Lots of good information on this forum… I want to go to Chiang Mai a couple of days after I arrive in Bangkok. I'm hoping to catch the overnight train leaving the evening of October 20th but have heard that advance reservations are recommended. So, should I make a reservation via one of the agencies recommended here: http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm#How%20to%20book

or is it likely that I'll be able to buy a ticket a day in advance at the station itself [i'm hoping for 2nd class non a/c].

Thanks!

If you go 2nd class fan you get a choice of upper or (slightly more expensive) lower bunk. The lower beds book-up first because they have a window to the outside world, are airier and much easier to get in and out of (especially if you are 'farang-sized').

I have never used the email booking service myself, but would not expect to get the seats I wanted if booking only 2 days ahead, so probably worth going the email route for the cost of 200 baht.

Just re-read your posting and it seems that you have missed the 'boat' to make an email reservation - at least 15 days notice required. Hopefully you won't miss the train!

Lots of good information on this forum… I want to go to Chiang Mai a couple of days after I arrive in Bangkok. I'm hoping to catch the overnight train leaving the evening of October 20th but have heard that advance reservations are recommended. So, should I make a reservation via one of the agencies recommended here: <a href="http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm#How to book" target="_blank">http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm#How to book</a>

or is it likely that I'll be able to buy a ticket a day in advance at the station itself [i'm hoping for 2nd class non a/c].

Thanks!

I have always just turned up at the station, bought my ticket, boarded the train and gone, never had a problem. For peace of mind though you can buy an advance ticket from the station a day or so before departure. I would only book in advance if there was a major holiday or festival taking place and, thinking about it, all the schools are on holiday until the end of the month so, yes, it is, probably, recommendable to visit the ticket office a couple of days in advance, especially if your keen to get the seat of your choice.

Edited October 15, 200718 yr by booma

I would book as soon as U get to Bangkok.

Trains to Chiang Mai are busy, especially weekends. If u find u have to stay too long in the miasma u

could go to Ayudaya or Lopburi for a day & catch a train as it goes thru there.

I have tried to go to the station 3 days before departure.

1. class sold out.

2. class sold out.

Also the day before and the day after.

Ended up in the bus.

So I would always make reservations in good time!

Are you going back down to BKK, if so have you booked the train for that journey?

I ended up buying the ticket hours after I arrived in BKK. Only 3rd class available the next two days, but on Sunday there were fifteen 2nd class A/C available so I got one of those. I won't be going back to BKK for a month but will give it a good week for advance booking, or maybe just take the plane.

If u know the date u r leaving CM u can book the train now. That way u can get the berth u prefer