If you want to take the overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, there are several options to choose from, including 1st class, 2nd class with AC, 2nd class with fan, and ladies only.
We chose the #13 2nd class overnight train to Chiang Mai.
What makes Train 13 one of the most popular Bangkok to Chiang Mai overnight trains is the 2nd class air-conditioned sleeper car.
The sleeper berths are different from the standard second-class sleeper berths. They offer more privacy if you are traveling as a group, the beds are a little longer, and this carriage has western-style toilets.
WHY TAKE THE OVERNIGHT TRAIN FROM BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI
For many people, traveling by train in Thailand is more than just a means of getting from A to B. It’s as much an experience as meeting elephants, island hopping, eating street food, or visiting temples.
One of the highlights of the overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is its scenic route, with breathtaking views as the train approaches Chiang Mai in the early morning.
You also get a whole night of sleep while saving on the cost of a hotel for a night and wake up fresh with a full day ahead of you.
UPDATES: This article was published in January 2016. Since then, updates have included more relevant information, such as current train timetables, how to buy tickets online, and where to read reviews of the Bangkok to Chiang Mai overnight sleeper train.
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BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI TRAIN TIMETABLES & HOW TO BUY TICKETS
IMPORTANT: Book as far in advance as possible, especially if you want to travel during holiday periods such as the Thailand Songkran Festival and the Christmas and New Year periods.
You can find departure and arrival times and buy Bangkok to Chiang Mai train tickets online on the State Railway of Thailand website: https://www.railway.co.th/Home/Index
On 12Go, you can buy tickets, find alternative ways to get to Chiang Mai, find handy tips on traveling by train in Thailand, and read reviews of the Bangkok to Chiang Mai overnight sleeper train.
SEARCH FOR TICKETS TO CHIANG MAI ON 12GO
Boarding The Bangkok to Chiang Mai Train
Hua Lamphong is a large train station consisting of the main hall with ticket booths, an information desk, seating areas, bathroom facilities, and eating places. The station layout is simple, and the platforms are close by and easy to identify.
Once we collected our tickets we entered the station and proceeded directly to the platforms. The train ticket contains all the information you need to find the right platform, train, carriage number, and seat number. We boarded at 7 PM, found our seats, and stored our luggage.
When You Board
- The luggage storage compartment on train 13 is situated overhead inside the cubicle.
- Official luggage allowances of 60kg or 1 large case and 1 small bag per person are not strictly enforced, there are no weighing or baggage checks. The storage on train 13 is large enough to accommodate several cases or bags.
- The restaurant car is open from 8 PM – 10 PM and opens again before daybreak, but vendors on the train will ask you if you would like food delivered to your seat when the restaurant opens.
- There are toilets and wash basins on every carriage. The second-class air-conditioned sleeper carriage on train 13 has a western-style toilet.
- Some seats have a 220-volt power outlet for your phone chargers etc.
- You will be asked to show your tickets soon after boarding or departure.
- The sale and drinking of alcohol on the train are strictly not allowed.
- You are allowed to take your own food and beverages onto the train.
- Smoking is allowed only in the restaurant car when the restaurant car is open. In reality, many people were smoking between the carriages and in the toilets.
- Attendants will come and prepare the beds on the 2nd class air-conditioned sleeper at 8 PM.
- The windows on the second-class air-conditioned sleeper do not open.
The Train Ride
The beauty of the second-class air-conditioned sleeper carriage on train number 13 from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is the different sleeping arrangements. If you have a bottom bunk, or if your group shares a cubicle, you can still stay seated after the beds have been made.
During our journey, many people chose to stay seated and chat. It wasn’t until midnight that most people actually retired to their bunks and slept. Obviously, this being a sleeper train, you must respect those people who are trying to sleep.
Beautiful Chiang Mai Scenery
The highlight of this train ride is undoubtedly the stunningly beautiful scenery. At daybreak, the train is only a little over 2 hours away from Chiang Mai, and the surrounding jungle and mountain scenery are absolutely breathtaking. To best appreciate it, photograph or video it, you need to be in the restaurant car where the windows will be open. Be warned, though, the early morning air is cold, as is the air conditioning in the sleeper cars, so best to take a light coat or sweater with you.
Arriving in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai train station is comparatively small and situated on the other side of the River Ping, so if you’re staying somewhere central in Chaing Mai you’ll need a taxi. You’ll notice an assortment of songthaews (pickup trucks with bench seats), tuk-tuks, and samlors eager to ferry you to your hotel.
We took a songthaew to our hotel (a 1-minute walk from Tha Pae Gate) for 300 baht. In hindsight we may have paid too much, the return journey from the hotel to Chiang Mai train station was only 180 baht, so it’s well worth bartering for a lower price.