I’m up for a new experience and this is to travel overnight via train. I left Kuala Lumpur early in the morning, and I’ll take the train overnight to Hua Hin in Thailand.

Just before the story goes, I’d like to start this on how delighted I was that I had my passport stamped for entry – Yay!

The feeling of being welcomed, definitely great!!

It was about 2:00 PM when I exited the Immigration Office in Thailand. I can already sense the warm, and friendly environment. They’re true to their nickname which is “Land of Smiles”.

Everyone was already smiling at me and there were quite a few people who asked if I was going to Hat Yai. [Hat Yai (Thai: หาดใหญ่, pronounced [hàːt jàj], also Haad Yai or Had Yai) is a city in southern Thailand near the Malaysian border. Source: Wikipedia] 

I was very excited, finally, I stepped into a new country and I’m ready to explore again! First of which is to travel by train overnight!

A perfect itinerary is great, but surprises may come along the way and it may be even better.

Or no? Wait!

My Overnight Train Itinerary from South Thailand to Hua Hin Thailand

Here’s my plan, I will be taking the Padang Besar Train to Bangkok which is only serviced once a day. If I ever miss taking this train, it means I have to go to the next nearest train station- [Hat Yai where the major train station and transportation hub for travel can be found] to take another train going to Hua Hin.

The good thing about it is I can just relax and think that there will always be an alternative way in case the original plan fails.

On the other hand, this would hurt my budget if I have to spend again buying new tickets and perhaps taking a taxi ride.

Due to the warm weather that day and a lot of walking, I was quite parched. I wanted to get some fresh cold drinks while walking. I did find some shops along the way to the Padang Besar Station, so it’s quite an adventure to take a walk to the station.

When I reached the Padang Besar Station, no people were waiting outside at all. It kind of made me worried that there was no train schedule that day.

I still walked inside and as I approached the counter, two (2) staff at the station went out and approached me. It was quite challenging since I do not speak the local language, so I just showed them the ticket I booked online from Baolau.

They both checked the ticket and it looks like they had to verify some information from their device. I wanted to ask, but I don’t know what question to ask.

In the back of my mind, I was thinking that they’ll probably know that I was there to take the SP46 train.

Based on their actions and gestures, they seemed to agree that my ticket is good to go and I just have to wait. One of them said, “Please standby.” and returned my ticket.

What am I supposed to do now?

Of course! Picture taking! Haha

Then since all seats were vacant, I had all the freedom to find where to sit.

When I was already settled, I thought this is the best time to have some meals. (I’ve been carrying a silver picnic bag full of snacks)

I brought snacks as I know I’ll take a long journey and I do not want to impulsively buy any snacks I encounter when my tummy starts rumbling.

It was too early and frankly, there was not much to do. I guess this was the best moment to appreciate the place.

Padang Besar station is a very laid-back place somewhere in Thailand. The overall vibe is just like my hometown in the Philippines where life is simple.

The place was quiet as only a few people were roaming around. Across the fence is a local park where I see some children playing, while the other side is simply the road with a few vehicles passing by.

As I was sitting in one bench, I thought people were just passing by, but I see them again and again. Until I realized they were walking around the station to exercise.

More people were doing the same, and most of them are like aunts and uncles of my aunts and uncles. (Sorry! hahaha take this as a little pun) 😀 That looks like a regular thing that they do, which kind of surprised me in a way because that doesn’t seem to happen where I grew up.

Klook.com

What to expect when traveling?

Traveling, most of the time is exciting. However there are some not-fun moments like when I was just there waiting for the train, and I need to find some way to entertain myself.

I want to get on the overnight train fast so I can have the peace of mind that I’m already off to my next destination. I kept looking at my phone to check the time. At around 3:30 PM, I thought there is still a lot of time to kill, why not take a nap?

I made sure that my things were close to me so I took a few things inside my backpack to give it some space. Then I pressed it down to use the backpack as my pillow, while I was holding the rest of my things.

It was silent and quite reassuring that the place is safe. I don’t plan to sleep, but I’d like to at least enjoy the serenity of the place.

I lied down and covered my eyes with my jacket’s sleeve. One arm is over my forehead, and the other is holding onto my stuff. One foot up the bench, while the other is on the floor. I probably look like someone who can sleep wherever I want to, but I am not- honestly.

The weather is so pleasant. The wind is not warm or cool, but it feels so nice as it seems telling you to just relax and appreciate the overall peacefulness. I was not in a luxurious resort, nor on a staycation, I was just a typical commuter at the Padang Besar train station [This train station is surrounded by trees and greens – so soothing]

They spilled the beans!

As I was lying down, it didn’t take long before the aunts and uncles started their daily meeting (Oops! Take this as another pun, okay?)

The whole train station has many benches and seats to rest for sure, but I think the one behind me is the best. That must be the regular conference hall.
Few participants started arriving, and when the chairperson arrived, the meeting officially started.

I wish I understood what the conference was all about so this article will be longer. (Hey! Don’t take this portion so seriously, okay?)

My pretend staycation suddenly ended. I know I stayed still but the place seems to have changed. I completely forgot how quiet the place was.

Even if I do not want to eavesdrop, I can't stop myself from listening to these great aunts and uncles. It felt like I went inside a movie where I hear everything, but I'm looking for subtitles. :D

Kidding aside, the moment of silence was broken. It would be too abrupt if I would just get up and move to a far far away bench.

I think I relearned a skill I used to have – pretending to be napping. I don’t know what else to do, but just stay put and behave. The meeting finally ended after an hour.

Conquering fear?

It’s less than an hour away and the train I’m waiting for should come. I got up and set my things back inside my backpack.

A few more people were waiting for the train this time, and I felt a little more confident that there was indeed a train schedule that day. I stood to stretch my legs and arms, as I know later on I’d probably be sitting for a long time.

I’ve been taking the LRT and MRT anywhere, and I always see a warning sign that you cannot walk on the railway. However, there’s no such sign here.

That made me kind of tempted to jump on the rail track but I was scared (at first?).

At first, I was trying to take a photo while I was at the side.

Then later on I gathered the courage to jump on the actual railway. (That kind of checked off my bucket list hahaha 😀)

I really did, OMG!

Is being late better than never?

It’s 17:00, the train should be arriving any moment from then on. It was already getting dark, but no signs of a coming train.

I’ve read somewhere before this trip that the train here can be late sometimes, so I thought I should just patiently wait a little longer. The train hadn’t come 30 minutes later. It made me worry a bit.

I saw one of the staff there speaking on the phone and sounded like something was wrong, but I (really) needed subtitles, so I have no idea of what was going on.

I approached one of them – who said to keep on standby. That could mean a good or a not-so-good thing, right?

Honestly, I don’t know.

I’m still relaxed since I saw the other people waiting there so chill. I assumed that they knew what was going on and if something is worrisome, then probably they would have not been able to stay put.

At about 17:45, one of the staff signaled to take the bags and go to the main building [photo below]. I followed and sat there – thinking about what could be happening.

I was thinking that most likely the train will not come. Maybe, they would just tell us to take a taxi or any vehicle to Hat Yai. I’m kind of preparing myself for that news.

Not long, a van came and the other people waiting were signed to take the van. I heard the staff saying “Bangkok” but I have no idea of the rest of the information.

What will happen to my overnight train itinerary now?

Is the title wrong all this time?

Everyone went inside the van so fast that I didn’t have enough time to use the translator app on my phone and ask. So I just tried to speak and ask “Is this going to Bangkok? Not Hua Hin?” I don’t remember the answer they gave me, but they pointed me to the seat inside the van.

Even still, I was not scared or anything. I just really do not understand the whole situation. I went inside the van and the train staff seems to be assuring us that everything is okay. The driver closed the door, then went to the driver seat, then we started moving.

I just went to my Google Maps, turned on the location, and started tracing the road we were taking. The way seems to be going to Hat Yai, so I thought, it’s all right then.

There were many options to take from there in case. Perhaps I can take another train overnight, or other route. I did not think they’re going to take us to Bangkok since it’s way too far, and that long drive will be exhausting for just one driver alone.

About an hour later, my guess was right, we were brought to Hat Yai.

I was a little disappointed because I thought I would take the train travel from Kuala Lumpur then overnight to Hua Hin all the way.

But traveling has little hiccups sometimes, which makes the memories even better!

ALSO READ: Train from Malaysia to Thailand

Right after getting off the van, someone from SRT picked us up and told us to follow her.

She walked so fast – an indicator that we have to leave soon.

After getting on the train, I had to find where my berth is. [Berth is a place to sit or sleep especially on a ship or vehicle]. 

Fun fact: The seat on the train was convertible to Berth. 

It seems like we were the only people being awaited, as even if we were not seated yet, the train started moving.

The train attendant also went to our seats one by one and started converting them to berths. I had a chance to record the quick seat conversion to a berth.

Since I chose a berth just near the door, where the train cars are connected, the sound vibrations were so loud. Will I be comfortable on this journey? That’s what I was concerned about. A lot of wobbles were felt, which I think is much less if I chose a berth in the middle of the car.

There’s no harm in asking so I tried to ask the train attendant if there was a chance to switch berths, however, they said the train was fully booked. I thought I better choose a different berth next time.

I took off my shoes, hid them underneath the bed, got my important belongings on the bed, and got ready to rest. Each bed has one pillow and one blanket. There’s a curtain for privacy too.

Funny thing is, I thought I could watch videos or listen to music while on the train, but as the train is moving, I get an unstable roaming signal and I couldn’t even hear the music well due to the loud rail squeal.

This day is kind of exhausting due to the long journey. All I wanted to get is a good sleep and regain my energy. I have many plans for new adventures the next day. Of course, the trip would be heartbreaking if I will have no energy to explore.

As I was trying to get to sleep, I think my brain thought I’m in a risky place. With all the wobble and shaking, it felt like I’m going to fall – so strange…

It was the first time I ever experienced this and I think it is just normal as it was my first time taking an overnight trip via train.

I want to remember more about what happened and write about it, but how?

I mean, I fell asleep…

Yes, I totally forgot about the strange feeling of falling or being in a danger.

The bed was surprisingly comfortable, it wasn’t hard at all. The blanket was just thick enough, and it felt really nice. I slept as if I was at home.

When I woke up, it was still a little dark outside but I can already see the silhouette of the mountains as the eastern sky is beginning to light up.

The first sight of the light in the morning is so mesmerizing. I love watching the different shades of blue sky, which feels more romantic as I was traveling.

I kept looking outside, admiring the beauty of Thailand.

I definitely had a uniquely unforgettable experience on this overnight train ride, but I can’t wait to get off and begin new adventures. It was indeed insane!

After the long 12 hours of this train ride overnight, I reached Hua Hin!

ALSO READ: MY 3-DAYS EXPLORATION IN HUA HIN, THAILAND

Klook.com