I'm interested to hear impressions of the train ride between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. My travel companion and I are considering it in order to see more of the Thailand countryside. We would travel 1st class, overnight. I read one posting on this site that said the trip was not pleasant. Did others have similar experiences?

Thank you!

Wonder if that was my posting...

Rustic is more the word I would use rather than unpleasant.

It really depends on what kind of traveler you are: if you're a bit adventurous, the train certainly breaks up the monotony of doing a lot of flying between cities (as we had done.) But, the 1st class compartments are far from comfortable...and the bathroom facilities (squat toilets) can be downright disgusting.

We got a big kick out of it and laughed most of the way, but we're fairly resilient and not usually bothered by these sorts of things. I noticed a few other passengers on board who didn't find the journey quite so amusing.

Most trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are night trains so don't plan on seeing much scenery. The best views are gained in the morning as you approach Chiang Mai, but even those just weren't enough to make the experience all that much worth it for us.

Hope this helps!

BTW--if you end up taking the train, don't forget to bring your artic jumper for the sub-zero A/C that blasts throught the compartments 24/7.

I did this trip the other way in second class, plus Bangkok to Vientiane both ways in second class, and thought it was just fine. The sleepers had the berths parallel to the sides of the carriages, with curtains for each berth, so there was more privacy than in most other trains. All train toilets can get pretty bad, but at least you don't have to sit down on squats.

I'd say, save the time and fly. See your scenery once you get there fully rested and happy.

We took the overnight train from Bkk to CM in a 1st class sleeper. We had our 2 children with us, 1 of whom is a big train fan, so we actually had 2 compartments(each with bunkbeds) that connected in the middle. There was a tiny sink in each compartment, but we still had to use the same toilets as everyone else, which were not too pleasant. You can see some beautiful scenery going into CM, but we took the train mainly because our kids wanted to travel by train.

If want true luxury and comfort for a train ride in Thailand then you can't go wrong with the Orient Express. I think you can buy a one way trip for their Bangkok - Chiang Mai excursion (with stops in a few cities).

http://www.orient-express.com/web/eo....jsp#itinerary

how can you see the country side when it gets dark about 6PM year round in thailand??

with limited time, why not fly??

Here's a link to their one way trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai with price and itinerary:

http://www.orient-express.com/web/eo...ys/3_81380.jsp

hi de ho

Yes it is dark. But the mornings are beautiful as you come into CM at about 7am.

We took 2nd class sleeper and it was fine.

It does take longer than a flight but we felt it was a wonderful experience.

Make sure to bring a bike chain or something to put tie your bag/belongings to something fixed. I doubt anything would happen but its what a Thai person suggested we do.

Overall we had a blast!

Eek

We are planning on taking the train (1st class) from CM to BKK in June. I've traveled a good deal through Europe on trains (all classes, all parts) and my H has traveled through China on trains as well. We certainly aren't expecting a posh transport, but it's an economical option for us to get from point A to point B.

"tie down your belongings"--a perfect reason to fly...

It's not unknown for things to get stolen from checked luggage when flying. I've spent a lot of time on trains over the last few years, and have yet to lose anything (busily touching wood!). I did take a cable lock for India, but have since stopped bothering.

Did not enjoy the train ride, but it was between chaing Mai and bangkok, the opposite direction from your trip. What bothered me the most was the pollution from the train engine. I felt like all I wanted to do was get off and breathe! Also, as has been said, the bathrooms are dirty. They did have an eastern and western style bathroom at the end of each car, both bad. Also, there was really nothing to see as it got dark quickly. It was disappointing! Fly! P.S. I went 6 months ago.

I would not travel between Bangkok first-class is always air-conditioned, and there are seasons when I prefer only a fan.

Thailand, however is flat; and there's just not much you're going to be able to see in terms of countryside no when or how you travel. Thus, you might as well get a good night's sleep while you're going the distance because you will see enough of whatever you hope to see in the couple hours of daylight on the train outside Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Moreover, you'll have a far more pleasant, traditional Thai experience on the train than you would in the air. Few Thai people would ever think of flying between these two points; so you'll meet more Thais on the train and have a more realistic glimpse into their culture.

One additional suggestion (if you decide to go by train): Choose a lower berth over an upper one -- they're wider and more comfortable. Plus, on the train, you get transportation and a free night's sleep without having to pay for airfare or a hotel room.

Remember: You will experience far more of Thailand INSIDE the train cabin than you could ever imagine viewing outside the train's windows. That, in my opinion, is what traveling is all about. Partake in the local way of life.

Where do you find out about the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai? Is there a website, or do you need to book htem through a travel agent?

http://seat61.com/Thailand.htm#Bangk...20Chiang%20Mai

We used a company called Traveler 2000 (their info is on the Seat 61 site)...very affordable and they deliver your tickets to your hotel in Bangkok free-of-charge.

Good luck!

Thanks, filmwill- this is great info! We've just decided to attempt to include a few days up in the Chiang Mai area- our original plan was to spend 4 days or so in Bangkok (and area) 4 days in Siem Reap, and 4-7 days in Phuket on a scuba diving liveaboard. Not sure how we're going to do this yet- I know how many people recommend Tong as a guide in Bangkok- is there someone that you or anyone has used to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and if so who?