VHS On Countdown...Train to CM
 

I e-mailed Thai State Railway on 12/30 to reserve 1st class on the overnight BKK to CM. I have not received a response despite sending a follow-up e-mail and I am now getting concerned.

Car hire and accommodation is already booked in/around CM so we have to get up there/back on fixed dates.

We have 3 days in BKK before we need to leave for CM. Is this likely to be too late to reserve seats if I go to the ticket office in person (when we arrive in BKK) or am I better to just book up a return flight?

When is your trip? Bookings can be made for trains via e-mail with railway 30 days in advance, but must be requested at least 15 days in advance. If you are already within 15 days of your trip you could try booking via an agent listed on seat61.com.

Flights on Air Asia or other budget carrier are about the same price as train tickets provided you book early and get a good fare...try Air Asia, Nok Air, 12 Go....

Thanks Kim.

I did use seat61 to get the e-mail address for reservations - our required departure date from BKK is Jan 28 so original e-mail date should have been OK although we are now within the 15 days.

We particularly wanted to travel by train so will try an agent as suggested....are you saying it is now too late to buy from the ticket office in person?

No, you could try to buy it in person. Probably easier to second class sleeper than first though.

OK - thanks.

I think I tried to email for train reservations about 2 years ago when we were in Thailand. I don't think I got a response. I ended up buying the train tickets(2 first class sleepers) upon arrival in Thailand, but about 1 week before we were to take the train. If you try to buy in person and the departure date you want is full, maybe you could get the train on the return from CM.

tnnc2 - thanks and I have decided to try and purchase in person.

Your hotel would probably buy them for you if you don't want to trek over to the station. Or a travel agent located in your hotel.