The State Railway of Thailand will launch a weekend train service to Pattaya that will include one- or two-day tours of area tourist attractions.
City spokesman Pinit Maneerat met Jan. 29 with Tourism Promotion Department officials and representatives from the Chonburi Tourist Attraction Club, Pattaya Business & Tourism Association, SRT, Pattaya Baht Bus Cooperative and major tourist attractions to finalize details of the package tours that will begin in March on a six-month trial run.
Prices have not yet been announced.
While it has always been possible to travel via slow coach from Bangkok to Pattaya, the additional dedicated Saturday and Sunday trains leaving Bangkok’s Hua Lumphong rail station at 6:45 a.m. are all-inclusive tours that include transportation, guided tour, shuttle service and, if necessary, accommodations.
Passengers will be able to alight at one of six different stations where they will be shuttled to nearby tourist attractions.
The first stop in Sriracha will see passengers head to the Sriracha Tiger Zoo, Nacha Sa Thai Chue shrine, a seafood meal at the local pier, a stop at the Metal Arts Gallery and shopping at J Park.
The second stop in North Pattaya is sponsored by the Tourist Attraction Club, which will take passengers to Naklua’s Sanctuary of Truth.
Get off at the third stop outside the Pattaya Floating Market and you will spend the day at the four regions shopping Mecca.
Bring a swimsuit if you’re getting off at the fourth stop, Yanasangwararam Temple. You will first make merit and pay respects to Buddha before departing for the Ramayana Water Park.
The fifth stop at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden will have passengers spend the day among the lush gardens and elephant park.
Finally, those riding to the end will get off at the Plutaluang Railway Station in Sattahip District. From there the sub-district will put you on a tour of the navy’s Sea Turtle Conservation Center or take you to the Royal Thai Navy Golf Course for a round.
At each stop, tourists will receive shuttle service to and from their tourist attraction. SRT will also offer two-day tour packages that will include accommodations.
On paper, the trip from Bangkok to Sattahip is 2.5 hours. But SRT trains are infamous for their tardiness and, with organized tours at each stop, the schedule may stretch out much longer.
