j

Does anyone have experience with the train from Chaing Mai to Bangkok? I found the times and prices online, but can't find much about the experience, scenery, comfort, etc. Any information about with this will be appreciated. Recommendation on doing it during the day or as an overnight? Thanks.

thursdaysd

I've done it overnight - no scenery at night. I was in 2nd class and thought it was fine, especially as the berths are parallel with the sides of the train in Thailand, so once you draw the curtains you have visual privacy.

For details including pix, see http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm

Bushranger

I did it the other way, Bangkok to CMai in a sleeper, probably also 2nd class with berths as thursdaysd says and no reason not to have a comfy sleep.

So cannot comment on the scenery but scenery in Thailand is pretty good elsewhere and if you do not mind spending a day watching it go past in between reading and whatever, why not?

rhkkmk

there have been some reports of thefts on trains....i can't imagine the discomfort when you can fly for such a cheap price on air asia and others...

thursdaysd

"i can't imagine the discomfort" - why do you think it's uncomfortable? Have you done the trip?

And if someone's really concerned about theft (not something I've heard about in Thailand) they can take a cable lock along for the main bag (my valuables are always in a money belt). Or if there are two they can go first class and get a lockable compartment.

Cranachin

I took the sleeper train from CM to BKK a couple of years ago and enjoyed it. We had 2nd class berths as well. As I recall I slept pretty well. The worst part was getting in very early in the morning - we got off at Don Muang airport and it was still dark (we weren't flying out from Don Muang - it was just much closer to our destination in Bangkok than the central station was).

I thought the daylight portion of the trip was very scenic - passing rice paddies and villages and jungle. For one good stretch there was an incredible double rainbow on view. I had walked down to the dining car and discovered that there were open windows that I could take pictures out of, and I had a ball and got some great shots. I didn't eat in the dining car, though - we bought food and drinks in Chiang Mai to take with us.

crellston

I have used the train in Thailand on several occasions both daytime and one or to overnights and do enjoy it as a method of travel. If going overnight I would recommend getting your own 1st Class compartment for both for the privacy and noise reasons. buy a pacSafe or cable lock so you can secure your bags when leaving the compartment.

As far as food is concerned, the at seat food nand drink provided by the train staff is a total rip off. Either use the restarant car or buy from the hawkers at one of the many stations along the way. A fun alternative to air travel.

thursdaysd

"A fun alternative to air travel."- also greener.