Take an unforgettable ride on the train through Thailand and learn how to take the train to and from Chiang Mai
Who doesn’t love taking a train?! It’s such a cool experience, especially for children, whose memories will last a lifetime.
Chiang Mai is the final destination for trains in the North. While you wouldn’t take the train to get around Chiang Mai, you should certainly consider it for inter-city travel. It’s an adventurous alternative kids will love!
Taking the train in Thailand can provide you with a whole new family experience and views of the flat and mountainous countryside are spectacular. The most popular route is travelling to Chiang Mai from Bangkok or from Chiang Mai to Bangkok on the overnight train. Your family memories will last a lifetime!
While the cost can be more than the bus or in some instances the plane, the train is also far more comfortable than the bus and has walking room for young and old to stretch their legs, meet other people and explore what the train has to offer.
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Check out activities to do once in Chiang Mai
What you need to know when taking the train in Thailand
How to Take the Train to and From Chiang Mai
Have your paper tickets ready
When boarding, you MUST have a paper print out of your tickets. Mobile phone tickets i.e. showing an image via your phone, is NOT accepted.
Is taking the train safe?
Keep in mind that Thailand’s railway system is old. Think of it as grandpa Joe who somehow at aged 90 after two hip replacements, knee surgeries, and a few strokes, is still going strong.
The rail lines are consistently being upgraded but they are not perfect. This more than often results in late train arrivals. Whatever your ticket arrival time says, expect to actually get there 2 hours later. 12go.asia even recommends leaving 6 hours between your expected arrival and any connecting flight, bus, or train plans. The special express trains are the only trains to keep closest to the departure and arrival times.
How to book a train ticket in Thailand
You can book through an agent, or your guesthouse. You can also book in person directly at the Chiang Mai Railway Station.
There’s also a ticket hotline you can call at 1690 or visit the Thai Railway website to check train times and prices.
The most convenient way is through online ticket booking through Thai railway Ticket or 12go.asia.
12go is great because they show you photos of exactly the type of transport you are going to get including photographs of the exterior and interior of the trains. They also inform you of how many seats are available and let you pre-book your seats 🙂 In addition they offer travel insurance (a wise decision if you don’t have some already) and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or PayPal.
When searching 12go.asia it will show you all available modes of transportation for your route, so if no train tickets pop up, it means either there are no train tickets left, no trains operate on that day or time, or no trains operate on that route. Happy searching!
Just remember to print your tickets!!!
Which train ticket should you book?
Tickets are offered in classes. Think of the Titanic when considering which class to purchase!
1. Third class trains in Thailand
Third class is… well you get what you pay for! For a hilarious tale of third class train travel check out Slow Vegan travel. For (very) short jaunts third class could be just right. So what if your butt gets a bit sore or you have to become a wee bit too familiar with strangers?! The memories will linger for years to come.
It’s also a great choice for any avid photographers in your family because these carriages have windows that open allowing for unobstructed shots. Pet lovers will also be pleased that you can take your beloved dog or cat on the train with you. The cost depends on the size of animal and you must provide a cage for transport.
Keep in mind there is no air con in these cars and the fans often don’t do much but blow hot air around.
Toilets on the train
These will not be western style. You probably will be lucky to even get a squatter. Expect more of a hole that you can see the tracks running past your feet below. Toilet paper? Better bring your own!
Food
There is no dining car for third class trains. Expect people to get on at off at each stop hawking goods and snacks. Best to stop at a 7-11 before your journey to get the food and drinks you want to keep everyone happy!
2. Second class trains in Thailand
These carriages provide more comfort and come in two types; fan or air conditioned. A/C will come at a slightly higher cost and could literally be freezing. Locals love the cold. Much like a Canadian wearing a bikini in the middle of winter, Thai’s are impervious to cold. Expect the air conditioning to be at an impossibly chilly temperature. Bring sweaters, towels or blankets to keep warm.
Fan cars have windows that can open which like third class, can be advantageous for photographers looking for that perfect travel shot.
Second class sleeper train
Second class train cars also convert to sleeper trains. During the day there are seats, and at night these are converted into sleeping berths complete with freshly cleaned pillows and sheets. Each berth has a privacy curtain as well.
Younger family members will pile into their newly created ‘forts’ prefect for story telling and cuddle fests. The berths are arranged into upper and lower bunks. The lower bunks are more expensive due to their larger size and convenience.
Washrooms
Washrooms are located at the end of each train car. They are certainly not the nicest toilet facilities. Make sure the kiddos wear their shoes when using them. It gets messy in there! Who knows where people are aiming?! Whether you get a western style or squatter toilet is hit or miss. Be prepared with your own toilet paper, wipes, etc.
Eating on the train
When you get hungry there are a few options. A pit stop at 7-11 before you board is perfect to purchase your own snacks. Or, in second class travel you can order food and have it brought to your seats. But of course if you have kids, you’ll be off exploring the train. Eventually you’ll find the dining car. Hang out here for a while. Get to know the staff and locals. Maybe you’ll start to pick up some Thai!
3. First Class trains in Thailand
For a long overnight journey, first class is where it’s at! For day travel, it makes sense to stick with second class as the seating and amenities are virtually the same.
What can you expect? Well your own private compartment for one! Each cabin sleeps two. Mom and dad can bunk together in one compartment, the kids directly across or beside in their own. Each cabin comes with air conditioning (again it can be cold enough for a polar bear so prepare!), fresh sheets, pillows, towels, soap and a sink.
Toilets & shower
Toilets can be found at the end of the train car and typically have a cold water shower. The toilets are much nicer, western style and cleaned more often than the second class ones.
Food & drink
Make your way to the dining car, order to your cabin, or bring your own!
Types of trains in Thailand
Understanding train classes is just the beginning. Now you need to wrap your head around the seven different types of trains! Each type reflects the travel time, speed, frequency of stops, and available classes. The train number indicates the type of train.
Special Express trains
These are numbered from 1 to 48. They are the fastest but also the most expensive. These trains normally have first and second class carriages. In late 2016 brand new express sleeper trains were introduced and are especially popular on the Chiang Mai-Bangkok and vis versa route. The new interiors are really nice!
Diesel Railcar
Look for DRC next to the train number. These trains generally only manage three carriages in total, all of which are second class.
Express trains
They are have numbered from 51 to 98. The name doesn’t reflect that these trains make quite a few stops and travel at a slower speed than special express trains. Carriages carried on these trains are first, second and third class.
Rapid trains
Look for numbers from 101 to 198. The name is an absolute joke. These trains are rapid if you consider riding on the back of an aged tortoise that needs to stop and use the restroom every 30 minutes or so speedy. They are the most common type of train in Thailand carrying second class (usually fan) and third class carriages. They make a stop at almost every station.
Ordinary & commuter trains
Also known as slow-mo trains. These have numbers from 298 to 498. These are sloooooooow. They make Every. Single. Stop. Only third class carriages are available.
Will your belongings be safe on the train?
Train travel is quite safe. Your luggage can be kept with you or stored on special racks. To put your mind at ease, use a bicycle lock or padlock to ‘chain’ your bags to the rack.
Train schedules in Thailand
Please see the Thai Railway website or check out the booking sites above for up to date routes and schedules. Here are the general rail routes throughout Thailand.
Enjoy your ride!