The Udon Thani to Vientiane train is a service connecting Northeast Thailand to the capital of Laos. This service began operations in July 2024 (along with the Bangkok to Vientiane overnight service) when the station at Vientiane Khamsavath was officially opened. This short service is a more pleasant way to cross the border compared to […]
International train services in Southeast Asia
Travel by train is a great way to experience international overland travel in Southeast Asia. It’s more comfortable than a bus, and less hassle than international air travel. At the moment though there are only a few international train routes that are operating. This will change in the future with new international services planned, and […]
Notes on Siantar: things to do while waiting for the train in North Sumatra
Pematangsiantar (also known as Siantar) is city in North Sumatra Province of Indonesia, and it’s the second-largest city in North Sumatra after Medan. Siantar not a city on the tourist trail, but I ended up here on the way back from Lake Toba to Medan. There is a train from Siantar to Medan, and I […]
Nimman Chiang Mai: the world’s first digital nomad neighbourhood
Nimmanhaemin Road in Chiang Mai is one of the coolest streets in Thailand. The Nimman area is near Chiang Mai University, so it’s infused it with a youthful vibe. The Nimman area is also a digital nomad hotspot, and as I explain in this article, it was most likely the world’s first digital nomad neighbourhood. […]
Chiang Mai cafes: best cafes listed by neighbourhood
A list of the best cafes in Chiang Mai, including specialty roasters, hidden cafes, and beautiful spaces. Chiang Mai is famous for its cafes, which makes sense considering that Northern Thailand is a major coffee-growing region. The cafe scene in Chiang Mai is constantly evolving, so if you are a returning visitor there is always […]
Makassar–Parepare railway: the first section of the Trans-Sulawesi railway
The Makassar–Parepare railway is a railway line in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. This railway will eventually form part of the Trans-Sulawesi Railway from Makassar to Manado, and other lines are planned around the island. This guide is for the Makassar–Parepare railway, including maps, tickets, timetables, and what to expect onboard. Makassar–Parepare railway The first stage of […]
Yogyakarta International Airport Rail Link
Yogyakarta International Airport Rail Link is the airport rail service connecting Yogyakarta to Yogyakarta International Airport. Yogyakarta International Airport (IYIA) opened in 2019, replacing Adisutjipto Airport as the main airport of Yogyakarta. The new airport is about 45 km from Yogyakarta, but it’s near the main railway that runs near the southern coastline of Central […]
Java Railways: maps and resources for Java train travel
The island of Java has one of the most comprehensive railway networkks in Southeast Asia. Trains cross the entire length of the island, so getting the train is the best way to see the highlights of Java. This Java railways guide features Java rail maps and articles about Java train travel. Java railways maps Wikipedia […]
Java to Bali by train, ferry, and bus
A guide for how to travel overland from Java to Bali by train, ferry, and bus. Java and Bali are separated by the Bali Strait, and the islands are 2.4 km apart at the closest points. Ferries run continually between the two islands, so this is one of the easiest crossings when overlanding across Indonesia. […]
KA Probowangi: Train from Surabaya to Ketapang (for the Bali ferry)
KA Probowangi is a train service in East Java from Surabaya to Ketapang. The train connects the largest city in East Jave to the ferry port for Bali. KA Probowangi departs Surabaya at 05:35 and arrives at Ketapang at 12:45, for a total travel time of 7h 10m. This is the best train service if […]
