Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: some help please

[deepsoul170]

Hello, I wonder if any of you who are more experienced in these matters can offer some advice and answers to my question:

The train trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. - Necessary to book before arriving in Thailand, or better when in Bangkok? I'll have 5 days there before actually leaving by train for Chiang Mai

Thanks for taking the time read this and for your assistance

Kind regards

freesoul

[mars]

I booked my trip the day before.

I went down to the station which is the last stop on the MRT.

If your in BKK for 5 days go down to the station as soon as you can, the trains do get busy.

Do a search for train trip to Chiang Mai there are threads on the subject.

[wylos]

as said already.........but, if u know yer dates of travel,then i would get down to station and book asap,just incase .....they do fill up rather quick.
and another thing,do u know what class u want to go,u have a few choices....
there are choices of air con or fan sleepers,both good IMHO,although i did notice another carriage,with wooden beds and they looked bigger,not sure what class......but im sure sleeper is around 500b,and if u need more room like me,opt for lower bed,a little more room.or if u wanna go all out,u can choose a seat,but personally i wouldnt,looks rather uncomfortable for a 12 hour ride.

[nelsonone]

only done it once....and never again

Unless you love trains.....fly.....I was on an overnighter so didn't see much anyway.......you should be able to pick up a flight at this time of year for under 2000bht

[deepsoul170]

Excellent, thank you all
I will follow up on this advice

deepsoul170

[White Nancy]

I booked with this lot, Amporn (amporn@traveller2000.com) via the net before I left the UK and the tickets were waiting for me at the hotel on arrival in BKK. As Nelsonone says, the overnighter is pretty dull and takes forever. We were two hours late into BKK. The day train's OK as there's some stunning scenery but next time I'll fly.

[wylos]

Originally Posted by nelsonone

only done it once....and never again

Unless you love trains.....fly.....I was on an overnighter so didn't see much anyway.......you should be able to pick up a flight at this time of year for under 2000bht

ive done it a fair few times,i like to mix it up,but wouldnt on a short trip,no way,last time i got on the train and me and my girl was on seperate bunks,so we spent a lot of time in the buffet cart,which wasnt a bad thing,the train was rammed,then she told me how long it was,it was a daytime trip aswell ,so it was different ot to see a bit more,but nearly departed the train as it left,didnt end up to bad.then i found out 1 2 go was doing 1750b deals all routes,and serve CM,a was a wee bit p1sssed.
i would say the train has to be experienced,but is a little time consuming,so i would only use on extended trips.

[MrDK]

I am certain that I posted a link in this thread for a site that could provide you some details on train travel in Thailand. Don't see it anymore, but here it is again:
How to travel by train in Thailand - a complete guide

[dawsey]

Originally Posted by MrDK

I am certain that I posted a link in this thread for a site that could provide you some details on train travel in Thailand. Don't see it anymore, but here it is again:

You did! It is here . The OP posted the train question in both Bangkok and Chaing Mai sections