Emmy Rose is Back in Bangkok

Arriving in Bangkok

Before becoming Thailand’s capital in 1782, Bang Makok or ‘Place of Olives’ (now Bangkok) was an outlying district of Thonburi, a town founded as a trading post in the mid-16th century. Due to its proximity to Siam’s capital, Ayuthaya, the town also developed military significance. In the 18th century a fortress was built on the banks of the Chao Phraya and a great iron chain hung across the river to block unwelcome arrivals.

Bangkok has dominated Thailand’s urban hierarchy as well as its political, commercial and cultural life since the late 18th century. Although you can shop in air-conditioned comfort in its Western-style malls, the city is a long way from being tamed by commercial homogeneity.

The Overnight Train to Bangkok

The Kingdom of Thailand has a very good inter-province connecting railway system providing a cheap and comfortable way for Thai’s and visitors alike to travel. The railway system connects with the Singapore line which runs along peninsular Malaysia. Chiang Mai is the principle Northern city where the railway line finishes. Trains connect with bus and boats to cover travel to Phuket, Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Koh Phanghan and other tropical islands of Thailand’s coast. Japanese trains are mainly used. They are slower than their European or American counterparts. The 700 km, 9 hour road journey from Chiang Mai to Bangkok takes around 14 hours on most overnight trains. The comparative slow speed of the train can be viewed as a bonus for those who truly appreciate the slow rolling lush country-side which takes them into the heartlands of Thailand. Thailand train travel is a good way to enjoy the natural scenery in a relaxed manner. If you like meeting local people and seeing how they travel then “go by train”.