I’m currently working on a couple of book projects and photographing to an agreed list of attractions around Thailand. It’s an interesting process because I am having to tackle subjects that I would normally not bother with. Of course, it is also a great way to build up a good stock of images.

Last night I went down to Hua Lampong Station, the hub for all rail travel in Thailand. Located on the outskirts of Chinatown, the grand old station is a reminder of an age when the train truly revolutionized travel within Thailand. From here, tracks stretch northwards to Chiang Mai and east into Issan, where the line divides at Nakhon Rachasima, with one line running up to Nong Khai and onward over the Laos border, and the other heading for Ubon Ratchathani. A shorter branch line also runs from Bangkok to the town of Aranya Phratet on the Thai-Cambodian border. Train enthusiasts and historians can travel west to Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous ‘bridge over the River Kwai’ and Hellfire Pass, or use the line to travel south to reach Thailand’s islands and beaches. Moving along at an unhurried pace, the comfortable carriages pass through the royal resort of Hua Hin and its beautiful old station and then on to Chumphon, Surat Thani and Hat Yai. From here you can even continue by rail on to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Construction of Hua Lampong Station started in 1910 and it opened for service on June 25, 1916. It’s a beautiful sight when lit up at night.