Traveling abroad doesn't always require relying on airlines, as cross-border train travel has become a very popular trend.
Especially routes from Thailand to neighboring countries like Laos and Malaysia, which appeal both to slow-life travelers enchanted by the journey's charm and budget travelers aiming to control expenses tightly.
Thairath Online presents a guide to two international train routes that let you enjoy million-baht views for ticket prices ranging from hundreds to just over a thousand baht—accessible to everyone.
Starting with Rapid Trains 133 and 134, a direct service from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Kham Sawat Station in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
This journey takes you winding through paddy fields and the charm of the Isan region before crossing the Mekong River to enter Laos in one seamless trip without needing transfers.
Ticket prices are very wallet-friendly, ranging by seat type: starting at about 280–300 baht for third-class fan seats, perfect for those who want to enjoy the breeze and natural views casually; around 570–600 baht for second-class air-conditioned seats for more comfort; and approximately 780–880 baht for second-class air-conditioned sleepers if you want to rest deeply and wake up in Vientiane (prices vary depending on upper or lower berth).
Upon arrival, you can rent a tuk-tuk to visit the That Luang stupa, stop at French colonial-style cafés, or taste authentic baguette sandwiches—a foreign trip costing just hundreds of baht for travel but full of rich impressions.
For those who enjoy cultural fusion and lush natural scenery, the southern cross-border route to Malaysia is an ideal choice. The journey starts with Special Express Train 45 from Bangkok to Padang Besar Station at the Thailand-Malaysia border, with second-class air-conditioned sleeper tickets costing about 900–1,000 baht—offering cleanliness and comfortable beds for a restful overnight journey.
After clearing immigration at Padang Besar Station, you can easily transfer to Malaysian trains by paying just a few hundred baht more. To explore street art and delicious food in Penang, take the KTM Komuter commuter train for just over 100 baht to Butterworth Station, then ferry across. For a taste of urban life and the Petronas Twin Towers, add 600–800 baht to book an ETS high-speed train ticket directly to Kuala Lumpur. This route offers a clear view of architectural transitions—an experience even planes cannot provide.
Cross-border train travel may take longer than direct flights, but what you gain is the story of the journey itself—the changing lifestyles along the route and the pride of organizing an international trip on a comfortable budget.