Bangkok to Chiang Mai: Bus vs Train| Which One Is REALLY Better?

Bangkok–Chiang Mai Overnight Travel

The video compares an overnight luxury bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai with a return trip by train, focusing on price, travel time, comfort, and sleep.

Luxury Bus

The ticket cost 1,050 baht. The bus had adjustable reclining seats, movies, and complimentary water, a drink, and a sandwich. The narrator found the seat comfortable, but the restroom was difficult to use.

The trip took about 9 hours and 10 minutes and arrived slightly ahead of schedule. Cheaper buses may cost 400–600 baht, though the narrator expects them to be less comfortable.

Train

Train tickets range from about 200–250 baht for a basic seat, around 500 baht for a better seat, and 800–1,000 baht for a sleeper.

The train offered wider seating and more room than the bus, but the carriage felt older and the aisle was cluttered with luggage. Staff can make up the beds, and there is a dining car, though its food is relatively expensive.

Sleep and Comfort

The narrator found the lower sleeper berth much more comfortable than the upper one. The train rocked noticeably at night, making the upper berth particularly uncomfortable. The narrator’s experience differed from the common view that the train is more relaxing.

Overall Comparison

Both options cost roughly 1,000 baht and took a similar amount of time. Choose the train to move around and enjoy the mountain scenery; if booking a sleeper, try for a lower berth. The narrator preferred the luxury bus for resting and getting better sleep.

The video says five trains depart for Bangkok daily and recommends trains No. 9 or 10 if available. It also mentions a 10-minute stop near the “Tan Tunnel.”

Notable Details

• Locations: Bangkok bus station, Chiang Mai, and the “Tan Tunnel”
• Transport: Luxury night bus and Thai sleeper train
• Speaker: The video’s unnamed narrator