Why Thailand's Sleeper Train Beats Flying! (Bangkok to Chiang Mai)

Here's what you need to know about riding the sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Is it worth it? Sometimes the experience is worth the journey.
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We recently spent the past week in Bangkok, and now we’re riding second class on this overnight sleeper train north as we make our way through 60 days of backpacking in Thailand. 🇹🇭
We'll be sharing everything you need to know we we experience it so that you can have the smoothest ride possible if you choose to take the sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
We bought 2nd class tickets online and picked them up yesterday at an MRT station near Chatuchak Weekend Market. This is actually important information if you buy through 12Go because we actually had to search pretty hard to find out where to pick them up. Had we picked them up the day of I think we would have been in big trouble.
Hey! You read this far, so what do you think after watching the video? Do you think the train is worth it? Comment below!
✅ Interested in Backpacking Thailand or want to watch our Thailand travels from the beginning? Start here: • 🎒Backpacking Thailand 🇹🇭
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== A B O U T U S ==
Hey! We're Tony and Sara, The Detour Duo. We are a traveling couple who have a passion for exploring new places and cultures. We're documenting our travels through Southeast Asia, taking in the sights, culture, and local experiences we encounter along the way!
We believe that travel is one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences anyone can have, and we hope to inspire others to get out there and explore the world for themselves.
Come along for every adventure and blunder, share in some humor at our expense, and subscribe to our channel so that you never miss a detour!
Add us if you feel like it :)
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[@opheliamorrison7675]

I agree that traveling by land is better than flying. You get to actually see the different parts of the country.

[@TheDetourDuo]

exactly. flying is so routine

[@emusdad]

That’s overrated. You’re going to burn an entire day of vacation just sitting in a chair looking out a window. And spending as much for a 90 minute plane ticket

[@opheliamorrison7675]

@@emusdad If you have too short an attention span for a road trip that's on you. It's your opinion that it's a waste of a day. Sometimes it's not about getting to a location asap, it's about the adventure of a road trip

[@emusdad]

You’re so triggered by my comment you felt the need to insult me? They says more about you than me. We’re done here, don’t respond. I don’t talk to trash

[@opheliamorrison7675]

@@emusdad I didn't insult you my man. It sounds like you don't have the attention span for a road trip via your own words.

[@Akeenaviation]

One location in Thailand I would highly reccomend is Kanchanburi, it has many world war II historical locations and has one of the bluest waterfalls in Thailand named "Erawan Falls' Its about a 3 to 4 hour "car" ride from Bangkok. Hope you enjoy the stay in Chiangmai and the north!😄 Edit: amazing editing skills btw

[@TheDetourDuo]

Hey thanks for the recommendation, and the editing love!

[@sameebah]

I've done this run a few times, both day and night - on the CM to Bkk overnight route there's a large Buddha figure set in the rice fields which the train tends to pass at around sunrise. If you're lucky, and looking out of the window to the east, you might get a rather lovely view as the rising sun reflects off the rice paddy and the statue is backlit. My first time travelling to Chiang Mai was on Christmas Day, 2003. That train was a little different. Slatted wooden seats, a couple of squeaky old ceiling fans, and the tiny open platform between carriages . . . I think I was the only non-Thai on board. And after that wonderful experience (still vivid today), I then met my (now) wife that evening.

[@TheDetourDuo]

oh that would have been so cool to see, but wow! A lot has changed since 2003. That's actually crazy

[@rienamaeverdillo8073]

Do you remember what city it was? We will be trying this sleeper bus in July. I don't want to miss that Buddha statue and I want to surprise my bf with that view.

[@WadmanP]

Ong Bak? A classic!

[@TheDetourDuo]

absolutely! Don't like the sequels as much though

[@kbustillo18]

That toilet-hole transition 10/10

[@TheDetourDuo]

haha I was hoping someone would appreciate that!

[@FAMDxb]

Thank you so much for admitting that flying would have been cheaper- loved how you put that clip in the middle. It’s been a burning question as to why folks opt for the sleeper train and you have addressed that today- that’s its for the experience. I appreciated that nugget drop very much. Love your channel. Good luck

[@TheDetourDuo]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you

[@พงศ์พัทธ์บุตรงาม-ง9ฤ]

Wow missing Thailand 🇹🇭🫶💕🎉 Wish you happiness ❣️☺️❣️ Like 😂🎉 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheDetourDuo]

😊

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

Pay less for no AC…? That’s a thing?

[@TheDetourDuo]

Couldn't be use if even the option

[@maryziggy8802]

Genius to match your t-shirt with the train curtains 😀😀

[@TheDetourDuo]

totally not planned lol

[@charosnz]

Did you two try khao soi in Chiang Mai? It's a must-try when you visiting nothern thailand. Don't miss out! I would love to see more about your food adventures in Thailand!😊

[@TheDetourDuo]

We've had so much Khao Soi I can't even count. We found Mae Hong Son to have the best we've tried so far

[@morrning_group]

Your Vlogs are like a breath of fresh air in the KZbin world, bringing crucial environmental awareness to the forefront. It's astonishing how your content quality remains consistently top-notch, even with the limited views. Thank you for your dedication and the valuable information you're spreading. Your efforts truly deserve to reach a wider audience, and I'm confident that more views and subscribers will find their way to your channel as your hard work continues. Keep blazing the trail!" 🔥🌿💚

[@TheDetourDuo]

Thank you. All we can do is keep working hard and create videos we enjoy and preach responsible tourism. Obviously we aren't perfect, and don't strive to be, but we want people to see that travel can be both fun and non-destructive

[@vtphone2315]

Thank you for liking the places to visit in Thailand.🇹🇭

[@TheDetourDuo]

🙏🏿 thank you for being so kind

[@Wilko11]

Would definately recommend doing the day time trip rather than overnight. Much better to take in the view in daylight . 👍

[@TheDetourDuo]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@theNusantaraVlog]

Hey guys. Great video! I am thinking of doing the overnight train with my family from Chian Mai to Bangkok. I have four kids ages 3,6,8, and 11. Do you think it is doable? I have 3 boys. The open area concerned me a bit.

[@TheDetourDuo]

You need to push a button to open a door to each compartment. I don't think your two youngest kids will be able to reach that button, but there was also someone who was walking up and down the aisles until people went to sleep. I also believe there is a newer train, different from the one we took, but I'm not sure how to go about booking it.

[@dcamazin]

Un BAK! Or whatever his name is lol

[@TheDetourDuo]

Haha pretty close. Classic film

[@chelsealanham]

late to the party but Tony’s reactions have me over here DYING 😂😂😂😂

[@TheDetourDuo]

🤣

[@justanordinarykid8872]

Crispy pork belly(Moo krob) is the best 🔥

[@TheDetourDuo]

So good!

[@PoJoTheBackPacker]

lol the ship joke was funny. That actually looks better than a ship bearthing bud. Good informative video bro as i will be heading to Bangkok here in about three weeeks. Love from North Carolina 💪🏽

[@TheDetourDuo]

That's a fact. Small boys and subs? Oh 100% so much nicer, but staying on of the French or Japanese ships...They might be able to hold up. haha. Have fun on your trip to Bangkok. Some people find it a bit overstimulating. We thought it was awesome

[@bradnat]

I think you must try to go in the Philippines. Theres a lot of friendly people, compare to the other South East Asian Countries. 😊

[@TheDetourDuo]

It is in the works. Just not this trip. We want to be to spend a lot of time there so we're planning another trip to stay there for something like 30 days

[@ekaroottaweesook9240]

Hello guys, I'm a Thai guy. If you go to Chiangmai I advise you that should go there by flight better. The train in Thailand is not good it's very slow and hot. Most of Thai people will popularly go to Chiangmai or Phuket island by car or bus or flight. Of course, you might be additional pay. But it will be more convenient and faster certainly.

[@TheDetourDuo]

Hey thanks. Yeah normally we would fly, but it's not something we get to do every day so decided to take the train for a bit of adventure. Plus we had a sleeper car with AC. Went to bed and basically woke up already close to Chiang Mai

[@FunnyDudehehe]

It was his opions bro not every tourism go with car or plane

[@jormakaarivainen]

If you have too much money, you can always fly. Personally, I always choose the night train because you save money on the hotel and travel horizontally without any airport checks and you can move freely on the train.

[@TheDetourDuo]

@@jormakaarivainen exactly. We didn't even mention bags and the baggage fees for backpackers with large packs.

[@miniemouse5826]

ต่างชาติ เค้ามาเค้าไม่อยากขึ้นเครื่องหรอก เค้าชอบการเดินทางแบบทดลอง ความสะดวกสบาย เค้าคงสัมผัสมาหมดแล้ว

[@thebrentrobinsonshow2882]

Glad yall are having fun, stay safe.

[@TheDetourDuo]

Thanks! We're doing both for sure

[@manutdrule09]

Guys this is a really great video, good job!

[@TheDetourDuo]

Thank you so much!

[@sutthisaksukprasroeth7384]

Press follow 😄

[@TheDetourDuo]

🙌🏾

[@chermarl5955]

Unlucky you went with the old sleeper train, the newer carriages are cleaner and more comfortable including the bathrooms. Importantly, it pays the same ticket price.🤭✌

[@TheDetourDuo]

We went with what was available 🤷‍♀️

[@jasonlavere5071]

We wanted to do a train ride but ended up just booking flights. We have our 9 yr old traveling with us and really wanted to book a 1st class cabin, but it wasn't available to book online. Plus with limited time in the country it just made more sense to travel by plane. It gives us the most time in each city to explore. We'll be heading that direction in about 20 days!

[@TheDetourDuo]

Makes sense! We had open ended time so decided to opt for some adventure. Have a great trip!!

[@BB-yi6qn]

Are you willing to travel to China? China has big cities like Hong kong , Shanghai , Shenzhen. ,Chengdu. , Chongqing , Dalian and Shenyang , many delicious Chinese food !

[@TheDetourDuo]

China is in the plans eventually. We'd love to see Hong Kong. Might be a little challenging for us right now.

[@ธัญญลักษ์ณ์สุทธิพร-ม9ถ]

You can try going to the south of Thailand, such as Krabi, Phuket, Hua Hin, Pranburi, where there are very beautiful seas. 🏝️🌊

[@TheDetourDuo]

🙏🏿

[@palidamook1767]

ยินดีต้อนรับค่ะ🙏Have a good time.🎉😊

[@TheDetourDuo]

Tank you 🙏

[@Beep-Boop101]

People who just take the planes , and sprint their way through place to place just does not know how to vacation and experience what most people take for granted it's time and nature.

[@TheDetourDuo]

Exactly this!

[@emusdad]

Take the 70 dollar and 90 minute plane ride. Unless you plan to be in country for a month and can stand to waste so much of your vacation time. But if you’re only gonna be in Thailand 10-12 days, don’t waste an entire day if it in a train

[@TheDetourDuo]

We like slow travel and the experience of it

[@nannaree9775]

Welcome To Chiang Mai

[@TheDetourDuo]

Thank you!

[@justice4all997]

If you bought tickets in advance did you buy directly from train station or a third party?

[@TheDetourDuo]

We bought them in advance through 12go

[@smintasingha6975]

เที่ยวเมืองไทยให้สนุกนะครับ

[@TheDetourDuo]

Thank you 🙏

[@robertwalters5654]

Why didn't you get a room on the train first class

[@TheDetourDuo]

we're on a budget and this fit our needs

[@sonnywong378]

That Thai movie is Called Ong Bak

[@TheDetourDuo]

Sure is. Classic

[@robertwalters5654]

Try first class on the train and share a two berth cabin

[@TheDetourDuo]

we're trying to maintain a daily budget so we can travel as long as possible. That sometimes involves making compromises

[@0Bios0]

hey guys, thank you for the video very informative! I am about to do this trip but where exactly do you board the train? I know now where to pickup tickets but where does the train leave from :) thank you!

[@TheDetourDuo]

sorry this is so late, but if you look up Bangkok Train Station you should be able to find it. It's also called Hua Lamphong

[@patompoomwichitchoti6051]

This week we have Roy Kratong ceremony (Yee Peng in Chiangmai).

[@TheDetourDuo]

Yup. We'll be here for it! Where's the best place to see the ceremony?

[@patompoomwichitchoti6051]

@@TheDetourDuo I suggest Thapae Gate and Chiang Mai City Municipality Office.

[@Jamie-mt2vb]

A very excellent video, cheers

[@TheDetourDuo]

Many thanks!

[@achilleswis1787]

Hello guys thanks for the video! I going to chiang mai 15 january. I can’t not find sleeper Train on 12Go! Please help.

[@TheDetourDuo]

Hey so I looked quickly. It doesn't look like there are any available until Jan 22. Could be because that is when the busy part of the travel season starts, and holidays, that they are already booked up. If you're already in Bangkok or will be in Bangkok well in advance of your trip, try going to the station directly. Otherwise it looks like buses or flights are still available

[@Ostkind84]

I just booked a sleeper Train via 12Go in january. They will offer busride and flights first, since is comfier and faster. But you can scroll down and then find the train options. I just checked it and there are plenty of options. Save travels ✌🏼

[@TheDetourDuo]

@@Ostkind84 Thanks for checking this!

[@StephenHume-vu3bs]

Tom yum goong

[@TheDetourDuo]

Such an underrated film!

[@most_mc]

Introducing Nakhonchai Air buses Economical and very good

[@TheDetourDuo]

Thanks for the tip!

[@opoijk6345]

วันจันทร์ที่27/11/67จะถึงนี้เป็นวันสำคัญของประเพณีไทยคือวันลอยกระทง🎂ของไทยหวังว่าคุณจะสนุกและได้ซึมซับกับประเพณีของไทย😊😊

[@TheDetourDuo]

We'll be in Chiang Mai for it!

[@dafrizalrizal8485]

welcom to in indonesia

[@TheDetourDuo]

not yet, but thank you in advance

[@Ostkind84]

Which hostel you stayed at? It looks so good! And Great video. Just booked the sleeper Train and can’t wait for the experience 😍

[@TheDetourDuo]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy the experience. We stayed at the Anumat Premium Budget Hotel

[@jomontanee]

6:43 ONG BAK?? ❤😍

[@TheDetourDuo]

yup!

[@ณัฐธยาน์กันต์ศิริยา]

การเดินทางของคุณ2คนสนุกมากๆฉันแทบจะอดใจรอEPต่อไปไม่ไหวแล้ว รอดูอยู่นะ❤

[@TheDetourDuo]

🙏🏿 ขอบคุณที่รับชมการเดินทางของเรา 🙏

[@MrSirerich]

ONG BAK!

[@TheDetourDuo]

honestly love that film. Introduced me to Tony Jaa

[@อัมรินทร์โพธิ์ศรี-ป7ธ]

💖💖🌺💞🤟🤟💘💐

[@TheDetourDuo]

🙏

[@vallanceellis7569]

beautiful delivery.Enjoyed .

[@TheDetourDuo]

Thanks!

[@nicosanchez_music]

Bro your transitions are so creative 8:06 love it been binging your channel

[@TheDetourDuo]

haha that was a fun one. should have added more flushing sound fx 🤣

[@eternaaly]

Choo choo

[@TheDetourDuo]

🚂

[@arthurgwain]

Tony and Sara! I see you! Awesome channel you guys.

[@TheDetourDuo]

My guy! Thanks Art!

[@WHITETIGER-fo3lm]

Welcome to Thailand 🇹🇭🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@TheDetourDuo]

THANK YOU! 🙏

[@wirotechawalitamnuay2626]

When you (duo) smiled ,it looked like the World smiles together.

[@TheDetourDuo]

😊

[@sammypimenova6262]

Will you stay in Chiangmai until loykratong day?

[@TheDetourDuo]

yup we're here!

[@smouvemouves]

I stumbled on to y'alls channel while doing research for a cycling trip to Thailand I'm planning. (Specifically, I'm traveling to Chiang Mai to do some road/gravel bike riding.) I was researching options for getting to BKK with my bike and might travel by train. I think there's accommodation for oversize luggage/bikes. Anyhow, I'm loving the content y'all are putting out! This was a dope surprise finding this channel, sub'd!!!

[@TheDetourDuo]

Hey thanks! That sounds like it could be a fun experience. Also we saw a lot of bike riders up near Chiang Rai as well if you make it up that far. Might be another good area for it

[@smouvemouves]

@@TheDetourDuo Awesome, thanks for the rec! I'll research that area as well.

[@SamanthaFl]

I appreciate the train travel. Flying can be so boring

[@TheDetourDuo]

Exactly. Why opt for routine when a new experience is right there

[@ribonxdheartoftheart902]

this is what i call "adventure lol

[@TheDetourDuo]

Just the beginning of one lol

[@ChanraLifeTV-ei5pe]

Great for try going new things ❤

[@TheDetourDuo]

Thank you. Always!

[@mukmuksurin7370]

So good 😊🎉❤

[@TheDetourDuo]

Glad you like it! 🙏

[@mukmuksurin7370]

จัดเต็ม😊🎉❤

[@TheDetourDuo]

🙏

[@riskone6098]

👍

[@TheDetourDuo]

👍🏾

[@Ntp.tsw91135]

As a Thai i would not suggest to the traveler for travel by train because it's not much comfortable and a price is not different from VIP bus 24-48 seats which more comfortable unless if you want to get an experience and have a a lot of time . By the way welcome to my hometown Chiang Mai and i wish you both would happy while stay here and feeling slow lifestyle of Chiang Mai .

[@TheDetourDuo]

We will always prefer to ride the train. Buses are not comfortable or enjoyable for us.