BKK to Chiang Mai Train or Plane

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    • Liam_J
      February 10, 2026 at 12:46 pm #5978

      Hey everyone! I’m heading to Chiang Mai next month and can’t decide: Is the overnight sleeper train actually a “must-do” experience, or am I better off just taking a quick flight?

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    • February 10, 2026 at 12:56 pm #5979

      Honest opinion from a local here, just book the flight!

      I tried the bus a few times and always arrived totally wrecked because I just couldn’t sleep on those winding roads as you get close to the mountains. Also in terms of safety, flying is the much better option. The busses drive like crazy.

      As for the train, the reality is a lot less romantic than the blogs make it seem. The tracks are old so it’s quite shaky, and delays are standard. Even if you try for the 1st Class sleeper to get some privacy, you usually have to book that 90 days in advance because it sells out instantly.

      When you look at the price, a quick flight from DMK or BKK is often barely more expensive than a train ticket. Don’t waste a precious day of your holiday recovering from a sleepless 13-hour journey.

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BKK to Chiang Mai Train or Plane

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