It's been a peaceful night here at Poonsook Hotel as we make plans to return to Bangkok. First however, there is the matter of breakfast and I'm most interested to know what buffet style here looks like. Anything more than toast and rice soup will be a bonus considering what we paid for the night's stay. When we enter the dining hall we look around in amazement. On our travels we do occasionally get some exceptional buffet breakfasts and this one is about to join that list. There is toast, coffee, juice and rice soup of course but on top of that is American style consisting of sausage and egg with salad and dressings then two Thai dishes fit for lunch or even dinner rather than breakfast. What makes this special are the sides to suit every taste. I'll certainly be bookmarking this hotel the future reference. Now let's start this final leg to Bangkok expected to take four hours actual driving, but not before a little detour.
As I search the train scheduling there is nothing immediately due at Phitsanulok Railway Station, but I head there anyway in case there are freight workings, but as it turns out there are only stationary locomotives here are present. As a titbit of information I should mention the preserved E-Class steam locomotive No. 181 located in front of the station. It was commissioned in 1919 and hauled passengers and cargo, especially rice for Bangkok. Now let's put some daylight between here and Bangkok as we head south on HWY 117.
No stops have yet been planned, but on nearing Nakhon Sawan, I decide to head for the main station. This station lies at the northern end of current upgrades to the SRT Northern Line and since I was last here, a splendid new station building has been constructed. However, for the moment the original station is still in use, but the platforms have been raised to the required international standards. When the new station opens, access to the platforms will be via the newly constructed footbridge. While on this tour so far, I've been a little unfortunate with the railway scheduling, but on this occasion it's spot on as a train from Denchai arrives at the station. It's a good result as we continue on our journey south.
We continue through Nakhon Sawan, Chainat, Singburi and Ang Thong now on HWY 32. We make good time so it's too tempting to call at Ayutthaya Railway Station as well. At an important time of day, this station is busy with four services in an hour; Express Train 76, Rapid Trains, 112 & 136 and Ordinary Train 201. My good fortune has finally returned and we can complete the final leg stopping for dinner on the way.
While yesterday was all about temples, today has been all about trains and it's this blend that keeps us both happy.

Source: Visit