After a whirlwind few days exploring Bangkok, we wrapped up our stay in style by jumping on Thailand’s legendary 12 hour overnight train to Chiang Mai.
But first… one more visit to the Bangkok Children’s Discovery Museum.
When your seven year old declares something “the best place ever,” you go back even if you’ve already been. Entry is totally free (a rarity for a place this brilliant), so we spent the afternoon climbing, interacting, and discovering all over again. Georgia was in her element, and honestly, so were we.
🚉 Krung Thep Aphiwat: The Biggest Station We’ve Ever Seen
When it was finally time to leave, we rolled our suitcases into Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, and our jaws just about hit the floor. This place is colossal. Imagine an airport terminal mixed with a shopping mall, but full of shiny trains stretching as far as you can see.
We boarded what turned out to be the longest train we’ve ever ridden and it felt like an adventure before it even left the platform everyone was excited!
🚆 Second Class That Felt Like VIP
We booked second class sleeper tickets, because first had sold out months ago… but it honestly felt like a treat. The carriage was spotless, the seats converted into comfy beds, and the staff were incredibly kind.
As soon as we settled in, a friendly lady came by to take our dinner order, we skipped that dotty went to bed and Georgia and I went to the dining cart. This was an experience for not just her but me also and we loved it. After dinner, the staff transformed our seats into proper bunks complete with crisp sheets and curtains and hospital corners!
Sleeping was easy, comfy bed pillows and a blanket all while gently rocking with the train, honestly it beats any budget flight, hands down.
🌄 Sunrise in Chiang Mai
By 6am, the sun was creeping over the hills of northern Thailand. We woke up to steaming mugs of instant coffee hot chocolate and brownies, and the landscape rolling by lush green fields, tiny villages, and misty mountains in the distance.
An hour later, we rolled into Chiang Mai refreshed, and excited for the next leg of our family adventure.
If you’re weighing up the night train versus flying, honestly, take the train. It’s an experience in itself. You go to sleep in Bangkok and wake up in another world, with none of the hassle of airports.
💡 Quick Tips for the Bangkok Chiang Mai Train
✅ Book early the best bunks sell out fast, especially during peak seasons.
✅ Pack a jumper the air con gets chilly overnight. (Though we didn’t get cold this trip)
✅ Bring snacks, though meals are tasty, it’s handy to have a few extras for hungry kids 12 hours is a long trip.
✅ Embrace the adventure, this is one of those journeys you’ll always remember.
Heading to Thailand soon?
If you’ve got questions about taking the train, or if you’re planning a trip with kids, drop me a comment, I’d love to help.
👉 Follow along for more family travel stories and tips as we keep exploring! 🌏
