By: Alex
A single animated film, *Spirited Away*, and a few minutes of near-silent scenes featuring a “train on water” have made it world-famous. Nowadays, anywhere in the world where a railway crosses water or runs along the coast can evoke images of Chihiro, No-Face, the fat rat, and the crow taking that train together to visit Zeniba. Aside from Japan (related reports), it turns out there's also a seasonal sightseeing railway known as the “train on water” in Lopburi Province, Thailand — and tickets are in high demand.
▲ Regular trains also run on the water section, but their frequency is very low, reportedly only four services per day. (photo by nelsonandhisplanet @IG)
Lopburi Province is located north of the capital Bangkok. There, the relatively new Pa Sak Jolasid Dam (construction began in 1991 and completed in 1999) sits alongside a railway that runs roughly north–south along the western edge of the reservoir, with several short sections built over the water. Every year after the rainy season (June to October), the reservoir’s water level rises dramatically, sometimes even stirring up waves, while distant mountain ranges loom at the far end. Gazing out the train window, it feels like speeding across the sea — a uniquely poetic experience that draws many visitors for day trips each year.
▲ Sightseeing trains stop on the water section, allowing passengers to disembark and take photos. (photo by bas_gowentgo @IG)
The Lopburi water train only operates on weekends between mid-November and the end of January each year. Due to limited services and immense popularity, tickets sell out quickly. As a sightseeing train, it has a special feature: it stops on one of the “elevated” sections over the reservoir, letting passengers get off to take photos by the tracks or admire the reservoir’s magnificent scenery for about 30 minutes. Additionally, about 30 minutes’ travel north after leaving the water section, the train arrives at the Khok Salung terminal station. It then turns around and heads back toward the Pa Sak Jolasid Dam station, passing the elevated section again (though without stopping), giving passengers another chance to enjoy the reservoir view.
▲ The sight of the water train speeding across the water is incredibly poetic. (photo by thailandlocaltravel @IG)
▲ Even in the dry season, the reservoir scenery remains impressive. (photo by hamzterzkub @IG)
▲ The tracks stretch endlessly into the distance, sparking the imagination. (photo by porjai.agency @IG)
▲ Cattle graze on the exposed reservoir bed during the dry season. (photo by leavejourney @IG)
▲ The Lopburi water train is extremely popular among locals, and tickets are in high demand. (photo by iaminam @IG)
Source: Thailandfans