Chiang Mai

dari · #1 05-03-2007, 02:37

I'm thinking of taking a train to Chiang Mai in April. Then somehow get to Mae Sai to continue my adventures.

I'm hoping someone here has experience riding the trains to the northern parts of Thailand.

Not concerned about cost.
First of all, how long is the ride?
Is a sleeper recommended?
Whats a good time of day to begin the train ride?

Thanks, Dari

steve@thaib · #2 05-03-2007, 03:39

I did it by bus and stopped off for a night in Sukothai, which is well worth seeing. Buses are cheap, no idea about trains.

MrDK · #3 05-03-2007, 03:48

Here is a great web site for train travel. I have used it a couple of times for train travel in SE Asia. There is a ton of information here for many countries.
This link goes directly to the Thailand page:
How to travel by train in Thailand - a complete guide

aussie45 · #4 05-03-2007, 07:41

Try the Thai railways web site railway.co.th

dari · #5 07-03-2007, 23:10

Thanks for all the replys and great info.

Its what I like about this site. A wealth of friendly knowledge.

mars · #6 08-03-2007, 03:48

Try a search Dari It has been covered on here before and I have done the trip myself, there is sleeper accomodation available in 1st and second class, leaves bangkok about 9 o'clock at night, about 10 or 11 hour trip and quite cheap but you need to book, I went to the station the day before to book mine, also food available on board.

Sorr dont have time for a full answer tonight.

barflyrex · #7 08-03-2007, 08:34

Gday dari.

Traveling by train is a great way to see thailand, unlike the bus were it all looks pretty much the same, on a train your passing through peoples backyards.

I use this site when planning a trip, hope it helps.

STATE* RAILWAY* OF* THAILAND

cheers Rex

sharkyr · #8 14-03-2007, 03:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by barflyrex

Gday dari.

Traveling by train is a great way to see thailand, unlike the bus were it all looks pretty much the same, on a train your passing through peoples backyards.

I use this site when planning a trip, hope it helps.

STATE* RAILWAY* OF* THAILAND

cheers Rex

Hi Rex
Im very interested in traveling by Train from BKK to Chaing mai on my next visit , I think Its a great experience and a nice way to enjoy the landscapes.
But an 11 hours trip , in a small cabinet with lesser facilities found on airplanes
well Im having second thoughts!
Can you please share your personal experience and advice regarding long Journeys via Thai trains?

Mr.Pompoi · #9 15-03-2007, 20:34

I took the train from Bangkok to chiang mai in december.. I had a first class sleeper but i liked it much more in the other carriages. Lot of happy thai people singing and laughing having a great time on their trip. This was a good experiense for me and i dont mind doing it again. I think the train arrived 4 hours or something late but i dident mind because i was sleeping.