FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Thailand Train/Rail Travel: News and Advice (excluding BKK ARL)
Old Jul 14, 2010 | 11:39 am
  #19  
Madinat
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: chicago
Posts: 149
Originally Posted by FlyerBeek
Does anyone have experience traveling on the Bangkok-Chiang Mai night train?

According to the Thai Railway schedule, there appear to be two Special Express overnight trains operated daily, both with First Class sleepers and two additional Express trains with Second Class sleepers. Besides the differing accomodations, are there any differences between these four night trains?

Also, the Thai Railway online ticketing website doesn't seem to allow the booking of First Class sleepers - only Second Class and below. Does anyone know how I can prebook a First Class sleeper for two before I arrive in Thailand?

Thanks,
FlyerBeek
not sure about pre-booking the first class sleeper, but i have to say that i took the night train 2nd class to chiang mai and 1st back to bangkok just to see the difference. the first hour of the return trip the a/c was not working in first class so we all transplanted to 2nd class until they got it fixed. the only benefit i could see in first class was having the private enclosed cabin. there was no difference in comfort as far as i was concerned and i kinda wished i'd just saved the extra and taken 2nd class back as well. there actually seemed to be more room for storage in 2nd (under the seats) there wasn't this space in first due to the berth config.

just my 2 cents, hth!
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