Chiang Mai to Phitsanulok @ train, bus Jul 29, 2017

We had a very pleasant experience. When I couldn't find the ticket counter in Chang Mai I called the help desk in Bangkok. She got me to the right place, talked to the lady at the counter for me and we were going to go. The bus was super comfortable and the journey, like I said, pleasant.

Comfortable bus, safe driver, friendly crew.

Bus comfotable. We received snack and water

The seats in the 2nd class aircon (not sleeper) carriages are very comfortable and the 6 hours from Chiang Mai to Phitsanulok passed easily. You get fed, the food wasn't great but it was definitely food. Staff are friendly and helpful and speak English well enough, they come down the carriage before each stop to announce that you are nearly there, this is essential because the train only stops in stations for a matter of seconds so you can't wait until the train stops before you start to gather your stuff!

A great way to travel. Would have been nice to have the lunch stop a touch earlier.

Air conditioned bus, biscuits and water provided. Had no idea what the stops were - turns out that the 8.30-2pm bus has a lunch break, didn't know this, no announcement made about it or how long it'd be. Arrived 30 minutes late

Comfortable bus. Quite a lot of space. Not too much of AC, which was great. Not too much information at each stop where we were - had to go and ask. Positive - a 20mins lunch break.

We went from Chiang Mai to Phitsanulok by train. Smooth journey, nice views, even comes with lunch (although not for vegetarians). The ticket arrangements and delivery by 12goasia was perfect. All organised as promised, efficient and effective. I also liaised with 12goasia customer service, which was very responsive, courteous and efficient as well. It's worth highlighting that the 12goasia service is quite/relatively expensive. The train tickets cost £31, the service cost £24 in total (general fee, PayPal 110 baht fee, and 150 baht delivery fee to Chiang Mai hotel within 4 days of travel). So almost half the cost in fees. I had to liaise with cusomter service to get the tickets delivered to Chiang Mai, this wasn't an option on the website. So I would recommend 12goasia as an efficient and reliable service, but expect to pay a relatively high fee, and make sure to carefully check your delivery options.

Left on time. Arrived 30 min late. Agents at bus station were able to indicate clearly where to pick up tickets and from which stop the bus was leaving.

Trains are a bit run down and our left 40mon late. They are clean tho. And the included Lynch was surprisingly good!

Very nice and smooth trip with 20 min stop for pee pauze and getting somethings to eat and drink. Definitely not to cold in the bus. Personnel very helpful. Overall very nice environment along the road. We will do it again

Great trip but need more food options =)

Very smooth bus trip. Modern, comfortable and clean bus. Bus left on time but was around 20 minutes late (we knew it would potentially like this having travelled by bus in Thailand before) arriving in Phitsanulok so please bear things like that in mind when scheduling. Was half the price of the train and slightly quicker. I would do again.

The 12Go online booking service in Chiang Mai with ticket pick up at Bossogotel was excellent. The romance of Thai railway travel is long passed as the service runs on an ever tightening budget. A small but important issue is the drivers should adhere to the no smoking policy ... not the case on today's No.8 service Chiang Mai to Bangkok.

Good trip!

Travelled by train from Chiang Mai to Phitsanulok. Online booking was easy, and my ticket was waiting for me as promised at the Bossotel opposite the station. The conductor helped me onboard with my large, heavy suitcase and stowed it for me; he also let me know when we were on approach to my destination, and helped me off again. Air con was just right; seat was comfortable. Toilet adequate. Staff regularly came through with hot / cold drinks, rubbish collection. The supplied lunch was adequate, but if you don't like Thai food then I suggest you take your own. Toilets at stations charge 3 Baht. Reading material is a good idea - there's not much variation in the scenery. The stations - large and small - are pretty and quaint, with their neat buildings, flower beds and clipped hedges.

The train was fine, comfortable enough, aircon just right BUT despite booking more than 60 days before departure we were given the worst seats on the train 47 and 48 (45 and 46 are the same) facing a white bulkhead with no leg room! Fortunately the train was not full so we spent most of the journey in other seats enjoying the scenery, until for the last hour someone got on who had the designated seats we were sitting in and we had to revert to our horrible seats. 12go please take note! BTW if starting from CNX you get free tea/coffee/biccies very early on, and lunch (2 dishes + rice) any time from 1130 onwards depending on where you get on. Bonus!

The train was on time, on a nice platform. Inside it was clean and cosy. Seats were spacious and comfortable. We also received some local food for free. Staff was very helpful and friendly.

Pleasant trip. Got to see countryside during the day

rain came through the vindows and your baggage got wet. The foldable tables to use for food was very dirty, and had to be cleaned.

My ticket was ready when I get there. Departure on time and very nice views. They give you a snack and a meal that were ok (mackerel stir in chili sauce, sticky rice and a soup). Be sure to check the distribution of the seats, I asked them to give me a seat next to the window and they told it was, but when I board the train my seat was not on the window.

Chiang Mai to Phitsanulok by train: We really enjoyed the 6 hour trip looking out on to the beautiful Thai countryside - mostly jungle up this way! The train was comfortable, we had plenty of room, and were provided with some basic snacks and refreshments. As ridiculous as this sounds, the only negative was the air-conditioning. It was very cold! We'd boarded in shorts & t-shirts but had to go rummaging for warmer clothes.