5
David Robards -
a month ago
Last time here was in 2019 to go by Special Express to Padang Besar, MY to go by commuter train to Butterworth for ferryboats to Georgetown, Penang.
The station has a number of both Thai and Western outlets over 2 floors where a rail passenger can obtain anything that is needed for their journey.
This is physically one of the most beautiful classic railway stations in the Western Pacific only rivaled by the 1910 "Old" Kuala Lumpur depot which still stands.
A passenger is greeted as one enters by a large portrait of the King of Thailand, that hangs above an open floor area with limited seating. The seating is generally on the sides of the open area. It is reserved, primarily for Monks, pregnant women and Elders over 60.
In Thai etiquette, a sitting patron MUST do 2 things: A): Stand and face the King's portrait and Thai flag for the National Anthem as played at 08:00 and 18:00. Station personnel will blow a whistle when this is about to happen. The station activities stop during the anthem and it is very touching. B): A sitting patron ALWAYS gives his (in particular) to a Monk. The adherence to these 2 pieces of etiquette will show great respect and are very much appreciated locally. It is akin to doing one's civic duty or "mitzvah" while in the station!
A special "shout out" is very much in order for the SRT agents and for the comfort room attendants along with the majority of the retail staff. Even with the language barrier, it has always been very pleasant.
The only drawback is the number of touts and some desperate people that lurk around the station, which is very common and not limited to Bangkok. It is a lot worse in the US.
Sadly, Hua Lamphong Station is soon to close in favour of an utterly gargantuan, sterile, airport type station called Bang Sue Central. The building there is almost the same size as Suvarnabhumi Airport's Main Terminal. The only advantage of the new station will be the saving of over an hour in travel time out of Hua Lamphong as trains have to surmount traffic issues on the way to Bang Sue that make New York City seem like a rural provincial town.
On a good note, both Hua Lamphong and Bang Sue Stations are easily reached by the MRT Blue Line and several bus routes, with new rapid transit links due to come onboard early next year.
A word to the wise: It is 5 baht, exact change please, to use the immaculate and well kempt comfort rooms which are on the far right against the wall that separates the Main Hall from the train platforms. There are showers there too, but soap and towels do not appear to be provided, nor loo roll (toilet paper). There might be an extra charge for the private showers.
There is also a chargeable baggage room at the station which, though not sure of the cost, is around 20 baht per piece (standard price based on checked bags for buses).
This traveler will miss this spectacular station when she closes. It is soon to become a railway maintenance facility and public museum. Unlike in the US, it is not expected to be torn down. A small saving grace.
