According to my countdown clock, i am 71 days apart from my much awaited Bangkok trip. Actually i’m much more looking forward to the visit to Chiang Mai than Bangkok since i’m not much of a shopping person. But never mind that, this means there are still 11 days till i can book a train ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

Taking the train between cities in Thailand is a popular affair although it’s easier to fly and Air Asia flights are pretty cheap nowadays. The popularity of the train rides between the cities in Thailand puts credit on the comfortable overnight sleeper, people looking forward to making social traveling friends on the train and mostly many prefer to see the country from the ground. I heard that the view of canyons and mountains near Chiang Mai at sunrise is worth the Baht spent. Sure, we will have to expect late trains and the crowded train station but it sure beats taking the bus to experience the culture and surroundings right?

The Thai trains have 3 classes, mainly the 1st, 2nd and the 3rd class. 1st class includes modern air-conditioned sleepers with lockable compartments, washbasins and shower (soap and towel included) among other facilities. However, 1st class is more suitable for those seeking privacy and time to themselves and the 1200+ Baht - 1400+ Baht for seats in first class isn’t really worth it.

- 2nd class sleeper -

Most prefer to bunk at the 2nd class sleepers since it’s already sufficient and totally safe. Ranging from 500+ Baht - 600+ Baht (non air-conditioned) and 700+ Baht - 800+ Baht (air-conditioned) per berth, 2nd class seats would be pulled together to form sleeping bunks at night with proper mattresses and clean bedding. It’s also a relieve to know that there would be curtains hooked up to give privacy to passengers at night. I can’t imagine sleeping in the open with people in my face!

As for the 3rd class trains, it is more of a train for shorter trips with no sleeping berths. It’s a no-no for overnight trips but if you are traveling from Bangkok to nearby destinations like Kanchanaburi or Ayutthaya, it’s absolutely adequate.

- Bangkok <> Chiang Mai train fare -

Mr. Bf and i are opting for the 2nd class sleeper. We are planning to board the train at the Hualampong railway station instead of Don Muang station since we are staying with my family at Take a Nap Hostel which is near the Silom area. However, travelers could only book the ticket from travel agents which is open to reservation 60 days (2 months) before departure. So we’ll have to wait. But it is much safer than making reservation via email from the station itself which is open for booking 30 days before departure. (There are cases where customers did not receive any replies).

We selected Traveller2000 which comes highly recommended for reliability.

But of course will be some handling fee are charged as follows (the train station charges similar fees as well):
1 Person = Baht 300 per person/trip (one way or round trip)
2 Persons up = Baht 200 per person/trip (one way or round trip)

You can arrange with Traveller2000 or other travel agent to courier the tickets to your home address or arrange for it to be sent to the hotel upon arrival. Whatever it is, think and plan carefully before making payment because there will not be a full refund (there are partial refund with terms and conditions) once payment is made.

Hopefully i will have a positive experience aboard the train so i could blog about it next time

For more information on Thai trains (fares, timetables):-
http://www.seat61.com/
http://www.traveller2000.com/