Sleeper Train to Chiang Mai

Taking the overnight train to Chiang Mai is a great way to get to Chiang Mai. There are three diferent departure times for getting to Chiang Mai. All the trains leave in the evening and arrive early in the morning.

There are three classes of train travel to Chiang Mai and I took second class. In first class you are given a lockable compartment for two people, second class has convertable bunks where you are given a choice of either an upper or lower berth, and in third class you are given a seat (with an option for air conditioned or non airconditioned).

Food is also served on the train if you wish. It is typically about three times the price of food you can buy on the street so stock up before you get on the train if you do not want to pay the extra price for the food on the train.

The bunks are fairly comfortable. I had an upper bunk and after climbing up the steep ladder I found it not so bad. If you are taller you would want the lower bunk because it has a little more room. The lower bunk also has the window. Each "bed" has it's own numbered curtain to give a little privacy and block out some of the light. Be sure to bring your valuables into your bunk with you to make sure they are there when you wake up. There are little hooks to hang a day pack on.

The State Railway company has a website with schedules and pictures of the seats on the train at:
http://www.railway.co.th/English/index.asp