Have Lunch On Board A Steam Train
The Royal Train Garden Resort offers access to the general public. It’s got a growing antique car collection, a train car that you can actually dine in, and an open air restaurant.
Dining in the train is very unique and our daughter keeps asking to go again and again.
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See A Steam Train in Chiang Mai
Driving up the Samoeng Road (take the 1269 from the south of Chiang Mai) you can’t miss the entrance to Royal Train Garden Resort. After about a 10 minute drive you’ll see the enormous train on your left. You can park outside or inside the gate.
Just inside the entrance are two antique fire engine trucks. These entertained my kids for about 20 minutes and I had to pull them away! They are great fun and a perfect way to get imaginations flying.
After this, it’s straight onto the train! The train is a steam powered engine train and I wish they had had a plaque or something to give some historical information, but unfortunately they didn’t.
You are welcome to climb up and take photos and then head towards the back where the passenger train car is attached. You can climb up and explore the insides. It appears the interior has been redone to accommodate a dining area as there are tables and chairs set up and an air conditioner.
Feel free to order some food and eat in here pretending your own a wonderful train journey to somewhere magical!
Explore The Rice Paddies
Unfortunately I’ve been told the rice paddies and boardwalk are no longer accessible. But there is a pool villa of the Royal Train Garden Resort if you wish to stay here.
Seating
The restaurant is set in an open air natural setting with a beautiful view overlooking the rice field and pond. There was a nice breeze the day(s) that we were there. Unfortunately they do not have high chairs for little ones, but might do in the future!
Food and Drink
Food
The menu is quite varied with a mix of Thai and western cuisine. We only ordered some snacky food when we were there and it was quite good. Some friends of ours ordered fried rice (khao pad) and it was delicious. Prices are moderate with fried rice going for 80 baht, spring rolls for 65 baht, and spaghetti for 150 baht. Other things seemed a bit over priced such as the sirloin steak for 400 baht!
Drink
They’ve got the usual suspects on order from hot and cold teas and coffees, to sodas and beers. Soda pops and water go for 20 baht and beer costs between 90–110 baht. They only sell large bottles, so be prepared to drink up or share! Currently, there is no wine on the menu. If you like smoothies they’ve got those too! Expect to pay between 60-80 baht.
Stay over night
We haven’t stayed here (yet!), but it looks really family friendly. They have family rooms including a royal family grand suite which appears to have a Jacuzzi!
There is also a pool to keep everyone happy. You can find this resort on Agoda under Royal Train Garden Resort and I definitely recommend looking through the photos of the property as it looks gorgeous!
Photo supplied by Agoda
Photo supplied by Agoda
Photo supplied by Agoda
How to get to Royal Train Garden Resort
Because there is so much to see and do up the Samoeng 1269 Road, we highly recommend that if you are visiting, to rent a car so that you’ll have the freedom of staying and moving on as you please!
Alternatively, you could take a Grab or to take a songtaew or even hire a driver for the day. While if you live here, it’s best to drive to Royal Train Garden Resort. There is plenty of parking and parking is free! From the centre of town, it usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour to get here.
The Royal Train is a great family attraction in Chiang Mai that everyone is sure to enjoy in one way or another! Maybe we’ll see you there.
Hours: Open daily from 8 am – 9 pm
Good for ages: all ages!
Phone: 061 274 0999
Kids Menu: No
High chairs: No
Playground: Yes
Wheelchair or stroller accessible: some areas
Child friendly staff: No
Birthday parties: No
Prices: $$
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Royal-train-garden-resort
Location: Google Maps
Things to consider
If rabbits are your thing, then you’ll want to stop at Ma Chill Dee Cafe along the way, which is one of a growing trend of bunny cafes in Chiang Mai. You may also enjoy dipping your feet and skipping stones in a river at Valley Coffee just 3 minutes up the road from Royal Train Garden Resort.
