Thailand - Sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

[Shudacudawuda]

Hi, we are planning a trip to Thailand in August this year and are looking to book the sleeper from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
I have found a site where we can book tickets in the second class sleeper carriage but I would prefer first class if possible (we are a family of 4: 2 adults, one teen and one 10 year old).
I can't seem to find a way to select first class as an option.
Anyone know how to do this?
Also, does anyone have any experience of travelling in the second class sleeper with kids? Did you get much sleep?!
Thanks 🙂

I went in the sleeper many years ago - not sure what class. I just remember everyone went to sleep really early. They came round the train with buckets with bottles of beer in.

Was about 20 years ago though!

We went as a family of four in 2017. I did not sleep one wink as it's very noisy. It just the train noise, but enough to keep me awake.
Second class is fine. We booked second on purpose because we didn't want to be shut away; we wanted to have a look at all the other passengers!
It was clean and comfortable and the 14 hours passed quickly.
People board the train at various stops to sell food. I drew the line at cold, fried chicken for breakfast.
The jungle scenery is brilliant.

Go first class. It won't be much more.
We generally travelled 2nd but once went third which was awful- windows stuck open and moths the size of dinner plates flying about!
It's not actually that far but very slow going with lots of stops. Take ear plugs if you're a light sleeper.

I did this probably around 20 years ago with DH. First class, think it cost around £20 then. It was very very slow. Mopeds were overtaking! It was also dark as soon as the train left Bangkok and only turning daylight near Chang Mai so didn't see much scenery. Whilst it was an experience I wished I paid the extra and just flew for an extra few quid. We flew back from Chang Mai to one of the resorts.

We took the train but not the sleeper, it was a stunning 12 hour (day time) train ride with lots to see and plenty of people hopping on and off with food and drink to buy. No regrets, but not sure I’d do it now with fidgety kids! Not especially helpful to you, sorry!! Do look at flying, they can come up pretty cheap.

Myself and DH went in 2011. We didn't have any children then but we went to the station and bought our tickets. We went first class. They didn't recommend second and I don't think I'd do second with kids

To clarify we did the sleeper. Didn't see anything as was dark but the experience was really cool.

Just fly, it takes 45 minutes :)

I had this a couple of months ago. First class tickets are only released a few weeks before travel dates and sell out within a few minutes of being released - they then disappear from the website rather than showing as sold out!
You may need to do a bit of googling to find out the likely release date for your chosen date of travel and then keep an eye on it.

Forgot to say, I ended up flying as I’m grumpy and need my sleep so decided I couldn’t face second class!

We went first class 14 years ago. We booked it while we were there as that was the norm before smart phones! We had our own cabin and a shared toilet which we tried not to use. Slept well.
Second class you get a bed and a curtain so if you are a light sleeper you will hear everyone snoring, chatting and moving around.
With kids I'd go first class.

Food was, interesting. Plated up and served cold. Curry, rice and soup. No thanks. DH then ate a sandwich at the station and got food poisoning. Never eat a sandwich. Always hot food.

Hmm OK, food for thought thank you.
I think I will look at flights after all!

Check out the web site 12Go Asia, all options and prices clearly indicated

Yes that's where I've been looking but you can't buy first class through them, only second class.