The best way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is via sleeper train. Learn which train is best for you, how to get tickets and everything else you need to know to have the best experience on the train.
Before I took sleeper train no. 13 from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, I did a lot of research. There’s so many ways to get to Chiang Mai, like train, flights, bus or car rental.
I ultimately decided to take the train because I wanted a balance of comfort and budget! Thailand sleeper trains are perfect for this as all the seats convert into beds for sleeping.
Honestly, I love traveling by train. I’ve traveled through Europe, Canada and the United States by train, so I wanted to give the train in Asia a try.
The sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes about 13 hours, and it covers 435 miles (700 kilometers). That’s a long distance!
In this guide, I’ll cover your options for the sleeper train, how to book your tickets, the costs and what to expect on board your train.
Why You Should Take An Overnight Train
For many people, transportation is just a way to get from point A to point B. While I agree this is true for planes, I think of trains as an experience.
One of the biggest advantages to the sleeper train is that it’s cheaper than a plane. In addition, you save money on a night’s accommodation by taking an overnight train.
Another option you have to travel between Bangkok and Chiang Mai is by bus. I’ve heard this can be uncomfortable, as not all sleeper buses fully recline. While I’ve never personally taken this sleeper bus, I would still choose a night train over a night bus any day.
A highlight of the train is that there is beautiful scenery during the route. However, since you’re on a sleeper train, the reality is you won’t be able to see the scenery until the morning, when you’re approaching Chiang Mai.
For solo travelers, the train is a great way to meet people. This is partly because you’re in close proximity to everyone in your cart, so it’s easy to make conversation.
I should also note that the train felt very safe. There are many tourists who take this train as well as locals, so you will definitely find plenty of people who speak English. I met plenty of other solo female travelers on the train!
Bangkok to Chiang Mai Sleeper Train Options
When considering the sleeper train to Chiang Mai, you have two main options: train no. 9 and train no. 13.
Both of these trains go the exact same route; however they leave an hour apart. The difference between the two is that train no. 9 is newer than train no. 13 and has more updated facilities. This also means it’s more expensive (not by much though).
Train no. 9 leaves Bangkok at 6:40pm and arrives in Chiang Mai at 7:15am. Train no. 13 leaves at 8:05pm and arrives at 8:40am.
I tried to book train no. 9, but unfortunately this train filled up very fast, so I went with train no. 13.
Both trains leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station.
The other thing to consider is the type of seat. The trains offer 1st class sleeper carriages, 2nd class with air conditioning and 2nd class with fan (sometimes I see this as 3rd class). I highly discourage this last option – air conditioning is a must!
In first class, you get a private cabin with two bunk beds. The biggest pro is you can lock the door and turn off the lights. This is a great option for couples/families.
In second class, you get a seat that converts to a bed.
How to Book Your Overnight Train to Chiang Mai
There are a few ways to book your train ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, including online or in-person.
If you’re only in Bangkok for a short period of time (or if you don’t want to book them in person), there are a few online options.
You can find information about the Bangkok to Chiang Mai train and buy tickets online on the State Railway of Thailand website. Personally, I had a few struggles with this option, so I decided to go with 12Go Asia.
You can book your train ticket online through 12Go Asia. This is the company I’ve used to purchase transportation tickets online, and I’ve had good experiences. It’s great as you can pay by card online.
When you book your ticket through 12Go Asia, they actually send someone to the train station to buy the ticket on your behalf. You will get a notification when you place your order and a second notification when they successfully purchase the ticket.
As I mentioned, I tried to buy a ticket for train no. 9 with 12Go Asia, but the tickets sold out very fast. They emailed me to offer an alternative booking with train no. 13, which I took, and they refunded me the difference.
Train tickets go on sale 30 days in advance. If you are visiting during a high season, I recommend getting your tickets as soon as possible.
The one con to buying your ticket through 12Go Asia is that you have to go to their office in Bangkok to pick up the ticket. Their office is very close to Chatuchak Weekend Market, so when I went to the market, I picked up my ticket.
By the way, did you know Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the best free things to do in Bangkok?
You also can book the tickets yourself at the train station. This is good to save a few dollars as third parties like 12Go Asia take a commission, but in my opinion, it’s not worth the hassle.
If you want a first class sleeper carriage, you’ll have to buy your tickets in person or through the train website. 12Go Asia no longer sells first class tickets as they’re known to sell out incredibly fast.
I always feel more secure knowing I have my tickets in advance, which is why I bought them online before they went on sale.
How Much Does The Train Cost?
When I first booked the train no. 9 with 12Go Asia, my total was 1,494.03 baht ($41). When I switched to the train no. 13, my total was 1,438 ($40). Both of these were second class with air conditioning in 2024.
Remember, this is with a commission included. If you buy the ticket yourself at the train station, it will be cheaper.
What Facilities Are Offered?
My main concern before boarding the train was what facilities would be offered on board. In particular, I was worried about the toilet situation and food availability.
Here’s an overview of what was offered on my train no. 13 (train no. 9 is similar):
Toilets: There are multiple toilets available on the train (squat and regular toilets). Tip: bring toilet paper!
Showers: None available in second class.
Beds/Bedding: In second class, the seats convert to beds. The train staff does this for you, and they provide you with fresh sheets and a blanket.
Electrical Socket: There are a few sockets available, but it’s not segmented per seat, so you’ll have to share.
Wi-Fi/Service: No Wi-Fi. Service got a bit spotty at times, so download your Netflix in advance.
Lights: In second class, the lights stay on the entire time. Make sure to bring a mask to block out the light.
Food/Water: There are food and drinks available. At the beginning of the journey, staff will walk around with a menu for dinner and breakfast options. They bring the food to you. I was under the impression there wouldn’t be food on the train, so I brought snacks from 7-11.
The Bangkok to Chiang Mai Sleeper Train Experience
Here’s everything you need to know to mentally and physically prepare for your Bangkok to Chiang Mai sleeper train experience!
Departure
The trains depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station. I took a Grab from my hostel to the station, and there were a lot of signs to direct me to the train part of the station. The station itself is pretty large.
In the station, there are a few vendors selling snacks, meal options, water, blankets and pillows. I grabbed some dumplings for dinner as I waited for my train to board.
There are a few boarding points, but there are screens that direct you to where you’ll need to line up. When it’s time to board, you stand in line as they scan your tickets and point you in the right direction.
Boarding
My train boarded on time and left on time, but I’ve heard that it’s normal for trains to run late. Patience is key for transportation in Southeast Asia.
On the train, luggage storage is available. However, it’s small, so people with larger suitcases struggled. The setup is really optimal for backpacks.
Seats are pre-assigned, so once you find your seat, you can relax until the train leaves the station. The seats are designed so you’re always facing someone, which can be a little awkward if you don’t know them.
One thing I need to mention: I met a few groups who did not get seats together despite booking together. No one was entirely sure why, but it was likely because of the availability of seats.
When I booked my seat with 12Go Asia, I was not able to select my seat. It was assigned to me.
Making the Beds
After an hour or two, the train staff will come around and convert your seats into beds. There is an upper and a lower berth, so someone will be on top and someone will be on bottom.
Honestly, lower berths are much better than the upper berths. They are a little more spacious and have a window view.
I got lucky enough to have a lower berth, and people in the upper berth told me the lights beamed right into their faces all night!
If you can, when booking your ticket, see if you can get a lower berth.
During the Night
The train makes multiple stops throughout the night. Surprisingly, I slept through most of the stops, but some people complained of waking up multiple times.
It gets a little chilly on board the train, so I recommend bringing a sweater. In addition, bring earplugs and an eye mask.
In the Morning
Around 7am or so, you’ll start to hear the train staff coming around and converting the beds into seats again. I stumbled out of bed around this time to see others doing the same. Staff started handing out breakfast around 7:30am.
Once you’re awake and back in your seat, you can enjoy the scenic views as you finish your train ride to Chiang Mai.
Arriving in Chiang Mai
In the morning, you arrive in Chiang Mai. Chances are, you may be a little tired too, depending on how much sleep you got.
The train station in Chiang Mai is significantly smaller compared to Bangkok, but it has everything you need.
Once you grab all your luggage and exit the station, you’ll be greeted by plenty of Songtaews (red converted pickup trucks, very typical in Chiang Mai) and Tuk-Tuks eager to drive you to your accommodation.
If you take a Tuk-Tuk, make sure to agree on a price before getting on. Songtaews generally have standard prices.
Alternatively, you can use Grab or Bolt to call a car to your accommodation.
If you’re headed to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, definitely consider an overnight train!
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6 comments
[…] Mai was the second stop in my journey of backpacking Southeast Asia, and after I took the overnight train from Bangkok, I was EXHAUSTED.Thankfully, About a Bed was a great place to catch up on rest and relax. Here’s […]
Thank you for this detailed guide! And thank you for the Grap tip.
I’m heading to Thailand soon and was wondering how I would get to Chiang Mai – as you say, there are a number of ways to get there. I think sleeper train is one option I’d like to try, thanks for sharing.
Train travel is my favourite way to travel and I have done many sleeper trains around the world – some are more comfortable than others. Sometimes I sleep well other times I feel all the movement of the train. The train to Chiang Mai from Bangkok is one I will consider for the future.
Very interesting read!!! We were going to take a sleeper train but decided to fly because our accommodation had a check in time and we would have arrived too late !
[…] Mai was the second stop in my journey of backpacking Southeast Asia, and after I took the overnight train from Bangkok, I was […]