When it comes to transport in Thailand (depending on your vacation time frame)-I would say take the train every time. Not only will you see a lot more, meet much more and enjoy much more. You will spend a comparatively luxury-time from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. (Very first class of course is an almost specific luxury).
Approximately thirteen hours of train ride, on the special express sleeper train- the nicest way to travel will get you on the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Of course, portion of the journey will be through darkness, but you can’t miss those incredible views of sunset, sunrise and dawn from the train. 1 of the wonderful things about the Thai trains is that you won’t be confined to one single cabin. You will have the luxury of walking up and down the whole train to stretch your legs, take a window breather, go for a smoke or just have that cup of coffee or bottle of beer in the buffet automobile at the other finish of the train. It in truth (despite the fact that with out the luxury) it does remind me a small of one of those European orient express journeys.
When you initial get onto the train, you will notice that there does not truly seem to be anyplace to sleep-a bit of a be concerned at 1st until you comprehend that the seats are developed to fold up into a carriage of two tiered beds-really ingenious actually. At about 9pm or so, the bedding staff will come round to set up the beds for you-every little thing is sparkling clean, sheets, pillows and a light blanket-just like a mobile hotel. And if you get bored of sleeping in the course of the night -there’s always that midnight stroll you can take either up to one of the carriage ends or to the buffet vehicle-these (in my expertise) have been recognized to stay open most of the night- and if you are actual lucky, you will be able to experience one of those all night buffet vehicle parties. Not for the faint hearted I really should imagine-of course there is 1st class and apart from the noise of the train you will not have to worry about any other noise (buffet parties inc.) keeping you awake all night. As sunrise approaches you will uncover that most passengers have stirred to catch a glimpse of a beautiful dawn view of Chiang Mai province countryside-a stunning web site that can’t be observed from any airplane or the bus. This indeed, is a rare treat in the early morning before checking into to your hotel at the commence of your tour of Chiang Mai.