We'll be arriving first in Bangkok, but only to change planes for Chiang Mai, where we will be leaving by rail (and, a week later, ending up back on Bangkok). We'd like to book a sleeper for our first night on the train, but I don't know if this can be done on the net or whether one must first get to Thailand and book in person.

If the latter, I guess doing it during our three-hour layover in Bangkok would be better than waiting until the next day and doing it in Chiang Mai (more chance of getting a decent berth). Is there a facility for making out-of-town reservations at the airport.... or, if not, do we have to go all the way into Hualamphong Station to do the booking, or is there somewhere closer?

Thanks for all advice!

All train stations are linked to a central computer for booking. You can book 60 days in advance. So you can book a train from any station to any station at any station.

There is no train station at Suwannaphum airport. You could probably find a travel agent to do it for you. Or you could do a mad taxi dash to Lat Krabang Station.

The easiest thing is to wait until you arrive in Chiang Mai. You're still 7 days in advance so you should get a ticket.

"......you could do a mad taxi dash to Lat Krabang Station."

Thanks for that info! This station is a new one on me.... but, then, so is the location of the new airport (all my maps still show the old one). I will try and find Lat Krabang on one of the maps of Bangkok; meanwhile, if there is a landmark you know of which would help me locate it, I'd be grateful for the info.

We won't, actually, have seven days to get the ticket; the seven days was when we arrive back in Bangkok, but we weren't planning a one-night "dash"... we thought maybe we'd stop at Sukhothai, Lopburi and Ayatthuya on the way. I guess that will account for a good part of the week, and our departure in Chaing Mai will be after a couple of days... when we've had time to see the sights!

Thanks again, I appreciate the help.

Lat Krabang Station is 1 km north of the airport at the intersection of the motorway and Romklao Road. There's no guarantee the booking clerk will speak English. If you have 3 hours between planes and like the thrill of rushing around, you could try it. A travel agent at the airport might be easier.

try here: (much useful info)

seat61

Thanks, Lancashirelad... that's a terrific site, isn't it? It tells me just about everything I want to know.... except where Lat Krabang Station is!