Hua Lamphong Railway Station

Post Views: 4,949

A Historic Landmark in the Heart of Bangkok

Content show

Hua Lamphong Railway Station is right at the edge of Bangkok Chinatown, and it’s worth a quick visit even if you’re not catching a train. I went there mostly for photos. The building opened in 1916, and the architecture is impressive, a mix of Italian design with that distinctive arched roof you can spot from the street. It was the main hub for Thailand’s rail network for over a century before Bang Sue Grand Station took over most routes.

Walking Inside the Main Hall

The first thing I noticed was how high the ceiling is. It feels grand but also a bit worn around the edges, which I actually liked. The floor is polished, the wooden benches are old, and there’s something about the place that feels like stepping back a few decades.

People still buy tickets here, though most long-distance trains now leave from Bang Sue Grand Station up north. Some local routes still operate from Hua Lamphong. There’s a 7-Eleven inside and a few food stalls where commuters grab noodles before boarding. The atmosphere is calmer than it used to be now that the main traffic has moved

The stained-glass windows caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting something so decorative in a train station. Morning light makes them look best if you’re into photography. The windows face east, so get there before noon for the best shots.

In recent years, the station’s role has shifted with the opening of the new Bang Sue Grand Station. However, Hua Lamphong Railway Stationremains a favourite among travellers and history enthusiasts who appreciate its old-world charm and central location.

The Railway Museum

This is easy to miss. It’s in a separate building right in front of the main station, and I almost walked past it twice. Look for the entrance on your left when facing the main building.

Entry is free. Inside, there are old photographs showing the construction and early days of Thai railways. You’ll find train models, conductor uniforms from different eras, signal equipment, and maps of how the network expanded over the years. Some signs are in Thai only, but the photos speak for themselves.

Hua Lamphong Train Station Museum in Bangkok

Not a lot to see, maybe 20 minutes if you read everything. But it gives you access to a terrace at the front of the station with a good angle for photos of the main building. That terrace alone made the visit worth it for me.

The Steam Locomotives

Outside the station, there are a couple of old steam locomotives on display. They’re parked on a side track, and you can get quite close. Good for photos, especially if you catch them without too many people around. Early morning works best.

Getting there

Take the MRT Blue Line to Hua Lamphong Station. The exit leads directly to the building; you can’t miss it. If you’re walking from Chinatown, it’s about 10 minutes from Yaowarat Road heading south.

Is it worth visiting?

If you’re already exploring Chinatown or Talat Noi, yes. It takes maybe an hour, including the museum and some wandering around the platforms. Don’t expect a major attraction, though. It’s more of a quick stop on your way to somewhere else, or a nice addition if you’re into old buildings and railway history.
The station has appeared in Thai films and TV shows over the years. You might recognise it without realising where you’ve seen it before.