The Night Train From Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai

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There are some experiences in Thailand that you know probably aren’t going to be that much fun. Taking the night train from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai is one of them. But let’s be honest, you can’t go to Thailand without taking a night train. Just don’t expect much sleep on the train!

Reasons to Travel on a Night Train in Thailand:

• Saves money on accommodation
• Makes the most of your time in Thailand by traveling during the night
• It is very cheap and as I mention it will save you a nights accommodation
• Taking the night train in Thailand is fun!

Reasons Not to Travel on a Night Train in Thailand:

• Sleeping on a Thai night train is pretty much impossible

Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that you need to be prepared for anything! Travel insurance has always been high my list of things to get before I travel but now more than ever its at the top of my list.

I’m pretty sure we have all had travel plans messed up because of COVID and not all insurers covered this. So when looking for travel insurance it’s important to check it covers travel disruption due to COVID-19, Hey Mondo, Passport Nomads, Safety Wing, and Travel Insurance Master all provide cover for this.

Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single trip cover, annual multi trip cover, and long term travel cover. You even have the option to start the cover when you are already on your trip, although you won’t be covered for the first 72 hours. For me my favourite feature is their app which offers you a 24/7 Dr chat and the ability to file a claim direct in the app.

Passport Nomads provides the most comprehensive cover for Digital Nomads. The game changer with them is that you have a red card and if you find yourself in need of medical care you just contact them and they will pre load your card with the funds to cover your treatment, meaning you won’t need to pay out of pocket and then put in a claim later.

Safety Wing is great value with monthly cover starting at $39. It’s super easy to use and it just renews each month. They have an excess of $250 and it’s simple to make a claim through their website. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy and I like that it renews on a monthly basis, so I don’t have to pay out a big lump sum up front.

I also use Travel Insurance Master for some short vacation type trips.

If you are doing shorter trips or an extended backpacking trip then Hey Mondo or Travel Insurance Master are the best option. If you are a digital nomad or planning travel of at least 6 months then go for Passport Nomads or SafetyWing.

Where Do You Get the Train to Chiang Mai From:

If you are traveling from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai you will take in from the only station in Ayuttaya. You can’t miss it as it is such a small place.

Many people travel to Chiang Mai from Bangkok if you skip Ayuttaya. I really wouldn’t though as it’s well worth spending half a day there to explore the temples. In Bangkok just hop in a Tuk Tuk and get the driver to drop you off.

Top Tip

The station at Ayutthaya has a place you can pay a small amount to store your bag while you explore the temples. Then you just pick it up before you get your train.

How Much Does the Night Train From Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai Cost?

Our train tickets cost 766tbt for the top bunk and 856tbt for the bottom, but this was a few years ago so I’m sure it’s a little bit more now. there is a price difference in the bottom bed is bigger. If you have a preference let them know when booking. Do Make sure you get your ticket early in the day as they do sell out or better yet book online here.

My Journey on the Night Train From Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai

My travel buddy, Laura was ill and so as soon as we got on the train she asked for them to convert the bed so she could sleep. Watching this was enough to make my journey. Take a look at how the seats convert on the night train here.

I wasn’t ready to sleep just yet so I headed to the restaurant carriage to get some dinner and chill for a while. The food was great and they have a set menu (called a set) on offer until 11 pm. the price is pretty reasonable, about 120 tbt for soup, 2 meals, rice, fruit, and a drink.

Then it was bedtime, I’m not going to lie it freaked me out a bit as it reminded me of being back on board a ship in my bunk, but it was comfy. I really struggled to sleep, I’m not sure if it was the noise or the movement but I didn’t sleep. The next morning the porter came through and woke anyone up who was still sleeping 1 hour before we got to Chiang Mai. In each of the carriages, you will find a sink and two toilets where you can freshen up.

Top Tip: There are 2 toilets in each carriage, one is a traditional Thai hole in the floor toilet and one is a western sit down the toilet. So if you don’t fancy the hole in the floor on a moving train wait for the other one.

Booking.com

Arriving in Chiang Mai

It can be a little bit overwhelming when you arrive in Chaing Mai, as it is everywhere in Thailand! You will be greeted with lots of people shouting taxi and trying to take you to different accommodation. I would advise going straight to the information desk. Get a map of them and then if you haven’t booked anywhere to stay grab a coffee at the little cafe look over the map and get your bearings.

This post was proofread by Grammarly