Thailand’s Luxurious SRT Royal Blossom Train Debuts with Scenic Kanchanaburi Day Trip

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has unveiled its newest gem in the realm of tourist travel: the SRT Royal Blossom. This luxurious train, crafted from five refurbished Hamanasu cars originally from Japan, is set to offer an unparalleled travel experience starting with its inaugural one-day journey on August 17th to Kanchanaburi. Tickets for this exclusive trip are priced at 1,799 baht.

The name “Royal Blossom” symbolizes the blossoming of Thai railway tourism and the growth of SRT. Painted in a striking cherry red with gold accents, the train’s exterior is as impressive as its interior, which features plush velvet seats, cedar wood accents, and large windows for panoramic views.

The journey begins at 6:00 am from Hua Lamphong station, whisking passengers away on a scenic route with its first stop at the iconic River Kwai Bridge at 8:45 am. Here, passengers will have 30 minutes to capture memories against the historic backdrop before the train departs at 9:15 am for the Tham Krasae Wooden Trestle Bridge.

At 10:03 am, the train arrives at Tham Krasae Cave, offering a brief 20-minute stop for photographs amid the natural splendor. The journey continues at 10:25 am, arriving at Kanchanaburi Station by 11:30 am. From there, an air-conditioned bus will transfer passengers to the Pae Na Mueang Restaurant for a delightful lunch.

The afternoon itinerary features visits to two remarkable temples. At 2:00 pm, travelers will explore Wat Metta Dharma Bodhiyan, renowned for its intricate wooden structures and sculptures. The adventure continues at 3:30 pm with a trip to Wat Tham Phu Wa, famed for its cave and sandstone architecture.

Returning to Kanchanaburi Station at 4:30 pm, passengers will board the Royal Blossom for a leisurely journey back to Bangkok, with dinner served onboard. The train is scheduled to arrive back at Hua Lamphong at 8:05 pm, concluding a day filled with cultural and scenic delights.

The SRT Royal Blossom features five distinct cars: one Group Car with four private rooms for 4-6 people each, three Passenger Cars with 48 seats each (some of which can be rotated to face each other), and a Leisure Car with a bar and lounge area. Passengers will enjoy modern amenities, including USB ports at every seat, large windows for panoramic views, wheelchair accessibility, and onboard catering.

These Hamanasu cars, built in 1988, originally operated as the Hamanasu Express in Japan, connecting Hokkaido and Honshu. Retired from service in 2016 and purchased by SRT in 2017, these cars have been meticulously refurbished to provide a luxurious and comfortable travel experience.

Initially operating on short-haul routes, such as day trips to Chachoengsao, Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin, and Khao Pra Sak Dam in Lopburi, the SRT Royal Blossom will also be available for charter and special events. This significant development in Thai railway tourism is set to appeal to both domestic and international tourists, offering a unique and opulent way to explore Thailand’s scenic and cultural landmarks.

For information about upcoming trips, as well as how to buy tickets, join the Asian Train Guide Facebook group as I will post there the second information is released. You can also follow me on X and Facebook for updates.