You can ride a historic steam locomotive from Bangkok to Chachoengsao on June 3

A morning commute this is not. On June 3, the State Railway of Thailand rolls out one of its rarest excursions of the year, inviting passengers aboard a historic steam locomotive for a one-day trip from Bangkok to Chachoengsao. 

Running just six times annually, the journey swaps air-conditioned convenience for something far more memorable: the whistle of a heritage train, drifting clouds of white smoke and a leisurely ride through the countryside that recalls a different era of travel.

Steam locomotives once formed the backbone of Thailand's railway network. Today, seeing one in action is an event in itself, drawing railway enthusiasts, photographers and curious travellers eager to experience a mode of transport that survives largely through preservation efforts. 

The route from Hua Lamphong to Chachoengsao Junction offers plenty of opportunities to admire the scenery along the way, with green fields, canals and small communities passing by at a pace that encourages you to look out the window rather than at a screen.

Part of the appeal lies in its sense of nostalgia. Modern transport gets you where you're going quickly; this trip reminds you that the journey can be the attraction. For anyone who misses old-world travel or simply fancies a change from the usual weekend routine, it makes for an easy escape from the capital.

The train departs Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) at 8.10am and arrives in Chachoengsao at 9.50am, leaving the rest of the day free to explore before the return service. Tickets are available at railway stations nationwide and through the D-Ticket online booking system here.

The steam train runs on June 3. Tickets are available at railway stations nationwide and through the D-Ticket online booking platform.