7 things I wish I'd known before taking a 13-hour sleeper train across Thailand. No food was sold on board and it's easy to get left behind between stops.

Marielle DescalsotaAug 8, 2022, 11:11 IST

Me on my sleeper train for the night, SPECIAL EXPRESS 14.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

I spent 13 hours traveling on a sleeper train across Thailand.
The 467-mile journey covered dense jungle and nine provinces.

The 467-mile journey between Chiang Mai and Bangkok is one of the longest railway routes in Thailand. It takes more than 13 hours to cross the dense jungle in the northern province to reach the country's capital.

An aerial view of Chiang Mai and Bangkok.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

The 467-mile journey between Chiang Mai and Bangkok is one of the longest railway routes in Thailand. It takes more than 13 hours to cross the dense jungle in the northern province to reach the country's capital.

1. Take brief walks during stops — but don't stray too far from the train doors.

The train routes from Chiang Mai Railway Station to Bangkok Railway Station.Google Maps

2. Book through the official Thai Railway website, not a third-party site.

Chiang Mai Railway Ticket Office.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

3. Choose cabins that face the direction of the train's movement.

Inside my first-class cabin.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

4. Bring a lot of food on board.

Food stalls right outside Chiang Mai Railway Station.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

5. Download entertainment before you board.

I had no connection for more than half of the 13-hour trip.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

6. Bring minimal luggage.

Throughout my week-long trip to Thailand, I only brought along a small carry-on and a foldable tote.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

7. For the majority of the trip, the view outside is of complete darkness.

A brief stop at a province railway station in Thailand.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

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7 things I wish I'd known before taking a 13-hour sleeper train across Thailand. No food was sold on board and it's easy to get left behind between stops.

The 467-mile journey between Chiang Mai and Bangkok is one of the longest railway routes in Thailand. It takes more than 13 hours to cross the dense jungle in the northern province to reach the country's capital.

1. Take brief walks during stops — but don't stray too far from the train doors.

2. Book through the official Thai Railway website, not a third-party site.

3. Choose cabins that face the direction of the train's movement.

4. Bring a lot of food on board.

5. Download entertainment before you board.

6. Bring minimal luggage.

7. For the majority of the trip, the view outside is of complete darkness.