Advanced Booking Needed on Overnight Bus/Trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Replies: 25 - Last Post: Nov 1, 2012 1:15 AM Last Post By: a_zen_s
jump to
Advanced Booking Needed on Overnight Bus/Trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Hi,I'm looking to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai a day after flying into Bangkok. (1) Is it reasonable to turn up to Mo Chit in the afternoon and expect to be able to buy an overnight bus ticket for that evening to Chiang Mai?
After reading various posts to search for the answer, some people are recommending train. (2) Why would they recommend that? I thought the train took longer and was more expensive. Are people choosing this because they can be booked online?
Advice much appreciated :)
a_zen_s
3
Train is convenient, runs pretty much on time, less chance of scams like buses (buy tix at train station), relaxing etc etc.if you don't need to be in CM in a hurry, train is a good way to see some countryside during the day (not much to see I admit but worth the trip at least once). Take the sprinter Diesel Rail Car, it's the fastest service about 12 hours (no beds).
Happy travel.
4
You generally don't need to book on either trains or busses unless you're close to weekends or holidays. For an overnight I'd go for a 2nd Class Sleeper over the Bus any time - way more comfortable. I'd go to the station as soon as you arrive in Bangkok and book your tickets for the next day. I've tried to book trains online on a few occasions without success, no idea why... so I just book 'em at the station now.5
I suggest you just take the night bus to Chiang Mai :-)After arrival in Chiang Mai you can tell others why they should take the train instead the overnight bus.
Guess there are millions of threads here about scams, accidents, crazy drivers, bumpy roads, strange busstops out of town and so on ...
12
#6,well not all of those, but yes, you can get a crazy driver even at a government bus station and yes, you can have bupy roads no matter from which station you depart. So, of course not all bus rides are scam, but if it comes to comfort, well you can give me the busticket for zero and I would still buy a train ticket to Chiang Mai :-)
Maybe just because I am getting 40. Looks like the younger ones are maybe a little tougher when it comes to sleepless nights :-)
14
You'll probably read all this advice about NOT taking the tourist buses from Kowsan Road etc and then go ahead and do it anyway just like everyone else does. They are convenient, they are cheap but they are not worth it. It's hit or miss what the bus will be like, usually they are not good, theft is common, they break down, they are uncomfortable etc. Take a Government bus if you do opt for a bus even if it is a hassle to get to the bus station.
