This is just an eclectic post abouth the overnight train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.

A death in the family brought me back to the US on September 2011. I really enjoy the train so I took my last trip through Thailand in the slow lane

The Chiang Mai rail way station is relatively small and traveler friendly, easy to get to stocked with reasonably priced food and drinks.

Of course there is a restaurant car- this is Thailand and food is paramount!

And plenty of snack stands before departure

And we're off!

Some lush rice fields south of Chiang Mai

1st Class sleeper cabin?

Keep rolling south...

Time for a snack. The dining car is deserted, but I notice that at some of the frequent whistle stops, the locals pick up meals to go. 555! Just call ahead, place your order with your mobile phone and let the train deliver!

Edited April 26, 201214 yr by Lancelot

Now we wind around the mountains....

Then its beey bye time in my comfortable lower bunk. There was even an electric outlet, so I watched a movie on my lap top before the swaying train sent me to dream land

Next morning Bangkok...

Then if you think its hot in Thailand, try this (for a change...)

If you don't like the (hot) weather in Thailand right now, try this...

1st Class sleeper cabin?

Second class, air con, 881 baht

Can't fault you for that. Personally i prefer the train to the Bus even if it is slower.

If you are a smoker the outside between the carriages for a Fag. Plus a nice cup of coffee in the morning sat at a table looking out at the beautiful countryside.

The temples near Ayuthia at first light stunning

so yes the train for me but not the wife. She wants to get there in 9 hrs not 14. Probably much safer too

Glad you enjoyed your trip just have to ask did it arrive on time. I did it by train 4 times and it was always late. You do need to factor that in if you have a flight to catch.

First Class air-con is not advised - it's freezing in the room and the only people you see are if you order food delivered!

Can't fault you for that. Personally i prefer the train to the Bus even if it is slower.

If you are a smoker the outside between the carriages for a Fag. Plus a nice cup of coffee in the morning sat at a table looking out at the beautiful countryside.

The temples near Ayuthia at first light stunning

so yes the train for me but not the wife. She wants to get there in 9 hrs not 14. Probably much safer too

Glad you enjoyed your trip just have to ask did it arrive on time. I did it by train 4 times and it was always late. You do need to factor that in if you have a flight to catch.

Yeah, about four hours late, 555!