South from Pattaya

Route: From Pattaya southwards, along the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand (Chonburi Province), to the terminus in Sattahip District.

Embark on an extraordinary, authentic journey on the Thai railways, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of the popular resorts and immerse yourself in the true atmosphere of the province. The route takes you from bustling Pattaya straight to the charming, laid-back Chuk Samet station. It’s the perfect opportunity to admire the changing landscapes through the train’s open windows, feel the unhurried rhythm of local life and discover the less-visited, tranquillier side of the Sattahip region, which serves as the gateway to the cleanest beaches in this part of the country.

Imagine escaping the tourist hustle and bustle and commercialism, straight into the arms of the real, undiscovered Thailand. This trip is not just a simple journey from point A to point B – it’s a nostalgic return to the roots of travel, where the mode of transport itself becomes the main attraction. As you board a traditional Thai train pulled by a classic diesel locomotive, you leave the loud music of Pattaya behind. Instead, you’re greeted by the steady, soothing clatter of the wheels and the warm breeze blowing in through the open windows and doors of the speeding carriage.

The route winds through picturesque countryside, revealing the daily life of the Thai people from a completely different perspective. You pass wild, lush vegetation encroaching almost onto the tracks, small, sleepy stations and home workshops tucked away in side streets, where time seems to have stood still. The highlight of this journey is arriving at Chuk Samet station. This local, uncrowded spot captivates with its simplicity and tranquillity. Time passes more slowly here, and after an eventful ride, you can relax with friends in traditional bamboo gazebos, sipping refreshing Thai drinks, basking in the shade and sharing a smile. It’s the perfect trip for those who want to experience the true spirit of South-East Asia.

Chuk Samet Railway Station is situated in the Sattahip district, in the southern part of Chonburi province, Thailand. It serves as an important local transport hub and is often the terminus for trains travelling from Bangkok via, amongst other places, Pattaya station. The station itself is situated in a strategic location, a short distance from the main ports of the Royal Thai Navy.

Interesting facts:

• A gateway to adventure: On local trains in Thailand (known as ‘Class 3’), the carriage doors very often remain open throughout the journey. For Europeans, this is an extraordinary experience, allowing you to feel a direct connection with your surroundings and take fantastic photos without a window in the frame.
• A military enclave of tranquillity: The Sattahip region, where Chuk Samet station is located, is an area closely associated with the Royal Thai Navy. Paradoxically, it is precisely thanks to the military presence that the local beaches (such as Nang Ram and Nang Rong, situated not far from the station) are among the cleanest, whitest and least commercialised on the entire east coast.
• Terminal station: According to the local timetable (shown in the photos, featuring trains nos. 997, 283, 284 and 998), Chuk Samet is the terminus for many trains on this line, giving it a unique ‘end-of-the-world’ atmosphere, even though it lies just a few dozen kilometres from the bustling Pattaya.
• A working railway museum: The locomotives serving this route are often powerful, well-worn diesel engines, which are a real treat for railway enthusiasts from all over the world. Their reliability and classic appearance lend the journey an incredible retro charm.