Overnight train vs flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

islander35

Visiting Thailand in July and I'm just wondering has anyone ever taken the overnight train from Bangkok to Chaing Mai? As far as I can work out it'll cost about 15euro. Can get a 1hr 10 mins flight for about 40euro. Is it worth doing the train journey to see a bit more of Thailand? Trying to convince others travelling with me that flying would be far easier but they are worried about missing out on seeing more of the country!! Thanks for any advice!!

keeffe2001

I did the reverse trip and it was grand. Very comfortable and slept through the whole thing (few beers helped as well). Seeing the country is not the issue, its an overnight train so for a lot of it you will not be able to see anything. It is cheaper and you are also saving on accommodation for the night. Plus it will be full of backpackers and good chance to meet ppl. That flight is cheaper than I remember it being when we checked

islander35

Thanks for the info! Group of 6 of us travelling, I think it'd prob be easier to fly! Just wondering if anyone has done trekking in Chaing Mai and if you could recommend any companies to go with and also hotels in the city. Thanks!! Budget would be less than 25 euro a night for accom!!

dory

I did the overnight train as well. Would definitely rcommend it, was very comfortable. Can't remember where I stayed up there though, sorry!

darrenh

Get the train. Its all part of the Bangkok to Chiang Mai experience!!

macca1983

Get the bus - that will put a few hairs on your chest!

DeadMoney

Hey I did 8 weeks around SE Asia last summer and believe me those long journeys were some of the highlights of my trip. Its all part of being on the road and I would never fly somewhere just because it was quicker. What fun is that? I'm telling you the amount of craic you can have on the trains, boats, even buses (although valium can help here). When you leave Bangkok on the train you get to see some amazing scenery of the surrounding areas and the country side.

It was nice after spending a few nites in the tourist bubble that is Kohsan road to actually see some of the real Bangkok. I personally loved the train and the pull down beds are comfy also. Not that we did much sleeping though as we stayed up for pretty much all of the journey playing higher/lower with a deck of cards and drinking changs. Oh the memories :rolleyes: You also get great food too as with everywhere in Thailand. Anyway train all the way, you are guaranteed to pick up stories, and thats what travels are all about

Enjoy yourself!!

dessierb

Get the train. Journeys like these are all about the experience. Our train ride was great craic and met loads of interesting characters. You see nothing as it is night but you have a ball.

dory

Also, getting to and from airports can be expensive. Even in the cheapest of countries they know if you're going to an airport you must have some cash.
Take the train!

DeadMoney

Thats how bloody good Thailand is, even the train rides make me want to go back! :rolleyes:

OP, when in Chang Mai make sure and head to Pai for a few days (short distance from Chang Mai). Anyway I'm sure you'll know yourself when you get there.

dearg lady

islander35 wrote: »

Thanks for the info! Group of 6 of us travelling, I think it'd prob be easier to fly! Just wondering if anyone has done trekking in Chaing Mai and if you could recommend any companies to go with and also hotels in the city. Thanks!! Budget would be less than 25 euro a night for accom!!

Yeah, you won' see much scenery on the overnighter, it get's pretty dark early in Thailand, but it's a laugh on the train, and as others have said, you save on a nights accomodation and transport to and from the airport.

Plus, there's something really nice about arriving in somewhere at 11, feeling well rested

There is so many trekking companies and places to stay in Chiang Mai, you'll be trippin over them! Is your budget 25 pppn, or per room pn?
I think we paid about 13 quid a night for a room in a place just outside of teh canals, with a pool!

islander35

luckily its 25euro per person per night!! we're all working...and getting paid during the hols which helps obv won't be looking to overspend if it isn't necessary but budget isn't v tight!! Thanks for all the info!!