Sunday in April and May 2025.
• Purpose: Aim to promote domestic tourism and provide unique travel experiences.
Currently operating as part of the State Railway’s tourism promotion initiative. As of April 2025, the Royal Blossom offers weekend journeys to various destinations, including Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin, Lopburi, and Phetchaburi. These trips provide passengers with a luxurious experience, featuring refurbished carriages originally from Japan’s Hokkaido Railway Company. The train’s interior boasts plush velvet seats, cedar wood accents, and large panoramic windows for scenic views. Tickets for these excursions can be booked through SRT’s D-Ticket online platform or at train stations nationwide.
Bangkok’s Central Rail Terminal
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (often shortened to Krung Thep Aphiwat or Bangkok Central Station), also known by its former name Bang Sue Grand Station, is the central station of Thailand and the capital’s primary rail hub.
Location: In the Chatuchak district, about 10 km north of Hua Lamphong Station, adjacent to the former Bang Sue Junction it replaced in 2023.
How to Get There
•MRT (Subway): Take the MRT Blue Line to Bang Sue Station, then a short walk or escalator.
•Taxi/Grab: Readily accessible by car or ride-share apps.
• Bus: Multiple city bus routes stop nearby.
Quick Facts
•The largest railway station in Southeast Asia
• 26 platforms serving long-distance, commuter and future high-speed lines
• Connects most northern, northeastern and southern intercity routes
Photo: Thailand’s railways offer a unique, nostalgic and surprisingly luxurious way to traverse its diverse landscapes
Top Five Rail Journeys in Thailand
Here are five must-do routes that promise unforgettable scenery, cultural immersion, and a touch of rail romance.
1. SRT Royal Blossom: Bangkok → Kanchanaburi (Luxury Day Journey)
• USP: Cross into Laos via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge
Highlights
• Sunrise over the rice fields of Isan
• Cultural stops in Udon Thani and Nong Khai
• Border crossing to Vientiane, Laos’s capital
• Price: 1,200 THB (£28.90) – 1,600 THB (£38.56)
• Popularity: Loved by backpackers, expats and off-the-beaten-track explorers
The Allure of Exploring Thailand by Train
• Authentic Encounters: Share cabins with locals, sample Thai street food on station platforms, and watch landscapes evolve in real time
• Budget-Friendly: One of the most economical ways to cover vast distances in comfort
• Spectacular Scenery: From tropical beaches and dense jungles to golden rice paddies and sheer mountain gorges
• Greener Footprint: Trains emit far less carbon than planes or long-haul coaches
•Rich Heritage: Many stations date back over a century, and some lines carry profound historical significance
Thailand’s railways don’t just take you to your destination—they invite you to experience the very soul of the kingdom. Pack light, keep your camera close, and let the rails lead you on an unforgettable adventure.
Insider Tips for Rail Travel in Thailand
• Book early for overnight and luxury trains — especially during festivals and long weekends
•Pack layers: Trains can be surprisingly cold when the air-con is on full blast
•Tuck into local fare: Vendors at each stop serve fresh, inexpensive Thai dishes
• Use the SRT app or website for live timetables and online bookings
• Savour the pace: In Thailand, the journey is every bit as rewarding as the destination
About the author Andrew J Wood is a respected travel writer, hotelier, and tourism lecturer with over four decades of experience in Southeast Asia’s hospitality and tourism sectors. A former general manager of several leading hotels in Thailand and a regular speaker at international tourism forums, he is widely recognised for his insight into emerging travel trends and his passionate advocacy for Thailand as a world-class destination.
