We would like to take the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Recommendations in guide books indicate to take the overnight one and get a 2nd class sleeper. They also recommend getting reservations ahead of time, but I don't find any website mentioned and the one website where I found information on the schedule just said to contact a travel agent. I like to do trips without utilizing a travel agent, so I am wondering if anyone has taken that train and can give me 1. tips or recommendations, and 2. info for making reservations. Thanks so much!

If you book it by air on Bangkok Air using the 30 day in advance the cost is very reasonable and it takes under 1 hour plus time at airport before.

www.seat61.com has all the info you could need including how to book.

If you are taking the train because of cost, have a look at Air Asia, Nok Air...their fares are sometimes less expensive than train.

The train will cost you 881 baht for a 2nd claaa lower berth. The cheapest on Air Asia with taxes etc is 1069 but if you are going in march/08 and after, there is a special promotional rate of 9 baht plus taxes equally 652. Anyway unless you have a specific reason for the train then flying is the best and soo much faster. The only nice scenery from the train is when approaching CM through the mountains early in the morning.

Interesting that you mentioned seat61. I stumbled on them while doing a Google search and it answered all of my questions about booking. As for the question abou twhether we are doing it because of cost - the answer to that is "no". We love train tavel and have taken several train trips here in the States.

I got wondering about whether we should do the overnight (I love sleeping on trains) or the train that leaves BKK at 8:30. Obviously the advantage to the daytime one is that we would see more of the countryside. But it seems to be a longer trip. I'm guessing that it stops more places. Does anyone have any thoughts baout overnight versus daytime? We will be there in June, so I don't know how late it stay light at that time of year.

Take the night train. The scenery will be interesting fof the first few hours and after that it seems the same. And you miss the best going through the mountains when approaching as it will be dark.

Makes sense to me. Since we will be in the Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Golden Triangle area for 5-6 days at minimum, I suspect we'll have plenty of time to enjoy the mountains.

The other question would be whether to book a 1st class (private) sleeper or go with the 2nd class one. I am (unfortunately) a very light sleeper and noise bothers me, but I usually use earplugs and then I don't hear much, so maybe the 2nd class would be fine?

We took the overnight train from Bkk to CM in July (2005). The train left around 7:30pm and it was still light out, but starting to get dark. We had our 2 children with us so booked 2, 1st class sleeper cars with adjoining doors. While the 1st class is small, it was nice because you can close the door. There is also a tiny sink. I traveled in the 2nd class sleepers years ago(before kids) and would definitely recommend the 1st class. It is not any more luxurious, but more private. In the 2nd class, there are people or train staff walking down the aisle often.

Well, that answers my question perfectly - thanks. If there are people wandering around I would never get to sleep. First class it is !