Bangkok to Chiang Mai, train or fly?

Old Jul 31st, 2015, 06:24 PM
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Bangkok to Chiang Mai, train or fly?

I'm debating what the best option is to travel between the two cities.

I arrive in Bangkok on a Thursday night, I will stay one day (two nights) before I travel to Chiang Mai. I've read about the weekend markets in CM and would like to visit them (although shopping isn't of importance).

What is the overnight train like on this route? Am I better off flying? If so, which is the better option, Air Asia, Bangkok Airways or Thai. I am aware Air Asia operates from the old international airport and the other airlines fly from BKK.

One other thought that crossed my mind........I will be in CM for three days (whether I travel by train or air). If I fly, is it a good idea to travel from Bangkok - CM - Chiang Rai - Bangkok. If so, I'd remove a day from Bangkok.

Elephant rides and trekking are of no interest. I'm interested in some temples (including the White Temple in CR) and the long neck tribes or hill tribes.

Thoughts?

Thanks.
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Old Jul 31st, 2015, 06:32 PM
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It sounds as though Bangkok isn't a big priority. Why not go directly to Chiang Mai. There are direct flights from some places or it's easy to just continue on from BKK (Air Asia excepted). If you plan to return to Bangkok, do it at the end.

Regarding flying or train to CM, I confess I've never taken the train and wish I had. Next time I plan to do it, but on such a tight schedule as you outline, I'd do as I mentioned, fly, either direct or with a change at BKK.
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Old Jul 31st, 2015, 06:59 PM
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I have taken the train to CM on a couple of occasions. It is a decent enough journey and it is nice to arrive in the North as dawn breaks ( assuming it is on time!).

Cost wise there is not a lot of difference between flying and the train although the train has the edge because you save on one nights accommodation.

Time wise, the plane is clearly quicker but as you will be asleep for most of the journey so there isn't a huge difference in your "conscious vacation time".

As far as comfort is concerned, there are individual air con cabins which sleep two and air con main cabin which are decked out with bunks. Have a look at www.seat61.com for great info on the cabins, fairs etc.

If flying, I would go with Air Asia from Don Mueang. Usually the cheapest ( esp. If you book in advance) lots of flights. Very punctual, I have flown with them maybe 20 times in the past year and have only been late once.

In CM the Saturday and Sunday walking markets are worth a look but I would avoid the night bazaar - really tacky.

I think it would be a great idea to go Bangkok - CM - CR - Bangkok

The minority people's villages close to CM are more akin to a human zoo these days and are not an experience I would recommend. To see something remotely authentic you do need to get right out into the countryside which would involve some trekking. CR is probably a better bet as far as the hill tribe visits are concerned.

I think I prefer Chiang Rai to CM it is smaller, more manageable and the Saturday? Night market there is one of the best I have seen anywhere in Thailand. far superior to CM. some amazing foodstalls. In addition to the White Temple, don't miss the Black House.
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Old Aug 1st, 2015, 06:45 AM
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I, too, have taken the train. Not in first, but I find second class on Thai trains very comfortable. The berths are parallel to the side of the train, with curtains, so you have visual privacy. I have ridden several Thai trains, and never had a problem woth noisy passengers.
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Old Aug 1st, 2015, 06:54 AM
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Flying is quick, easy and cheap. We flew Air Asia between the two cities and had no problems.
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Old Aug 1st, 2015, 07:02 AM
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When BKK was Don Meuang, it was wonderfully easy to arrive, then walk via an indoor walkway to the domestic terminal, walk up to the sales desk and buy a ticket for the next flight to CM. Like buying a bus ticket with a flight every hour, if I recall, on Thai. I've wondered if it's still that easy at the new airport (my latest visits to Bangkok I've stayed in Bangkok).
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Old Aug 2nd, 2015, 01:36 AM
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Many folks prefer Bangkok Air coz with every ticket one gets admission to yummy lounge pre-flight at all airports in T'land. Food/drink/web, stuff like that. A bit more cultured than AirAsia. To CNX, only from BKK.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2015, 06:54 AM
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FLY!!!!
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Old Aug 2nd, 2015, 04:20 PM
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Thanks you all for the replies.

Bangkok is a must as my international fights arrive/depart from BKK. In terms of sights, I was originally going to spend all the days I'll be in Thailand in Bangkok. I'm travelling on FF award tickets and now have an extra three days in Thailand due to flight availability which is how CM came into the picture.

I arrive in Bangkok on a Thursday and will travel by night train to Nong Khai on a Friday the week after I arrive. I have 8 days in Thailand. Besides the weekend markets is there any advantage/disadvantage to being in either CM or Bangkok during the week/weekend?

I'm thinking of thisbr />
Thursday, arrive BKK
Friday, BKK
Saturday, fly to CM - sightsee
Sunday, CM, depart late evening to Chaing Rai
Monday, Chaing Rai
Tuesday, depart early am to Bangkok
Wednesday, Thursday, Bangkok
Friday, depart on overnight sleeper for Nong Khai.

As a last resort, I can depart one day later for Laos, but that will mean I am only in Vientianne for one night and will have to complete my sightseeing (in Vientianne) the day I arrive.

I return to Thailand after Laos for two nights and will stay in Bangkok.
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Old Aug 3rd, 2015, 01:11 AM
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IMHO you are moving around too much. Two nights in any one place is only one full day. I appreciate that everyone has different requirements from their travel but I would visit either CR or CM not both. CM is far larger and has more going on but CR also has at lot to commend it, the WHite Temple, Black House, Saturday walking market plus the opportunity to head off to places in the golden triangle. For me, CR wins hands down but your interests may well be different.

I certainly would not reduce your time in Vientiane in favour of extra time in Thailand.

Apart from the markets, I doubt you would notice any difference between weekdays and weekend, apart perhaps from some of the amazing Sunday buffet brunches in 5* Bangkok hotels!
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Old Aug 3rd, 2015, 05:28 AM
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I agree with Crellston. I'd opt for Chiang Rai/Golden Triangle area instead. It will give you a good contrast with Bangkok, whereas Chiang Mai is a big city. Don't go to CM for the markets - they are pretty mediocre, IMO. I love Doi Suthep outside of Chiang Mai. I'm not a fan of the White Temple... a one-time quick stop is all I ever wanted... but I think a stop in Chiang Sean for the ruins and the museum is worthwhile.
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Old Aug 5th, 2015, 10:33 AM
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I just returned and have not done the train but we flew from Cambodia to CM. It's quick and affordable so in the interest of time, I think I'd fly. Looking back, some of our best shopping was the night market in CM so if you see something you love, get it! I wish I'd done that. The temples in CM were amazing...truly spectacular. I wish I had another day there. Enjoy.
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Old Aug 9th, 2015, 05:13 PM
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If you have never travelled to CM by train - I suggest you do it at least once.

It's a 12 hour journey and I suggest you leave on the early morning train (perhaps diesel rail special express) which will allow you to see Bangkok and rural Thailand during the day and as you get closer to ChiangMai, some views of the mountains. Make sure you take water and snacks as it can be hot in central Thailand (e.g. at Pitsanulok stop).

Once you have done this journey, take a flight back. No need to take the train again, unless you want to kill some time.
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Old Aug 9th, 2015, 08:45 PM
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You should fly because it's very cheap, quick and comfortable. You can save 12 hours sitting on train to visit more attractions in Chiang Mai.
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Old Aug 9th, 2015, 09:03 PM
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"You can save 12 hours sitting on train..."

Not an argument, just another way of thinking - some of us like the hours on the train and traveling through the countryside every bit as much as getting to the destination. I don't think there's any "should" in a case like this, only preferences.
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Old Aug 9th, 2015, 11:22 PM
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"You can save 12 hours sitting on train..."

A) they won't be sitting, it is a night train with bunks and,
B) what sort of attractions will be open in the middle of the night in Chiang Mai?
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Old Aug 10th, 2015, 06:57 PM
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@crelleston: If they travel by plane, they will arrive Chiang Mai much earlier daytime and thereby can tour the city soon. For me, it's not comfortable to sleeping on train.

@MmePedru: The thread owner, he/she, is asking for advice, not ask for information. So I use "should". He/she can choose to take the advice or not. Advice in general is similar to preference. It's not an order.
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Old Aug 10th, 2015, 07:11 PM
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I guess we've been told. End of thread.
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Old Aug 11th, 2015, 06:33 AM
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Dear me, this is one opinionated newbie!

I have slept very well on Thai trains.
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Old Aug 11th, 2015, 08:16 AM
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KimFiona ( clearly not from UK!) you are entirely missing the point. They would sleep on the train this not wasting any time at all.

"They will arrive much earlier daytime and thereby can tour the city soon". This doesn't even make sense.
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