Moving To Chiang Mai From Bangkok

[estefaniw]

I have been living in Bangkok for a year and am planning to move to Chiang Mai. I don't have a lot of stuff, but I do have international baggage allowance plus a few more things I've accumulated over the last year.

At first I was thinking about flying, but I don't think it will work with the amount of stuff I want to take with me. Does anyone know what baggage allowances are like (and how they are enforced or not) on the train and buses?

Also, I have heard rumors of theft on the train and poor driving on some buses and would appreciate any collective wisdom you can share.

[zakk9]

The best bus service from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is Nakhon Chai Air. They keep the speed limit (GPS-controlled, I believe), are mostly on time and their busses are very comfortable, the best ones (First Class if I remember correctly) being 3 abreast with business class style seats and privat TV http://www.nca.co.th/index_en.php

They have their own bus terminal not far from Mo Chit and the best option is to book in advance and take a taxi directly to the terminal. Tickets can be booked on telephone and paid at 7-11, but sometimes it's difficult to get through on their phone lines. As for luggage allowances, they are rather generous, and in any case it's possible to take extra luggage paying a fee.

Be aware that taxis at Mo Chit BTS station for some reason refuses to go to the NCA bus terminal, or at least, that's what I've experience in the past.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Weigh your stuff, then check out the rate at your local Thai post office. FYI, I see a lot of motorcycles snail mailed via my PO, the guys there tell me the run about baht 1,000+ for postage, not too bad.

Mac

[happynthailand]

why not just hire a van,that way you can go with your stuff,I'm sure you can find a van + driver in Bangkok

[Mahseer]

Pack up whatever you need to shift and head to your favourite post office, you'll be amazed how cheap it is. Reason I know is a mate is moving from Chiang Mai to the back of beyond of Korat and has been going through the same as you and he's elated at costs.