Visiting Hua Lamphong Train Station . Every city has its monuments, maybe an ancient temple or a world-renowned museum. And then you have the functional landmarks like a grand post office or a central train station. While Bangkok has more than its fair share of fantastical and historical Buddhist temples, it also has a noted train station.
The station is officially known as Sathani Rotfai Krung Thep, which translates to – Bangkok Train Station and informally known as Hua Lamphong station. In the olden days, a canal and a road used to pass by the train station named Hua Lamphong, birthing its nickname, but today it has been renamed Rama IV Road.
The station officially opened in June of 1916 after six years of construction under the reign of King Vajiravidh. The station is built in an Italian Neo-Renaissance style with ornate roofs and stained glass. The station was modeled after the Frankfurt train station.
The station is a microcosm of life in Thailand with locals heading north on the overnight to Chiang Mai, backpackers heading to the valleys and rivers of Kanchanaburi, or those train lovers who ride the train to Singapore.
But all great traditions come to an end. Bang Sue Grand Station, a modern glass and metal structure will be opening in 2021. Depending on the article I read, the fate of Hua Lamphong station is up for debate. I have read its future entails being a museum, being utilized in a limited fashion, or being closed entirely. Whatever its fate, I hope this structure remains part of Bangkok.
Just in case its destiny is demolition I decided to pay a visit and create some images.
The exterior of Hua Lamphong Train Station designed in a Italian Neo-Renaissance style.
A view from above via my drone.
The waiting room at Hua Lamphong station including a special seating section for monks.
Step up to buy your train ticket.
A small temple resides in Hua Lamphong Station with a golden Buddha overlooking the waiting room.
Time to head to the platforms and board your train.
A cavernous roof protects the platforms and its passengers from the elements.
These trains don’t clean themselves. Time for a quick shower before heading out.
And you can even stop in for a quick cut on the train platform. Courtesy of the Two Week Traveller.
Are you heading off to Chachoengsao or …
Kaeng Khok.
A couple waits for their train as they grasp hands.
Conductors make sure the trains leave on time.
Final call for your train. Visiting Hua Lamphong Train Station.
When you are in Bangkok make sure you visit King Power Mahanakhon and the Grand Palace. Looking for an amazing experience in Thailand, whether getting a Sak Yant Tattoo or an amazing cultural experience? Please check out Where Sidewalks End.
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The most interesting sights are often not the temples and palaces from the guide books, but places like train stations, local markets, a popular corner cafe, or other hubs. How cool that the monks have their own seating!
Thanks to Deutsche Bahn, whose trains are always either late or cancelled, I’ve spent many hours at Frankfurt train station. Hua Lamphong is a million times better than Frankfurt haha… Fingers crossed it will survive its decommissioning.
We’ve gone through this station many times, going to Ayutthaya a couple of times and down the other way towards Hua Hin once. Sad to hear that it will be replaced and hope they make some kind of railway museum out of it. Great photos.
I am hoping it doesnt disappear as well…I have heard a couple of different things including a museum. So lets hope!
That an interesting place to visit – a train station. Such a fantastic narration of its history and certainly a sight to behold. Hua Lamphong Train station by all means should be great place to visit in Bangkok. Looking forward for the visit!
I hope you make it!
[…] is the Hua Lamphong train station in Bangkok which dates to the early 20th century. In 2022, this station will no longer be an […]