Bangkok ⇄ Chiang Mai (5-day trip, 2025): cheapest without suffering
Quick take:
Fastest & often cheapest: Budget flight (1h15m). Watch baggage fees.
Best value + experience: Overnight train (sleeper) – saves a hotel night and is comfy.
Cheapest cash outlay: Overnight VIP bus – fine, but less restful than a sleeper.
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1) Budget flights — when they’re worth it
Time: ~1h15m in the air; plan ~3–4 hours door-to-door with airport transfers.
Price: Flash sales regularly put DMK↔CNX returns in the ฿1,200–2,000 (~US$30–55) range if you book ahead; 5–10 weeks out often hits the sweet spot. KAYAK
Airports & airlines: Most low-cost flights run Don Mueang (DMK) ↔ Chiang Mai (CNX) on Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, with many daily frequencies. Flights From
Gotchas: Carry-on limits are strict; checked bags and seat selection can double a “promo” fare. (Compare total price with a 15–20 kg bag before you commit.)
When to choose: If you value time or spot a sub-฿1,500 return including your bag, flying beats everything.
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2) Trains — comfy, scenic, and good value
Overnight sleeper (most popular): Special Express #9 leaves Krung Thep Aphiwat (Bangkok’s main station) at 18:40 → Chiang Mai 07:15 with modern sleeper cars. #10 returns 18:00 → 06:50. Book early for lower berths. thaitrainguide.com+1
Day train option: #7 dep 09:05 → 19:30 (scenic, reserved seats). thaitrainguide.com
Typical fares: Rough ballpark ฿850–1,350 for 2nd-class A/C sleeper; seats are cheaper. (Online agents add a markup vs station price.) thailandtrains.com
Booking: Use the official SRT D-Ticket site (create an account as “foreigner”). Sleeper berths can sell out; book ~3–4 weeks ahead in high season. siamguides.com
When to choose: If you want a relaxed trip and to save a hotel night, the sleeper is the sweet spot for budget + comfort.
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3) Buses — cheapest, plentiful, but sleep varies
Duration: ~9.5–11 hours overnight from Mo Chit (Mochit 2) to Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3. busonlineticket.co.th
Companies: Sombat Tour, Nakhonchai Air (VIP 24/32-seat coaches are comfier, with A/C, toilets). Fares often ฿650–1,020. SiamTickets
Booking: Direct on operator sites or reliable aggregators (12Go/Bookaway) if you need English and e-tickets. 12GoBookaway
When to choose: If trains are sold out and flights are pricey, a VIP bus keeps costs rock-bottom.
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How I’d do a 5-day BKK⇄CNX on a budget
Option A (fast out, cozy back): Fly DMK→CNX early morning to maximize Chiang Mai time, then take overnight sleeper #10 back to Bangkok (arrive dawn). Flights Fromthaitrainguide.com
Option B (all on rails): Overnight #9 up, day train #7 down for scenery. thaitrainguide.com+1
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Concrete booking tips to hit the lowest price
Flights:
- Check both DMK and BKK departures into CNX; prices can differ by day. Book ~5–10 weeks out for deals, avoid add-ons, and factor a checked bag before comparing to train. KAYAK
Trains:
Buses:
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Bottom line
Chasing the absolute lowest fare? VIP bus.
Best all-round budget + comfort + experience? Overnight sleeper train.
Maximizing time in Chiang Mai? Budget flight (watch baggage fees).
You won’t go wrong mixing a cheap flight one way and a sleeper the other.
