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Imagine green rice fields and dense tropical forests. That is what you miss when you take the overnight buses. Thailand by train can be peaceful and restful, but when on a time budget it can be a bit frustrating. It has two modes: somewhat on time, and really late. But if time is not a factor then the mesmerizing chug, chug, click, clack of an express train could be a reprieve from weary traveling.
The most scenic choice for getting around Thailand.
Bangkok has a decent train system with several options: ordinary(commuter), rapid, express, and special express. It connects all 4 corners neatly, centering in Bangkok at HualumPhong Station. HualumPhong is the terminal station of the MRT line and well connected to downtown by bus. (It is part of downtown.)
There are 4 lines: Northern, Southern, NorthEastern, and Eastern. All begin in Bangkok.
The Northern and NorthEastern lines split off just north of Ayutthaya at the Ban Phachi Junction. The Southern line goes to Butterworth, Malaysia, expect to disembark and immigrate.
You should go directly to HualumPhong to buy tickets. Ticketing agencies, especially in the Kao San area will sell fake tickets. Make sure the agency displays a "SRT" State Railway of Thailand sign.
Book a few days in advance especially around Thai holidays. Often they will travel by train to return to their native homes. For major holidays book 2 weeks in advance.
Load up on snacks and goodies before getting on the train. Food and drink are a little expensive on the train.
DO NOT buy food from the train food hawkers at stops along the way. Literally, you do not know when they prepared the food.
Hope to be on time but expect a delay. There's no way of telling; sometimes it's just 15 minutes sometimes 3 hours.
Careful of your belongings and valuables while sleeping. The train attendants recommend that you DO NOT sleep with the window open, as theives can snatch your bag at stops during the night.
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