Has anyone taken the overnight 1st class sleeper train to Chiang Mai? I'm wondering how big are the compartments? Could a family of four sleep in one, or would we need 2 compartments? Also can we get tickets in advance and without going to Hua Lampong?

We took the 1st class sleeper from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. There were only two beds, however we noticed the cabin adjoining ours had a connecting door. Email a travel agent like www.olavi.com from their website and ask them! They can organise rail tickets for a price (not much extra). We've used them ourselves & they are very good. Happy travels!

why take the train when flights are so quick and cheap....you are giving up a good nites' sleeep imo...

To a certain extent I agree, since the cheap airlines arrived my wife has given up travel by train for travel by air.

However, it is a fun trip and I think it should be done once. You will need two cabins, which can be connected and I think it will cost you about 900 Baht for two people. (The web site http://www.railway.co.th/httpEng/, is not too clear.)

Bear in mind that you do save a night’s accommodation and on the two or three occasions that I have used the service I have slept well.

Ignore the price in my earlier post, the State railways web site suddenly produced another level of fares! It is apparently 593 baht per person, plus 140 Baht per person, plus 400 Baht for an air conditioned apartment. Which would make it 2,266 for two people. Then the confusing bit, “First class sleeper double bedroom for one person extra 300 Baht” -- I read that to refer to a third person.

If I’m right, this time, that makes it more expensive than flying and probably not much saving over a medium priced hotel.

Thanks to everyone who responded. I know that a flight to Chiang Mai would be quicker and easier and maybe cheaper, however my son(8) loves trains so it will be a great experience for him. I have made the trip many times and the early morning views from the train as you approach Chiang Mai are beautiful.However, I have never taken the 1st class sleeper car, just 2nd class, so I don't know what to expect. Is there a bathroom in the compartment? Can you lock the compartment while inside?

hi tnnc-no bathroom in compartment-there was a sink I think-cannot remember. Toilet/washroom (one Thai style & one English style at each carriage end. Yes, you can lock your compartment. We always made sure one of us was inside to avoid any security issues. We loved the trip and enjoyed the journey immensely, except the pair next door made "coupling noises" all night. Have fun! The train is great, slept really well, however I'd fly next time.

the bathroom and security would put me on a plane...take your kid for a train ride elsewhere