Many travellers move directly between the popular tourist cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The cheapest way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is by overnight sleeper train.
Following two weeks in Bangkok, we were looking forward to somewhere with a different pace. Chiang Mai has a much more relaxed vibe than Bangkok. There are no skytrains and metros in Chiang Mai and most of the city closes down around midnight (unless you know where to go to continue partying). Having said that, the street markets are every bit as lively as those in Bangkok, possibly even more so. This is when Chiang Mai really comes alive!
Chiang Mai Or Bangkok?
People often ask which is better; Chiang Mai or Bangkok? The truth is, they are incomparable. If you are planning a trip to Thailand, my advice is to do both! The overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai even saves you the cost of one night in a hotel!
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Sleeper Train From Bangkok To Chiang Mai
Following two weeks in Bangkok, including short visits to Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya, our next destination was Chiang Mai. Originally, we thought about slowly making our way north and stopping off at various towns on the way. However, as we were using public transport, it soon transpired that this would be problematic. We decided that we would head to Chiang Mai by using the overnight sleeper train from Bangkok. As the sleeper train stops at Ayutthaya, we decided to get it from there.
How To Buy A Ticket For The Overnight Sleeper Train From Bangkok To Chiang Mai
Buying the ticket was easy enough. We simply went to the Hua Lamphong train station and bought our tickets in advance. As we needed to get the date, the class and ask to get the train from another city, we expected this to be tricky. We also wanted to request the No. 9 train as these are the newer trains that are more comfortable and quicker. Other trains do still run, so make sure you ask for the No. 9 from Bangkok (No. 10 going the other way). Luckily, the station worker spoke good English and there was no problem getting our tickets.
Boarding The Sleeper Train From Bangkok To Chiang Mai
When we boarded the train, the carriages had already been prepared for us. We had 2 second class bunks reserved at a cost of just under 2000 baht (the top bunk is 100 baht less as it is slighter narrower). There are bunks on both sides of the train but, unlike the sleeper trains we used in India, there is a curtain for privacy and to block out some of the light from the train, which is on all night.
Sleeper Train
There is a power point so you can charge your devices. You are also given a free bottle of water and covers and a pillow. Second-class passengers do not get free WiFi but there is a diner on the train which offers free WiFi, as well as food and drinks. This diner closes at 10 pm though and the WiFi is switched off. This was frustrating for me as I wanted to watch a stream of an English football game and instead had to rely on my mobile data. A frustrating 90 minutes!
Arriving In Chiang Mai
At around 6.30, we were awoken by staff shouting ‘good morning’, giving absolutely no chance that we might not hear! It’s not the best way to be woke up but it did mean we got to see the sunrise from our window. At around 7.30, we finally pulled in to Chiang Mai.
Should You Take The Sleeper Train From Bangkok To Chiang Mai?
I definitely recommend using the sleeper train if travelling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. It won’t be the most comfortable night’s sleep you ever have, but it is a unique experience all in itself and is affordable. As it is a very popular mode of travel, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance.
Songthaew To Centre Of Chiang Mai
You won’t have any problem getting into the centre of Chiang Mai after exiting the train station. There will be plenty of Songthaews all trying to secure your custom. Songthaews are the best way to get around in Chiang Mai. Songthaew literally means ‘two rows’, named after the two wooden benches fixed along both sides of the back of the vehicle.
We were given a price of 50 baht each. We haggled and refused as the vehicle itself says 30 baht. Eventually, the woman agreed. We then had to wait until the shared taxi was filled before they departed. You can help yourself here by telling other travellers who have yet to secure a ride that you got yours for 30 baht. The vehicle soon filled up and within 15 minutes we were in the heart of Chiang Mai.
