Express and rapid trains leave for Chiang Mai from Hualamphong Station several times daily and the trip takes about 11-12 hours for express trains. It is highly recommended to reserve seats well in advance, especially for sleepers. During long holidays like Songkran and New Year, it is not uncommon to find that all the sleepers of all trains are already filled up two months beforehand. For details, call the State Railway of Thailand, 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2220 4444 (RSVN),0 2220 4334, 0 2621 8701or Chiang Mai Railway Station, 0 5324 2094, 0 5324 5363 to 4.
For taxi in Bangkok : Hualamphong Station
สถานีรถไฟหัวลำโพง
TRAVELLING BY TRAIN from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, or in reverse, is a popular budget means of getting between the cities. Slightly more expensive than the bus, and taking longer, the train is a much more comfortable means of travel, especially if you take an overnight sleeper. Recently, the emergence of budget flights for 1500 baht or less one-way between Chiang Mai and Bangkok has taken the edge off train travel, but many prefer to see the country from the ground. Towards the end of 2009 the ageing rail network received plenty of negative publicity with a series of accidents and wildcat strikes by the union, public perception is poor, and mismanagement and lack of investment have put the brakes on modernising this increasingly sidelined service. Fewer travellers are using the train these days.
Invariably the train arrives in its own 'Thai time', which is usually up to an hour late. Food and drinks are freely available on board, served to your own seat, at a reasonable price (a meal and drink is less than 100 baht). However, there's no harm in picking up snacks beforehand on the station concourse.
The Bed
There is adequate luggage storage and safety on the trains is, on the whole, pretty good. You are advised, however, to keep your valuables close at hand while sleeping. If your train isn't air-conditioned, it will at least have fans, but can nonetheless be quite warm. There are no individual compartments (except in first class); the bunks are lined length-ways along the carriage.
The beds are big and comfortable and if you take a bottom bunk, you can awake to the pretty mountain scenery as the train enters the highlands and traverses Doi Kuntan National Park and mountains between Lampang and Lamphun. The top bunk can be a challenge for the claustrophobic and difficult to climb into if you are slightly immobile. It can also be difficult to sleep due to nearby ceiling florescent lights, which remain on throughout the night. Beds are made up between 9 and 10pm and broken down about an hour before reaching your destination.
Food and Drinks Are Available
First class trains do have individual cabins, however the 1,200 baht prices makes them poor value against the emergence of cheap air travel. None-the-less they are comfortable and private, can be locked and provide you with your own table, sink and free drinking water. If you are travelling alone however there is no guarantee who you will be sharing with, luckily people in Thailand are polite and friendly. You needn't worry about safety among fellow passengers.
During the busy season (November to February), or on weekends, tickets should be booked a couple of days in advance; otherwise we suggest you arrive at least an hour earlier than the second-last train, to avoid disappointment. There is a safe luggage storage facility at both stations, charging a minimal fee. With 24 hours notice a travel agent can arrange a ticket for you, saving you a trip to the station.
Enjoy Breakfast On Your Bed
Although Chiang Mai train station has limited facilities, there are toilets, a comfortable concourse and food vendors. Bangkok train station has far more to offer with plenty of waiting seats, a newsagent, supermarket, restaurants, bars, plenty of food vendors and even a KFC. Taxis or tuk-tuks are freely available at both; parking is short at Bangkok station.
Good view In The Morning