🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
The floating train is a special sightseeing service run by the State Railway of Thailand. It leaves Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) station in the morning, rolls past rice paddies and open fields up toward Saraburi and Lopburi, then runs along Thailand's longest dam crest. The moment everyone waits for is when the train stops for photos out in the middle of the dam for about 30 minutes — you can step down and shoot beside the tracks with water on both sides. One look and you understand why they call it the floating train.
When you'll actually see it "float"
The whole point of this trip is timing the water level in the reservoir. Come in the wrong season and the water's low, so you'll just see tracks running over dry ground — no floating. That's why the special service only runs in late rainy / early cool season, when the reservoir is full: usually November to February, Saturdays and Sundays only. The latest season opened around November 2025 and runs through February 2026. Early in the season (November to early December) the water is usually at its fullest and the floating effect is clearest.
Check before you book
The running dates change every year, and some weekends sell out fast. Before you plan, check the latest schedule and running dates again on the State Railway's page or the D-Ticket system. Don't go by last year's dates.
Book the activities in your Lopburi trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Train times and ticket prices
It's a single-day round trip — no overnight needed. Rough times for the latest season look like this (they can shift a little year to year).
- Outbound — leaves Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) around 06:00, reaches the mid-dam viewpoint around 09:20, and arrives at the Pa Sak Jolasid Dam halt around 10:35.
- Return — leaves the dam around 15:30 and reaches Hua Lamphong around 18:50.
- Ordinary 3rd class (fan) — about 350 THB round trip. The popular pick, and you can open the windows to shoot.
- Air-conditioned (OTOP / JR-WEST) — about 620 THB round trip. More comfortable, but the windows stay shut, so you shoot through glass.
- Open-air car — about 200 THB. Limited seats, sold only on the running day at the station.
If you want clean floating-train shots
If photos are the priority, pick 3rd-class fan or the open-air car so you can open a window and lean your camera out — better than the sealed AC car. And sit on the side that faces the reservoir as the train climbs onto the dam crest.
What to do once you reach the dam
While the train is parked at the dam (roughly 10:35–15:30) you have a decent stretch of time to wander. There are a few stops around the dam's main structure.
Dam-crest viewpoint + tram ride
A sightseeing tram runs out along the dam crest and back, about 40 minutes per loop, roughly 08:00–17:00. A long, breezy way to take in the reservoir views.
Pa Sak River Basin Museum
Covers the history, environment, and construction of the dam. There's a memorial tower you can climb for a high view over the reservoir.
Sunflower fields
Late in the year, the area around the dam near Phatthana Nikhom district has sunflowers in bloom. Garden entry is around 20 THB; best for photos from late morning to late afternoon.
Food by the dam
Around the dam's main structure and the community market, local vendors and food stalls sell through the day. The standout is fresh river fish from the reservoir, plus fried and grilled snacks to tide you over before the ride home.
- Grilled / fried fish — river fish from the reservoir. Several dam-side shops cook it fresh, and it's the most-ordered dish.
- Tom yum / larb fish — bold and punchy with hot steamed rice. A good fill before the long trip back.
- Community-market snacks — boiled corn, grilled bananas, fried bites, and souvenirs from the local women's groups, all easy on the wallet.
Plan A — one-day round trip
Good for anyone who just wants the floating train, no overnight. It's all on one train.
Bangkok → Pa Sak Dam → Bangkok
Plan B — 2 days, 1 night, stay over in Lopburi
If you're coming all this way, you may want the full Lopburi — stay one night and follow up with the old town and the monkeys. One thing to know: the floating train is a same-day round trip, and the return leg drags straight back to Bangkok. So if you want to stay over in Lopburi, this plan suits people driving their own car, or taking a regular northern-line train down to Lopburi and visiting the dam on their own without relying on the special service.
Pa Sak Dam + sunflower fields
Old town – monkeys – cafés
Before you go
- Book ahead — floating-train tickets go on sale before the season and fill up fast. Book through D-Ticket or the station the moment they open.
- Sun protection — the dam crest and the sunflower fields get strong sun. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and drinking water.
- Camera/phone fully charged — you'll shoot a lot during the mid-dam stop and the battery drains quickly, so carry a power bank.
- Cash — most dam-side shops and sunflower gardens take cash, so bring small notes.
- Leave time for the return — the train reaches Hua Lamphong around 18:50 in the evening, so plan your onward trip in advance.
Want a full Lopburi trip — old town, monkeys, and food
See the Lopburi travel guide →