From Ayuttayah we got the overnight train to Chiang Mai. It left at 7.45pm Monday evening and got us to Chiang Mai at 7.15am Tuesday morning. We used this train last time we visited Thailand and were second class. We managed to get first class tickets this time and it was the best night sleep I had since arriving.

There were around 10 first class cabins, with two people per cabin. It consisted of a lower bunk and an upper bunk (slightly smaller), a tv for each bed, a mirror and a sink. Bedding and towels were also provided. There were two toilets, a urinal and a shower at the bottom of the corridor for all first class to use. You could use your tv to order food and drink to your room. I used the shower and it was really good. So warm, more powerful than the hostel and much needed after a day of sweating in the heat and having my clothes sticking to me. I ordered a drink from my tv and went to sleep pretty much as soon as I finished it. Like I said the BEST sleep since arriving on our travels. Previously in second class I also had an amazing sleep. I can only describe it as the train rocking you to sleep. I love the sleeper trains and its also your accomodation covered for one night. I woke up at 6.30am and it was gutting that I had to be up so soon. I could have slept for way longer.

After our night of travelling, the train arrived on time and we were in Chiang Mai!

To buy tickets we used 12go Asia. You select the type of tickets you want and when the tickets are released (around a month before) 12go Asia buy them on your behalf. First class is more difficult to get as there are limited numbers but if you end up with second class it is still very good. You can then get your tickets delivered to your accomodation or collect them before you travel.

If you want to get advice on the different train routes and ticket classes seat 61 is a great guide online and not just exclusive to Thailand. I looked at it quite a bit before we booked.