The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has exciting news for travelers and adventure seekers. They have opened ticket bookings for their renowned “floating train” tourism day trips to the picturesque Pasak Jolasid Dam, located in Lop Buri. This unique travel experience is set to return starting this Saturday, 4 November 2023, offering an incredible journey for those looking to explore the beautiful landscapes of Thailand.
This year, the SRT is offering two roundtrip journeys from Bangkok every weekend during the cool-season months of November, December, and January. However, it’s worth noting that the long New Year weekend service has been canceled.
The “floating train” derives its name from the sensation passengers experience when riding over water as it crosses the brimming Pasak Jolasid Dam. This dam, Thailand’s longest earthen dam, was constructed under the initiative of HM the late King Bhumibol to mitigate flooding in the Pasak and Chao Phraya river basins. It spans the Pasak River at Nong Bua subdistrict in Phatthana Nikom district, Lopburi province, offering breathtaking views of the landscape.
The available travel dates for the “floating train” are as follows:
- November: 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
- December: 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24
- January: 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
Travelers can choose from three ticket classes:
- Third-class ticket (no air-con): This ticket costs 330 baht for the full roundtrip or Saraburi/Kaeng Koi-Khok Salung roundtrip, or 150 baht for a one-way trip from Pasak Jolasid to Bangkok.
- Second-class ticket (air-con): The second-class ticket is priced at 500 baht for a return journey or 250 baht for a one-way trip.
- Premium ticket (air-con with OTOP privileges): Travelers looking for a more comfortable experience can opt for the premium ticket, which costs 590 baht for a return journey or 250 baht for a one-way trip.
For local travelers between Saraburi and Khok Salung in Lop Buri’s Phanat Nikhom district, non-reservable third-class tickets (200 baht) will also be available on the day.
If you’re planning to embark on this adventure with a group, entire carriages can be reserved for large groups by calling 02 621 8701, extension 5202.
The journey begins at Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station at 6 am, reaching the dam’s “floating railway” viewing point at 9:25 am. There’s a 20-minute stop here, allowing passengers to savor the view and capture stunning photos. The train then continues to Khok Salung station, where you can shop for local OTOP products and Lopburi souvenirs. The return trip to the dam departs at 10:35 am, offering passengers the chance to disembark and explore nearby tourism spots. The train heads back to Bangkok at 3:30 pm, with popular activities including visiting the Pasak Basin Museum and enjoying lunch in the local communities. For those interested in exploring sunflower fields and a giant fern garden, vans are available for a fee of 70 baht.
The “floating train” arrives back at Hua Lamphong station at 6:50 pm, concluding a memorable day of adventure and exploration.
The return of the “floating train” not only promises an exceptional travel experience but also provides a seasonal boost to tourism in Lopburi, contributing to the income of locals in the central province.
To be a part of this extraordinary journey, take note of the available dates and book your tickets soon. The “floating train” is set to run from November 4 to January 28, 2024, on weekends across 24 dates. Tickets are already on sale, with roundtrip prices starting at just 330 baht per person. You can secure your tickets at all train stations, through the 1690 call center (five days in advance), at dticket.railway.co.th, or via the D-ticket mobile app. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the stunning Pasak Jolasid Dam and its surroundings. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!