Bangkok’s Historic Hua Lamphong Railway Station Turns 100

(Source: Internet)

Bangkok Railway Station was the primary source of transport for the local people as well as tourists before the advent of low cost airlines. It was the primary transit point for millions of travelers exploring Thailand each year.

The station first opened to the public on 25th June, 1916 and this year the station celebrated its 100th anniversary. It is unofficially known as the Hua Lamphong station. The station is the main terminal to Northern, Eastern, Northeastern and Southern Thailand.

State Railway of Thailand staff told the media that about 200 trains carrying more than 27,000 travelers roll through each day from the station.

The historic station was designed by Italian architect Mario Tamagno. The station features neo-classical architecture. It connects with the MRT Underground system and features a distinct half-dome structure. Its appearance and interior layout have been compared with the Frankfurt Train Station, which also features the half dome façade, a giant clock on the front gable and open-air passenger galleries.

The fabled Orient Express still passes through a few times a month as well.

Those who want to experience Hua Lamphong’s gritty charm have to hurry up because the State Railway of Thailand is planning to move operations to a new station further north. The new station is supposed to be set up in the city’s Bang Sue district.

According to local media reports, the Hua Lamphong station will be turned into a railway museum and the new station will open in 2019.