Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train
Planning our journey to Chiang Mai
There are 10 trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai each day, and the journey takes approximately 12 h 49 min. The first train leaves at 08:30, the last at 20:23. You can expect to pay an average of $ 14.82 for the journey.
An onboard adventure
As this is a long journey, most travelers opt for a sleeper train, arriving in Chiang Mai in the morning. This means not missing a day of your vacation. As an added bonus, you'll save money on a night's accommodation! A downside of taking the sleeper train is that you'll miss out on the views. Traveling by day will reward you with views of seemingly endless paddy fields stretching all the way to the mountains in the distance.
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If you're taking the sleeper train, you'll find that it's cheaper to book an upper berth. This is because it's a little more awkward to get into, and space is tighter than in a lower berth. During the daylight hours, the beds are folded away, but as night draws in, a conductor comes around the train to make them up. Each berth has its own privacy curtain, light, and plug socket.
You can order both an evening meal and breakfast when traveling. The food is basic, and alcohol is not sold onboard. There is no wifi on the train, and it's a good idea to download anything you'd like to watch or listen to in advance. Even if you have a local SIM card or a good roaming plan, you're likely to lose your connection during the hours that the train spends passing through the middle of the country.
Your journey from Chiang Mai station
Chiang Mai train station is a little over 1.5 miles from the center of the city. Walking will take around 45 minutes, but there are also several public transport options that will get you there faster.
The cheapest way of getting from the station to the city is by taking a songthaew, the distinctive minibuses that you'll find all around Thailand. You could also take a taxi or a tuk tuk. Be aware that, when you're traveling by tuk tuk, drivers will often want to negotiate. Watch out for anyone trying to overcharge you, and don't be afraid to walk away if the price isn't right.
Things to do in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is known as the spiritual capital of Thailand for its impressive collection of over 200 temples. Beyond this, there is an enormous number of things to see and do. Whether you're looking for culture, cuisine, or adventure, you're sure to find it here!
- Wat Prathat Doi Suthep: This is the most impressive temple complex in the area, offering a stunning view across the entire valley. As well as the temple, Doi Suthep is a great area for hiking. Be sure to bring plenty of water, as the routes here are quite tough.
- Doi Inthanon Natural Park: Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest peak, and the park surrounding it is enormous. Follow a hiking trail to explore the area, and don't miss the gorgeous Sriphum Waterfall.
- Hang Dong Quarry: If the heat is getting you down, then go for a dip in this old quarry. Cliff jumping, rafting, zip-lining, and tubing are just a few of the adventurous activities you can enjoy here.
- Warorot Market: Thailand is famous for its street markets, and this is one of the best. It's not for the claustrophobic - expect to be swept along in the crowds of bargain hunters as you admire the offerings.
- Chiang Mai old town: Wat Chiang Mai is the oldest temple in the city, while Wat Chedi Luang has one of the best locations, right in the heart of the old town. A spot of temple hopping around the old walled city is definitely recommended.
Remember to be respectful when visiting temples. These are not tourist attractions; they are active houses of worship. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and remain quiet inside. Elaborate photoshoots should be saved for elsewhere!
Wild Chiang Mai
Visitors to Thailand are becoming more and more conscious of the exploitation of animals in the country's tourist industry. If you want to see some spectacular Asian wildlife but keep your conscience clear, you can visit the Elephant Nature Park or Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. These conservation projects give rescued animals a new lease of life, allowing you to feed and bathe the elephants without causing them harm.
The famous Bai Orchid and Butterfly Farm lets you see much smaller animals in their natural habitat. These glasshouses groan with brilliant orchids in every color you could imagine. Come here to relax and watch as brightly colored butterflies dance from flower to flower.
What to eat in Chiang Mai
The cuisine of Northern Thailand is quite different from Bangkok. You'll still find flavor-packed curries, but coconut milk is rarely on the menu, and sticky rice is the standard side dish. A great example of a local dish is gaeng hang lay moo, a pork curry with tamarind, galangal, and Indian-style spices. Khao soi, a spicy noodle soup with chicken or beef, is the most popular street food and can be found all over the city.
Visitors to Chiang Mai are often surprised to see sai oua laid out in street food stalls. At first glance, these long sausages may look almost European - but when you taste them freshly grilled, with the meat infused with a rich blend of Thai herbs and spices, you'll have no doubt that you're in Thailand!
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