LOPBURI, Thailand – The first “floating train” ride of the year launched this weekend, attracting a wave of enthusiastic tourists, November 3. Organized by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Lopburi province, and Pasak Jolasid Dam, the unique train journey offers a scenic, romantic ride across Thailand’s only “floating train” route, as part of the “Follow the King’s Footsteps” tour series.
Departing from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station, the special Pasak Jolasid Dam train journey concludes at the dam in Lopburi. This popular weekend excursion will operate every Saturday and Sunday from November 2024 through January 2025, excluding New Year’s holidays. The inaugural ride on November 3 included 14 carriages with a daily capacity of about 1,200 passengers. This event aligns with the government’s aim to revitalize domestic tourism, create jobs, and strengthen local communities by generating income and supporting local economies.
A highlight of the trip is a stop at a scenic viewpoint, allowing passengers to disembark and capture the stunning sight of the train appearing to float above the water when the reservoir is full. This one-of-a-kind experience gives travelers a taste of local dam life and the adventure of crossing over the water on a historic rail line.
The SRT has also arranged for a stop at Ban Khok Salung station, where visitors can explore and purchase local OTOP products, including food, souvenirs, and handmade goods, further supporting the local community. The return journey to Pasak Jolasid Dam offers passengers more sightseeing opportunities, including a stop at Lopburi’s famous sunflower fields in Ban Kluai Khai.
The “floating train” dates back to the historic Bangkok-Buayai-Nong Khai line through Lopburi’s Pa Sak basin, later developed as the Pasak Jolasid Dam under King Rama IX’s initiative to manage water resources and address local needs. Elevated rails above the reservoir give the illusion of floating, making this a uniquely scenic experience that has since become a cherished part of Thai rail tourism. (TNA)
