The Train Journey from Butterworth to Suratthani

The Train Journey from Butterworth to Suratthani

December 26, 2013|Adiek Sarah

The journey by Thai Railways (Butterworth - Bangkok) starts from Butterworth to Suratthani, Thailand. I'm supposed to travel with a new friend from the backpacking group, but for some reasons he couldn't make it. So it became a completely solo backpacking trip for me. I followed Ijat to her office and we go for breakfast at Transfer Road to have my favourite Roti Canai Daging.

I had some shopping before leaving from Penang. I took ferry to Butterworth and had some lunch before heading to the train station. Butterworth train station is located just next to the ferry and bus terminal.

The departure time was on 2.30 pm. I bought upper sleeper berth for RM84.90. The ticket cannot be bought online and I had to ask for my friend to walk into the counter at Butterworh or Penang and buy the ticket for me. There were only 2 coaches provided. One coach for the local destinations until Padang Besar and another coach is for passengers to Bangkok.

Everybody paid for the sleeper bed, but they will on prepare the bed after Hatyai station. It means that initially it was normal 2nd class seat for 4 passengers . When the other coach is full, our coach will be shared by local passengers as well.

I really enjoy the green view of the paddy field along the journey to the north. Just like the old days when I was studying at North Malaysia a long time ago.

Once we reached Padang Besar station, everybody has to get down for the immigration process. Padang Besar is the border between Malaysia and Thailand. There was a lady offering for money exchange after Thailand Immigration counter. I know the rate is quite high, but I still change because some small changes at least for local transportation for the next morning.

The journey continues. A train worker came to our places and asked if we want to order anything for dinner and breakfast. I didn't order anything because I know they served pork as well. I was not really hungry, but I still need something to eat. When the train stops at Hatyai, 2 ladies went up to the train and selling their foods. I know they are Muslims from the way they wear. A lady came to my place, and I finally bought 2 chicken drumsticks for my dinner.

Once everybody has finished with their dinner and the train leaves Hatyai, they finally start to prepare the bed. The time is already 7 pm. I guess I will only few hours to sleep on the bed before I reach to the station. Once my bed is prepared, I didn't waste my time and had some rest.

Somebody wake me up. It was the train worker and he kept on saying 'Surat..Surat..'. I quickly get down from bed, go to the toilet and leave the train when it stops at Suratthani station. It was only 12 midnight. Where am I supposed to go at this hour?

The station is not too big yet not too small. There are a lot of local passengers waiting for the next train. It was quite a busy station. It was still cold outside here even I wore my sweater. I was still sleepy and I don't think I can stay up until tomorrow morning. I sat on a bench and take out my sleeping bag. With my bag as pillow and I hold the other bag with my leg, I just had my sleep and ignore everything surround me until I woke up at 5 in the morning.