IMPOSSIBLE TO BOOK: Bangkok to Chiang Mai Sleeper Train

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Click the link below and use Code NONSTOP10 to get 10% OFF all amazing Level8 Luggage: www.clkmg.com/LEVEL8/NonStopEuroTrip

[@hanakomisa]

I'm glad to see Thailand slowly getting better rail networks integrated. I hope to go back to visit my family there sometimes in the future. Thanks for the review!

[@NonstopEurotrip]

You should! 😁

[@northeastern_chugger]

​@@NonstopEurotrip Hey Max! Remember I once told you about India's new long distance semi hs train? The Sleeper V/B Exp? It just got revealed yesterday, and the looks are amazing ❤✨ And the interiors can be termed as 'lavish'. Make sure to check it out....😊

[@Nenjakagi]

16:10 Correction Thailand Northern Line and Northeastern line (including Bangkok - Chiangmai) was build in Standard Gauge from the foundation of Thai Railway to around 1920. But the Southern Line (Bangkok to Hat yai) was build in Metre Gauge to connect with Malaysia (then British Malaya) The reason is because the Northern and Northeastern line was build by German, but the Southern was build by British as they want to established trade route between Bangkok and Singapore. In 1920s, Thailand re-gauge Northern and Northeastern line from Standard Gauge to Metro Gauge to improve connectivity, at the same time Thai build Rama 6 bridge to connect Southern Line to Northern and Northeastern Line.

[@kibruazkaenk1510]

After watching train videos from our neighbor, I realized that despite the high fare KAI has charged us, they do provide one of the best services and experiences. I mean, Krung Thep Aphiwat Station is huge, but the lounge inside barely has anything. Of course, they do have rooms for improvements, but after seeing KAI/KCIC lounges, that SRT lounge feels so bland. One thing I envy about Thailand is that their high-speed rail line stops at the same station as the regional and commuter trains (Halim HSR Station took 2 transfers to go from Manggarai/Gambir). Also, we don't have that type of sleeper train in Indonesia. Perhaps our travel times aren't as long as in Thailand, so that kind of sleeper is unnecessary. Also I need to mention our face recognition boarding gates are awesome. I hope more countries in this region adopt the same boarding method. I'll definitely try their trains someday. Cheers!

[@VEVOJavier]

We definitely do need sleepers for Jakarta - Surabaya & Banyuwangi

[@kibruazkaenk1510]

@@VEVOJavier they'll build HSR there so only took 4 hours journey, won't need no sleeper. I personally don't want that type of sleeper they use in other country where they cranked up 6 people inside a compartment. Or even the one they use in India omg we don't want that, the strategy of KAI making sleeper compartment as a flagship level service is the right choice. People have options tho..

[@TRAVEL.HIGHLIGHTS]

🙂 Hello, it is true each country in Asia have a different organisation and that make interesting to see Train video. If you are lucky you can try all of them. 🙂 Maybe if you have a time you can have a look at @Travel.Highlights for nice Train Trip.... Have a good day

[@GeeanAja]

Btw Indonesian Railway Company or PT KAI released the longest journey service train in Indonesia namely Blambangan Ekspres from Pasar Senen in Jakarta to Ketapang in Banyuwangi Regency with 16 hours and 30 minutes. Ketapang Station are connected to Ketapang Harbour so you can go to Bali even don't bring your car.

[@NonstopEurotrip]

I might try it 😉

[@sunaryonoyono3794]

​@@NonstopEurotrip, tak tunggu videonya

[@samtrak1204]

India should have nice clean sleepr trains with solo occupancy like this. Thai stations are sparkling clean too. Thanks for sharing.

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Oh I definitely agree!!!

[@SRanade]

Train look good, I see only a single line track. Did you have opportunity to review Beijing to Lhasa train.

[@SRanade]

India is launching new long distance sleeper train soon. They are doing test run right now. We don't import rolling stock.

[@imoutodaisuki]

I firmly believe India should fix its booking system first. Rolling a dice for your room is just ridiculous imo.

[@kallol121]

​@@SRanadeIndia railways worst..

[@williamcarter361]

In 2014 I took a sleeper to Surat Thani from Bangkok. Pretty decent cabin bed, managed to sleep.

[@thornton]

13:58 amazing sunrise to wake up to 😍🇹🇭

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Oh yeah mate- hey how did you watch this early 😂

[@leemoores9830]

Did the same trip back in June but in reverse from your trip. Went 2nd class sleeper (all first class sold) and found the trip comfortable and really enjoyed it. Highly recommend.

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Great to hear!

[@joebarrett4353]

Excellent vid, as usual. Thank you

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Glad you enjoyed it 😁

[@srbike]

Thanks for this useful review mate. Indeed the sleeper train first class cabin with its comfy bed looks tempting to settle down for the day.

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Thanks very much 😊

[@srbike]

@@NonstopEurotrip Most welcome mate

[@mikemainer3009]

"Ultraman" diesel loco? Nothing beats having your train carriage being pulled by a superhero.

[@NonstopEurotrip]

I know right?!

[@holidayaviation7078]

I always thought that Thailand's trains were backward, but this video changed my mind. I look forward to more interesting railway sharing.

[@NonstopEurotrip]

More to come!

[@pamrobinson4350]

Did this journey in 2006 from the old Hua Lamphong station. Soooo atmospheric - like the old Don Muang Airport. Good times.

[@markellis6413]

Great video buddy. When we went to Thailand - back in 1999 - we flew from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Now, we'd probably do this instead..

[@hassanalihusseini1717]

In old times I took the train, but now this route is so overhyped by (Farang-)KZbinrs so that it is overbooked too much. And I say that as a railway fan.

[@NonstopEurotrip]

You should! 😁

[@johnmehaffey9953]

Now that’s first class rail travel and not expensive, well done Thai railways, nice post

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Indeed it is!

[@michaelhall8586]

I was looking forward to taking one of the Thai trains but the better half talked me out of it saying they weren’t nice. This is quite reassuring though so hopefully one day I’ll get another chance!

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Definitely 😄

[@wit5426]

My first visit Krungthep Apiwat station was in 2020 when the government converted Krungthep Apiwat station to one of Bangkok's Covid19 vaccination centers, I made a vaccination appointment online and take MRT blue line to get my first jab here.

[@deimosmuc]

I would be curious how good the air conditioning was in the double cabin? Was it freezing and drafty or was it very comfortable?

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Absolutely fine. Perfect for me. You can adjust it too

[@Tharitkung]

on 16:15 , You'll see this incoming train has two locomotives, the orange one are banker locomotive, helping some trains to run across mountain terrain in this mountain region. Banker will helping a train mostly on Lampang-Chiang Mai or Lampang-Khun Tan section, but only some train need that, a shorter train or a train hauled by CDA5B1(that's powerful enough) doesn't need it.

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Indeed yes!

[@normanmcleod7169]

Great report as always!

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ngarageRS]

Last year I try to book a special express number 9 tickets for me and my dad but compartment room first class went full so quickly. Then I change my mind and book special express number 7 tickets (day trip express train) and my longest painful journey are begin. I got free lumbago now.

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Now they're on sale 6 months in advance, availability is better

[@l2evivel2]

Thailand railway used the standard gauge and then changed to meter gauge later because we needed to connect the British colonial like Malaya and Burma (nowadays Malaysia and Myanmar).

[@vaughnwilliams1208]

Of course the Standard Gauge is British too, invented by George Stephenson. Britain itself uses standard gauge. One metre gauge was chosen because its better for tracks with lots of bends and is cheaper to build. Your new Chinese colonialists will insist on standard gauge

[@humongousballs]

@@vaughnwilliams1208Nah, new lines are still being built in meter gauge and new rolling stock ordered for that. Standard gauge will only be for completely new and separate systems like HSR or rapid transit.

[@NonstopEurotrip]

And also because of tough terrain

[@thomasjohnrobinson4658]

@@l2evivel2 don't understand because the British built Malaya's railways in the standard guage like everywhere else.

[@cakhia4035]

If you plan to return to Vietnam, you should try the SNT6 train from Sai gon station to Nha Trang station or the SE22 train from Sai gon station to Da Nang station, it just ran a few months ago 🤩

[@NonstopEurotrip]

I'll be back next year :)

[@cadelaide]

Having wonderful memories of backpacking across Thailand in times gone psst

[@olivalkor6053]

Been riding the SRT sleeper trains many times all the way to CM of course ( my 2nd home ) , Nong Khai, Ubon Ratchathani, Hua Hin, Trang, Hat Yai and Penang island....fact is SRT and KTM are gonna run again within 2,3 months the direct sleeper train from BKK to Butterworth !!

[@judgedee7956]

Thanks for the interesting video, the compartment looks very comfortable & the food edible. A general question, please, in Countries where tipping is expected, is tipping the attendants on sleeper trains expected?

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Tipping is not expected in any country that I've visited except the USA

[@micashen]

Hi there! Means you can only book 6 months in advance, not earlier? Looks great there!

[@NonstopEurotrip]

That is correct 👍🏻

[@micashen]

@@NonstopEurotrip Ok! Side note: Just read the local news today - there will be train service from Bangkok to Penang (direct) in the future.

[@hassanalihusseini1717]

@@micashen You mean Butterworth. don't you?

[@micashen]

@@hassanalihusseini1717 Yup. One of the stops is in Butterworth. The other stop is midway through at Padang Besar (in Perlis).

[@rezaalan3991]

Great trip. Looks like this week I see plenty of southeast Asia trip, from Superalbs uploading ETS Malaysia trip, to this sleeper train in Thailand. Overall great room and great food.

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Hope you enjoyed it! 😁

[@Peizxcv]

The new vintage train are very nice. Have the old train's look but modern toilets and features

[@nguyenmyly2627]

Nhà ga và hệ thống đường sắt Thái sạch sẽ hiện đại 🎉🎉thật là chuyến đi rất thú vị

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Some is 😂

[@theobrattinga500]

Great video.

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Thanks!

[@falafelraffel8140]

The new coaches are definitely good-looking and seem to comfortable. But the train still lacks competitiveness in comparison to flying. There are 50+ flights per das between Bangkok and Chiang Mai and unfortunately, the new “Grand Central Station” in Bangkok takes all the perks away from taking the train as it is almost as far away from downtown as Don Mueang Airport. It feels pretty airport-like (not in a good way) with the big halls, food outlets, lack of daylight and the boarding process. I know this train isn’t really meant to compete with air travel but even with the upcoming high speed rail project, the station’s location and set up won’t aid the project’s success I fear. Furthering, the air fares between the two cities are super affordable for westerners, starting at around 20€ during promotions, but you can expect to pay not more than 30€-35€ even if booked only a few days in advance. But the experience of a night train, especially during the sunrise, can’t be matched by any airplane no matter how cheap or convenient it may be.

[@mono2go]

But trains provide connections to people who don't live in the termini. The 50+ flights between Bangkok and CNX do nothing for people in Nakhon Sawan or Uttaradit. It's a shame they don't have an option to take HSR already, and not in the near future

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Obviously if you want speed the place will win. But many people don't hence why this train is sold out every day

[@DanethHok]

Excuse me! may i know the different between lower bunk and solo accupancy? the price 69.58$ (the room for 2 people? )

[@NonstopEurotrip]

If you watched the video, then you'd know...

[@patrickdeloddere2783]

I have it ! I’ll take it end of November. I booked beginning of September

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Have a great trip!

[@JoseArcticol]

how many carriages does the chiang mai train?

[@NonstopEurotrip]

10 iirc

[@MrAshplayzandtravels]

Could you go on a class 185 once in first class😊

[@NonstopEurotrip]

@@MrAshplayzandtravels I have, many times, it's my local train :)

[@suratthanitrainspotters]

On June 3 and July 28, I visited Bangkok KTW with my mother for spotting a steam locomotive hauled excursion train

[@NonstopEurotrip]

😁😁😁

[@christineschon8018]

I like the old Train with open Windows ❤

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Me too!

[@gigganigga262]

Can you ride the new BR424 on the s-bahn Köln?

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Probably not tbh

[@johnhaynes710]

Will the high speed network end these sleeper services as has happened in other countries?

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Almost certainly, eventually

[@mabo9636]

high speed rail to Chiang Mai has yet started. I don't think it gonna replace the existing one since HSR only cover major stations

[@mono2go]

Hopefully not. SRT is planning to build a new double track narrow gauge line somewhat parallel to this route where DMUs can go up to 160 kph and sleeper trains to actually 120 kph. This is to provide local connections, but hopefully there will still be demand for sleeper trains alongside HSR, whenever that comes

[@yasukiwi]

Hopefully not. Italy and Sweden for example have retained night train services. France thought TGVs could replace everything but that is not the case and it's interesting to see they've bought back night train services to a number of destinations that had previously been cut some years ago. I also think JR East in Japan specifically have made a really bad, stupid decision to cut night trains after extending shinkansens to the far north of the main island Honshu, southern Hokkaido and also over to Kanazawa on the Japan sea coast. The last shinkansen services don't even leave that late at night and the earliest morning departures won't arrive early enough if you had to be at the destination for a morning meeting etc. Again JR East put all their eggs in one basket.

[@PreNeanderthal]

How did I find it? It was quite easy. It was at the platform when I got there.

[@NonstopEurotrip]

?

[@RobertBIrish]

Thank You!

[@NonstopEurotrip]

No problem 😁

[@SagaSato]

I was wondering if your going to try riding on VIA Rail Sleeper trains here in Canada where I’m from?

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Maybe one day

[@yasukiwi]

@@NonstopEurotrip Loved taking The Ocean from Montreal to Halifax and doing that was off watching trip reports from other YT channels. It's a lot more expensive than this train though!

[@samtrak1204]

Is "No Alcohol" a relgious thing?

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Nope, not at all!

[@inkkrairavee8154]

As Thai I think, it has been a accident for drunk guy attack other passenger. By the way I think it's ridiculous for us to able to drink on a plane but not on a train.

[@railwaystory121]

No, Thailand just strict on places like not drink at public area, in a car or hospital and fixed selling time at convenience store.

[@keithhardy8513]

No ! But I think that were some issues with drunk "farang" / foreigners on Thai night trains in the past.

[@samtrak1204]

@@keithhardy8513 So drunk foreigners are to blame for No Alcohol rule?

[@boweandrew3]

Great train trip

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Yes it was!

[@robertofraser101]

Well done thailand and a fraction what pay uk sleeper trains esp Caledonian sleeper just subscribed cheers mate

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Thanks! Welcome onboard 🤗

[@1uanderful]

How can I book this train ticket?

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Did you watch the video?

[@cocoaiscool2709]

well the company who built this coach also built high speed sleeper train so they better be super good

[@samtrak1204]

So the ride quality was good?

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Beautiful 😍

[@Winwin-ds7cc]

The first one 😊😊

[@NonstopEurotrip]

👀

[@electrictraveller4430]

Welcome 😊

[@johnhaynes710]

Why have you changed the theme tune please?

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Just trying some new things 😉

[@haneesh__1]

If you can have the metro stations clean, then you can definitely have railways stations 70 percent as clean, you don't see people throwing litter in metro station or in the train because no one likes to litter an already clean area

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Absolutely!

[@SauravKumarPathak]

Nice train! When is your next India video coming?

[@NonstopEurotrip]

When I go back 😂

[@SauravKumarPathak]

@@NonstopEurotrip No really when? When you came to India last year you travelled on a lot many trains that's why I am asking.

[@cj1_059]

Will you visit Bangladesh?

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Hopefully soon!

[@sweyne6710]

I live in Thailand and much prefer the old Hualamphong station. Classic design and better location. The new sleeper trains have been in operation a few years now, so not quite so new.

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Totally agree!

[@sweyne6710]

@@NonstopEurotrip Thank you. Great video with lots of useful info. My favourite part of the sleeper to C Mai was having a coffee served to my bed about an hour before reaching the destination. Best cuppa I've ever had after a long night.

[@mabo9636]

CNR were delivered in 2016. still the newest fleet among all Thai trains if refurbished ones don't count

[@mightay6672]

My thai husband says you can book easily through an :agent :not the state railway as they have already purchased the tickets first then you will pay the premium rate 😂 yeah this is Thailand ❤

[@NonstopEurotrip]

It's not possible anymore. Because you need to give name and passport details upon booking and you can't change them afterwards, for free, like you used to be able to do.

[@jgodfrey546]

16:25 I'd likely go 1 way in daylight, the other on the sleeper...

[@NonstopEurotrip]

That's what I did :)

[@JonathanButler-zd8qt]

I wouldn't mind living there. Thailand is a beautiful country with a lower cost of living.

[@NonstopEurotrip]

It certainly is!

[@Steamengineteam]

Thai people please and Thai love train here👇🏻 คนไทยและะคนชอบรถไฟไทยทางนี้👇🏻

[@nitthiponk.693]

ยินดีตอนรับสู่ประเทศไทย

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Thank you 👍🏻😊

[@lfaverby]

i have tried this train 3 times but now i prefer the bus

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Weird 🤔

[@Adolphification]

why?

[@Abnerbandanovotempoinscrito1mi]

Bom dia boa viagem de trem lindo cama

[@travelbyteak]

Wow

[@langitbiru14]

Back to 🇮🇩 Please 😊

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Lots more videos to come! 🫴🏻

[@evanpeay]

ride the day train so can see the views

[@JonathanButler-zd8qt]

Where's your favourite part of Thailand?

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Koh Samui or Koh Phi Phi :)

[@vortx001]

Please Visit Australia 🇦🇺🦘

[@kennethbell54]

These trains are not brand new. They have been running for several years now.

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Never said they were

[@kennethbell54]

Yes you did right at the start. Thailands brand new sleeper trains? Smuggle any alcohol on board this time?​@@NonstopEurotrip

[@xBris]

How can you build a brand new train station but make the interior as depressing as an airport from the last century? That's just so sad. But it's a great example of politicians vanity: They want a huge, nice, shining prestige station but don't give a single f to what it's actually like to use it (because they and their rich friends will never ever step foot inside after the opening ceremony).

[@NonstopEurotrip]

It needed to be huge due to the expansion plans

[@inkkrairavee8154]

As Thai, this station is not built for people who take the train, it's just a achievement for acting like they built a lot of infrastructure. They move the central from the heart of city to the edge of city surround by nothing

[@xBris]

@@NonstopEurotrip The size isn't the issue. It's the interior design. It's ok to build a large new station, it's not okay to make it look all shiny from the outside but to be a hellhole from the inside.

[@hassanalihusseini1717]

It is impressive and nice, too. A lot of space for people.