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If you think you know everything about Thailand, think again!
We all know the bright lights of Bangkok, the astounding beaches of Phuket, and the cultural delights of Chiang Mai, but dispersed throughout the country are a plethora of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Let’s be honest; Asia’s train options are a mixed bag. You can hop aboard Japan’s famous ‘bullet trains’ where it seems as if you’ll pierce the sound barrier, or you can ride atop a cargo train in India dodging tree branches and electrical wires in true local fashion.
Okay, okay, the latter isn’t recommended even as thrilling as various Youtubers make it seem.
Somewhere in the middle of the spectrum are Thailand’s ultra affordable trains, yet they aren’t discussed enough as a reliable means of travel across Southeast Asia’s most fascinating country.
To my own self-admitted shame, when I visited Thailand 6 years ago, it never even crossed my mind to explore Thailand by rail, so don’t make the same mistakes I did!
This week, I came across an extraordinary deal to good not to share. If I were in Bangkok any time soon, I’d be all over it!
For only $4, you can hop aboard a 3-hour train ride to one of Thailand’s lesser-known beach paradises.
Phuket Who?!
Thailand is one of those rare places, and it seems impossible to cover every intriguing facet. You have bustling cities, mesmerizing temples, awe-inspiring islands, and phenomenal coastlines at your fingertips at any given time.
When it comes to the beach, a majority of tourists seek out Phuket, understandably so.
Despite the crowds, that hasn’t stopped vacationers from flocking to its pristine shores and action-packed streets.
With so many other incredible Thai beaches, it’s time to open your mind to new adventures, which shouldn’t be a hard sell.
One such place is Hua Hin, which is long overdue for taking center stage.
Set in the Prachuap Khiri Khan province along stunning coastlines, get ready to discover a place that seems too good to be true, especially for the price of admission.
All Aboard! Go From City Grind to Blissful Paradise For Just $4
Bangkok is most travelers’ gateway into Thailand, and while it’s an amazing city to visit, you’re doing yourself a disservice by not going beyond the city limits.
With more and more travelers seeking out new destinations, what better place than Hua Hin?
For less than what I spent on my coffee this morning, you can take venture off to some of the country’s least crowded beaches without sacrificing other destinations enticing attractions.
Hua Hin may not be a bustling city, but it’s no snoozer either!
Departing Bangkok, you’ll need to head to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station. It may be a mouthful to say, but don’t fret; it’s easy to find as it’s centrally located.
From here, you’ll only have to fork over $4 for online tickets purchased through 12Go.
The ride operated by Thai Railways is approximately three hours long after recent infrastructure upgrades.
Of course, $4 only covers the basics, but you can splurge on 2nd Class seats for $12 or level up to a ‘Sleeper’ for $27.
As tempting as it may be, you might want to ask yourself if you want to sacrifice all the beautiful scenery you’ll pass just to catch up on z’s.
You’ll arrive at the Hua Hin Railway Station, an architectural marvel in its own right as one of Thailand’s oldest stations.
What To Do In Hua Hin
There are multiple postcard white sand beaches to hit up in Hua Hin; it just depends on your vibe. If you want stay near the action, then Hua Hin Beach is your best bet.
To vacation where the locals go, Cha Am Beach should be your go-to, while Khao Takiab Beach is a sliver of paradise perfect for photo ops.
That being said, Hua Hin is far more than a beach escape. Despite the temptation to park your butt at a luxe resort like InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, you have to check out the vibrant night markets, immaculate temples, and astounding nature surrounding the city.
It’s safe to say you’ll find Hua Hin, which is made to explore whether you’re enjoying the pristine beaches or visiting such places like Kaeng Krachan National Park ($9 to enter) with picture-perfect waterfalls and wild elephants.
Reminder 🚨: Americans now need travel authorization when visiting Thailand. You can read all about it here.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.