2nd class sleeper train Bangkok to Chiang Mai | Full Experience + how to book
2nd Class Sleeper Train Bangkok to Chiang Mai
If you are heading to Chiang Mai, I would highly recommend booking onto a sleeper train, which takes 12 hours. This allows you to not waste any time and also allows you to save on accommodation for the evening.
I decided to book onto Train no9 which is the most popular train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, as it is the newest and it is electric, so it is quieter than other trains. Due to its popularity, it does sell out very quickly, especially during high season. I booked a month in advance, and I just managed to get the last remaining bottom bunk.
Book the 2nd-class sleeper as your chair turns into a bed, and there is also AC in this cabin. If you book 3rd class, there are just seats, and you only get a fan (not comfortable for an evening’s rest)
Sleeper Train Bangkok to Chiang Mai: How to book a ticket
There are two ways you can book: either directly through Thai Railways or through 12Go. I booked directly through Thai Railways.
Pros and Cons of booking directly with Thail Railways and 12Go
Pros Thai Railways
- Instant confirmation
- No need to print a ticket (even though it says you do), all the train conductor needs is the QR code.
- instant confirmation of which carriage and berth you would like. (Bottom 2nd class is more than the top).
- You can see who has already booked (male, female, monk), so you can choose your preferred carriage.
Cons Thai Railways
- The website is awful to use (really slow)
- Pay in Thai baht using a card
Pros of 12go
- The website is easier to navigate
- easy to book a ticket (however, 12go reserves a ticket for you)
- You can pay in Great British pounds and by card
Cons of 12go
- You have to pick up your ticket after you’ve booked at Chatuchak Station.
- As 12go reserves your ticket, you don’t get full confirmation if you have got your preferred berth.
How to book Sleeper Train Bangkok to Chiang Mai
I personally booked through Thai Railways, and I had no issues whatsoever. If you do decide to book via Thai Railways, the departing station is Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station, Bangkok, NOT Bangkok. If you enter Bangkok, it will say there aren’t any trains available.
Note: I would highly recommend booking early, as this train and route are incredibly popular. I booked 30 days in advance, and there weren’t many seats available. There were people wanting to book on the day, and this train was sold out for a week!
2nd class sleeper train Bangkok to Chiang Mai
The 2nd class sleeper is the class I would recommend booking. It is still comfortable at a fraction of the cost of 1st class.
Booking through Thai Railways, you can choose which carriage and bunk you want to book. For example, I picked an all-female carriage, as you can see who has booked on, it will tell you pink (female), blue (male) or yellow (monk), so you can choose your preferred carriage easily.
You also have the option to book the top or bottom bunk. I recommend the bottom bunk (even though it is slightly more money) as it is slightly wider, you get a window and it is more convenient to get in and out.
Just make sure you have the email (I’d recommend taking a screenshot) handy to show the train conductor your ticket. It does say on your ticket that you need it to be printed out, I was freaking out about this but I asked at the station and they said I just needed the QR code which you can just show on your phone so don’t stress about it printed.
Sleeper Train Bangkok to Chiang Mai Quick Information
- Train 9 is the newest and quietest Sleeper Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- 2nd class sleeper costs £23-25 (the bottom bunk is more expensive than the top bunk)
- I would recommend the bottom bunk for convenience in getting out; it is wider than the top bunk, and there are windows. It is, however, slightly more money.
- Book 30 days+ in advance (if you can), this Sleeper Train Bangkok to Chiang Mai is extremely popular and always sells out.
- Food is not included in the ticket price; however, the train conductor has a menu from which you can purchase dinner and breakfast.
- Each person will get a bottle of water, but I would recommend taking a bottle with you (as it is very small).
- Bring a hoodie/jacket as the AC is cold! and also an eye mask, as the main lights are on all night.
1st class Sleeper Train Bangkok to Chiang Mai
1st class Sleeper Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai only has 12 cabins. You can purchase the whole cabin (a top and bottom bunk) or have it all together. These first-class tickets are extremely hard to get (as there are only 12) and sell out within minutes. I honestly have no idea how people have got them (if you succeed, please let me know).
Train 9 first class cabins offer full privacy and an ensuite and will cost you approx £80 for your own cabin (not bad if you can get a ticket). I have found getting the first-class ticket practically impossible due to there being minimal cabins available.
Sleeper Train Bangkok to Chiang Mai Train Time
Sleeper Train Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes approximately 12 hours and 35 minutes. It departs at 18:40 and arrives in Chiang Mai at 7:20.
Flight: 1hr 20min
Train: 12hr 30mins
Bus: 10-11 hours
What to bring Sleeper Train Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- A hoodie or jacket – the AC is on all the time, and it is cold (there is no way of putting it down), so bring some layers to keep you warm.
- Eye Mask – the lights on the 2nd class Sleeper Train Bangkok to Chiang Mai are on ALL NIGHT. Yes, you do get a curtain for privacy, but I found the lights still incredibly bright (and you can’t dim them either, only the light on your bedside).
- Pyjamas – for changing into something for sleeping. I would opt for long sleeves and trousers due to the AC being on all the time.
- Power bank – just in case the power isn’t working on the train, I would recommend taking a fully charged power bank, just in case
Additional information about the Sleeper Train Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- The train will board 20 minutes before the scheduled departure. Just make sure you have your ticket ready, as you will need to scan your QR code.
- On my ticket, it does state that you need to have your ticket printed; HOWEVER, I didn’t have a printer, and I was told it didn’t need to be printed. All they needed was to scan the QR code on your confirmation, so don’t worry about getting it printed, but definitely have it easily available on your phone so you can show it to the train conductor.
- No food is included in your ticket price; however, you can buy dinner and breakfast on board.
- A small bottle of water is included in your ticket price. I would advise getting a larger bottle at 7/11 prior to boarding, as this is the cheapest place to buy water, or you can purchase a bottle at the station.
- I would highly recommend going to 7/11 prior to getting to the station for some food. I’m glad I brought dinner and breakfast with me as the on-board dining options didn’t look very appetising.
Sleeper train Bangkok to Chiang Mai
The most convenient and cheap way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is the Sleeper Train Bangkok to Chiang Mai. No need to worry about the weight of your suitcase, and you don’t need to pay for an additional night’s accommodation.
It is also such an experience in itself; I really enjoyed waking up to all the paddy fields in Northern Thailand.
Other ways to get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok
Flying is also an option, as Chiang Mai does have an airport. This takes 1hr 20mins, flights are fairly cheap; however, budget airlines may well weigh your luggage, so you may have to pay more.
Another option is to take the bus. This is the most affordable option and takes 10-11 hours; however, I’ve heard it’s not the most comfortable option. For a little more, I would take the train for a smoother experience and to have a bed for the night.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
I stayed at the Hidden Garden Hostel in Chiang Mai, which was an absolute find. Situated just outside old town, it was the perfect place to stay, especially for the Saturday walking street, as the hostel is on the street. It also has a lovely pool.
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