With the tram around half of Thailand

Trains depart several times a day from Bangkok station to Chiang Mai. The trains cover the almost 700km route in 12-14 hours!

Our night train departed from the city at 10 p.m. We had reserved 2 beds in a 2nd class sleeping car. We didn't know exactly what to expect.

In each carriage, there are bunk beds on the left and right. Fans are attached to the ceiling, and the lower beds have windows. The beds are really comfortable, and the initial heat disappears quickly (at night, it's almost freezing). After a few hours of sleep (which were rather restless due to the noise), we woke up in the middle of the jungle. From the bed, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. Half an hour before Chiang Mai, it's still all jungle - you wonder where a big city is supposed to come from.

Between the woods, suburbs with small houses appear slowly. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, we took a Santhego (shared taxi) to the hotel.

On the way there, we immediately liked the city. Smaller streets and less stress than in Bangkok. In the old city, there are even small alleys where you can find charming cafes and restaurants (many with a healthy lifestyle/hipster concept). The climate is much more pleasant compared to the capital of Thailand. Cooler and better air.

In Chiang Mai, there are also countless temples that are not as crowded, but just as beautiful.