Train Travel in Thailand

Q: I would like to take the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and then on to Koh Samui. Do you have information on booking and prices? - Joe Fortuin

A: Train travel between Bangkok and Chiang Mai is a very popular option, even though budget airlines have brought down the cost of flying. Most of the journeys are overnight and you should choose between first and second class. In second class you can travel in an airline-style seat (from 541 baht - R135) or an air-conditioned sleeper (from 751 baht - R185). In first class the fare starts at 1253 baht (R313). The bottom bunk is slightly more expensive than the top one. If a single traveller wants to have a two-berth compartment to themselves, they can pay an additional 500 baht. There is no direct train service from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui - you would have to travel back to Bangkok and change trains. You may wish to consider flying directly from Chiang Mai on Bangkok Airways, even though this is more expensive. Of course, you cannot get from Bangkok to the island of Samui by train. You would catch a train to Surat Thani and then take a bus and a ferry to the island. The price of the train ticket varies from 308 baht (R77) in a fan-cooled second class seat to 1139 baht (R285) in a first class sleeper. The journey takes 11-12 hours. You can buy a ticket which includes the bus fare from the station to the ferry point and the ferry ticket to Samui for an additional 350 baht (R88). Websites worth visiting for information and bookings include www.seat61com, www.thairailticket.com, www.travelconnecxion.com and www.1stopchiangmai.com.