Bangkok to Chaing mai

Hi,

We are heading to Thailand in December, we are going to have a few days and then travel to Chaing Mai for a few more days. Both the train and flying have been recommended to us, but not too sure what the best option is?

Any recommendations on trips when we are there, to make teh most out of it?

Cheers

x

Bangkok to Chaing mai

There is no best option, it%26#39;s up to you!

Usually if you are real short on time you could fly. But, if you take the overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai you are traveling during time you would be sleeping in a hotel anyway. The overnight sleeper train also saves you paying for another night in a hotel in Bangkok.. Try to get your tickets a couple days before your trip if you use the train.

The Skytrain connects to the subway, the subway has a stop for the train station. Or simply take a meter taxi BUT only pay the meter fare! (Always grab your taxi on the street, don%26#39;t use the taxi in front of your hotel, they will want to bargain the fare and you will pay more!)

In Chiang Mai stop in a travel agency and look at the menu list of available tours and see what interests you. Popular tours are the Long Neck Villages, Golden Triangle area and if you pick your hotel correctly you should be able to walk to the night market and local shops. Good luck.

Bangkok to Chaing mai

Wow - great advice from Infidelal. We%26#39;re thinking of doing the same trip up from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and I think that they train would be an experience in itself. We%26#39;ll literally be in Bangkok 1 day before travelling up to Chiang Mai - does anyone know where you can buy these train tickets in advance? How long does the train take? Then I think we%26#39;ll do a temple or 2 and go for elephants - want to see wome Burmese influence.

Hi Polyanna,

Hope the info helps:

The trains in Thailand are quiet punctual ! It is a safe and comfortable way to travel. Night trains between Bangkok and the North, the South, and North-East Thailand is a good way to travel since it will save you a hotel night !

The bad thing about it is that they are so popular that they are always full the same day. Trains for Chiangmai are always very busy. Try to purchase your ticket 2 to 3 days in advance ! Particularly during Thai holiday%26#39;s ! All the Bangkokians are going out of the City of Angels !

When you arrive in Bangkok, plan your next trip and purchase your train ticket right away. From this, make your travel plans in Bangkok area.

Trains are run by the State Railway of Thailand. Main Station phone numbers: (They usually speak English, but the phone lines are often busy...)

- Bangkok HuaLampong main Railways Station, TEL (02) 223-3762, 224-7788 or 225-0300, extension 5100-01

Sarah

xx

Hi Amelia,

Take a look at www.seat61.com - go to the Thailand area. There is a link to email the State Rail Authority direct. Their website is www.railway.co.th

Also if you do a search under my name I have all the info about the train email system... I will try find it now and repost it if I find it

Reet xx

PS Hi Sare xxxxxx

Here is the info again:

Here is the email address to book your tickets and an example of what to write:

Email Address: passenger-ser@railway.co.th

Email :

Please can you reserve for me:

Journey: Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Date: XXX

Train number: 13

Departure time: 19:35

Class of travel: 2nd class sleeper (aircon)

Preferences: One lower bunk and the upper bunk directly above it (YOU PUT ANY PREFERENCES LIKE THAT HERE)

Number of passengers %26amp; names: 2 passengers Miss XX XX %26amp; Mr XX XX

Regards

XXX

You can only book up to 30 days in advance and you pay on arrival.. must pick up the tickets prior to a certain time... We recieved a confirmation email as below:

Dear Sir/Madam

Reference to your e-mail on 9th October. I%26#39;d like to confirm your

reservation 2 person 2nd class A/C sleeper 1 lower 1 upper

from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by the Special Express Train No.13 on 5th December,2006 leaving Bangkok at 07.35 pm. and arrived Chiang Mai at 09.20 am. on 6th December, 2006. The ticket price for 2 person is Baht 1,612.00

Please purchase your tickets including booking fee 200 baht at the total amount of 1,812.00 Baht by presenting this email confirmation and your passport to our Chief Clerk, Advance Booking Office,Bangkok Station(Hualamphong) during 08.30 am-4.00 pm everyday,as for on the date of your departure not later than 4.00 pm. on 5th December,2006; otherwise, this reservation will be cancelled automatically.

Please acknowledge us e-mail confirm.Thank you for your interesting on our rail service.

Your Sincerely,

Passenger Traffic Section

*When you get to the station there is a massive sign in one corner saying ';advance bookings';... very easy.. there is also a place you can store luggage for a few hours if needed, a great little massage place, a supermarket for train snacks and a couple of restaurants incl KFC!

Enjoy!

Reet xx

Here is a link to the other posting :

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293916-i3687-k121鈥?/a>

Hey Reet,

I wondered when you would help these people out, having done the trip.

Emailed you.

Sar

xx

Hey Sar,

Got it.. about to reply!

Love ya

Reet xx

Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant. The train it is and we%26#39;ll take that advice with the email and do just that to get it booked in advance - as we only arrive two days before we want to take the ride up to Chiang Mai that%26#39;ll put our mind at rest and leave less to organise in a new country.

Elephants, temples and trekking here we come!

That%26#39;s the first 6 days organised - another 11 to go. Where on earth next!!!

Check out AsiaAir. Very cheap and it%26#39;s only a short hop by plane. I found the overnight train hard work and a coach no better.

Flying or train is good.... We did both, but as I am afraid of flying anything land travel is good!

Not sure if I made it clear but look up the train timetable on the Railway website first to work out which train is best... we did 2nd class sleeper leaving BKK at 19.35pm....

From Chiang Mai you should head down south to one of the Islands. I preferred the less touristy islands of Ko Phangan and Ko Lanta... If you have the time you should try get to Khao Sok National Park

In Chiang Mai the Elephant Nature Park was awesome. www.elephantnaturefoundationonline.com

For more ideas you can have a look through my Thailand blogs at www.travelblog.org/bloggers/reet

Reet xx