Traveling abroad is so much fun and it can be equally expensive too. One way to save money while traveling abroad between multiple cities is by public transit. I’m talking trains and buses – instead of by airplane. In winter of 2023 I traveled from Chiang Mai to Bangkok via train and I’m going to share with you everything you’ll need to know, should you decide to do the same.
The very first thing you’ll want to do is buy your train ticket early. I’m talking at least two months before your trip abroad. Hundreds of people backpack and travel throughout Asia everyday and especially from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. Tickets sell out very quickly. If you wait until the last minute you maybe stuck in Chiang Mai without a train ticket searching for other and possibly more expensive ways to reach Bangkok. A bonus tip here, be sure to print your train ticket and bring it with you upon boarding. Security guards will be present to check for your ticket multiple times throughout the boarding process. When you are ready to buy your train ticket visit: 12 Go Asia. There’s only one train station in Chiang Mai and it’s located on the Eastside of the Ping River on Charoenmueang Road in the province of Wat Ket. It should take no more than 20 minutes to get to the train station, if you’re in the central area of Chiang Mai.
The major perk of traveling from Chiang Mai to Bangkok by train is you’ll save money. My train ticket cost less than $20 USD. That’s in-comparison to the $100 or more dollars a flight would have cost. The $80 difference may not seem like much, but if you’re traveling abroad for months at a time – every cent adds up. My best advice is to save as much as you can, when you can.
Not only will you save money on your journey to Bangkok you’ll get a beautiful view of Chiang Mai’s countryside. Personally I chose to take the #10 night train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (which left the station around 6pm) so that I could see the sunset over Chiang Mai. I made the right choice here because I happened to catch the most beautiful sunset ever. However one visit to 12 Go Asia and you’ll find there are so many departing times available and so many types of train rides to choose from, some trains are even express train rides.
The journey from Chiang Mai to Bangkok by train is a long one. Prepare yourself for a 10+ hour train ride. Depending on the train you decide to book – there’s a meal option (at an additional cost) on-board during the train ride. What you should know is, you can bring your own food and snacks on-board and I highly recommend doing so. The Chiang Mai train station is centrally located and there are multiple street food vendors, restaurants and convince stores nearby – including a 7/11.
The train ride is a long one but I found it to be so comfortable. An added perk here, the seats transform into entire beds. The trains’ crew members will come to each seat about two hours into the train ride and turn the beds down. The crew members will also provide you with a pillow and blanket. The seats are equipped with an electric port for charging and even a night light. I will advise you though, there is no WiFi on-board. Additionally, cellphone service can be spotty throughout the train ride.
The train ride from Chiang Mai to Bangkok ends at Don Mueang Station – which is about 35-40 minutes outside of downtown/central Bangkok. Don’t worry – you can easily find a ride from the Don Mueang station into the central part of Bangkok. Taxi cabs are always nearby, the local bus services the station and finally the Grab App (which is similar to Uber) is also available in this area.
Pro Tip: The train does make several stops before the final Don Mueang station destination. Be sure to ask the train staff if you are unsure about which station you’re at before exiting the train.
I completely loved my train ride from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. The long train ride was exactly what I needed to disconnect, reflect and simply enjoy my time in Thailand. I hope you do the same.
Recap – How to Travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok via Train
Important Information:
- Buy Your Train Ticket 2 Months Before Departure
- Chiang Mai Train Station is Located on Charoenmueang Road
- Train Ride Can Be 10+ Hours Long
- Tickets Range from $8-$40
- Train Ride Ends at Don Mueang Station in Bangkok
