Our 15-Hour Train Ride from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Our travel day began in Chiang Mai as we packed up and headed toward the train station. With just a few hours between checkout and departure, we found comfort and food at a nearby 7-Eleven—a true traveler’s best friend in Thailand. Stocked with snacks, drinks, and essentials, it was a lifesaver for our long train journey ahead.
💡 Tip:
If you’re traveling on a budget, Thailand’s 7-Eleven stores offer quick meals, drinks, and even microwavable food—perfect for train travel days!
Inside Chiang Mai Train Station
The Chiang Mai train station is clean, small, and easy to navigate. We had time to relax and eat before our train arrived at platform 4. Watching the different train compartments, from general class to air-conditioned coaches, was a little adventure itself. The station even had clean bathrooms and a friendly atmosphere, making our wait feel pleasant and calm.
Boarding the Train: Second-Class Seats Experience
We had booked second-class seats in Car-6. Although not sleeper beds, the seats were clean and adjustable, and there was plenty of space to stretch out. There were also general-class areas with only fans and shared washrooms. The journey started hot and dusty, but as the evening came, things cooled down. We ate crab fried rice and chicken meals from the canteen—everything was fresh and tasty.
💡 Tip:
If you’re traveling with kids, always try to book sleeper class early, especially on weekends. It’s more comfortable for long trips and makes sleeping much easier!
What We Ate and Saw Along the Way
Food was a big part of this journey! We shared everything as a family—from snacks bought at 7-Eleven to meals from the train’s canteen. There were moments of laughter, watching the scenery change from lush green forests to small villages, and even spotting a beautiful sunset. Elina, our little explorer, kept things fun with her curiosity and quick naps along the way.
Arriving in Bangkok and Checking into Our Hotel
We arrived in Bangkok around 4:30 in the morning, tired but excited. Since hotel check-in was at 8:00 a.m., we rested at the station for a few hours and grabbed a quick breakfast. Our hotel room wasn’t fancy—it was an older-style budget stay—but it had what we needed: space, a balcony, and a small bathroom. Its location near the metro was perfect for exploring the city over the next few days.
💡 Tip:
Look for hotels with early check-in if you’re arriving by night train. It’s a great way to freshen up and rest without wasting a day or extra booking fees.
Our Honest Thoughts About the Train Journey
The 15-hour train ride was a mix of fun and fatigue. It gave us great memories, lots of laughs, and tasty food—but it was also tiring, especially without sleeper beds. If we had booked early, we could’ve traveled more comfortably. Still, we made the most of it and were glad to finally rest in Bangkok. We don’t regret the experience, but next time, we’ll definitely go for the sleeper class!
Plan Ahead and Travel Smart
If you’re planning a family trip in Thailand, take our advice—book sleeper trains early, stay near metro stations, and pack snacks from 7-Eleven. Even when plans aren’t perfect, the journey itself can be filled with joy. We’ll be exploring more of Bangkok next, so stay tuned for more family-friendly adventures, tasty food hunts, and travel tips from our journey! 🌏✨