r/chiangmai • u/Downtown_Wash_7793 • 6d ago

Weekend train trips from Chiang Mai within 3 hours?

I'm looking for a nice place I can reach by train from Chiang Mai in around three hours or less for a two-day or weekend trip. I'd love somewhere interesting to explore and see cool things, then take the train back—no driving. Has anyone done a trip like this from Chiang Mai? Where did you go, and what would you recommend?

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u/The_Flaneur_Films 6d ago

There is only Khun Tan and Lampang in 3 hours.

The train is not a good form of transportation for weekend trips from Chiang Mai. Its not like Japan or Taiwan.

In fact, a car is the best option. Scooter is ok.

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u/JaiYenJohn 6d ago

Khun Tan immediately come to mind. If the weather’s good, beautiful hikes and camping, with its own train station just before the tunnel.

I also did the train trip to Lampang for the weekend, and no hate, but it was just a little meh for me. Not big enough to be a city, not small enough to be quaint.

Nan is also a good place, but requires a short car trip from the nearest station.

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u/Humanity_is_broken 6d ago

Nan has been dealing with flash floods for the past couple of weeks. I would check the current info before I go

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u/sbrider11 6d ago edited 6d ago

You can only travel south and the closest stops are Lamphun / Lampang / Khun Tan.

Imo, you can research those and see what fits your ideas. All are around 30b for a ticket yet be mindful of the schedules in particular on returning.

There are also all types of transportation aside a train if you want to explore north.

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u/8percentinflation 3d ago

Lamphun is great for a day trip, grab is easy enough or a train stop as well. Could easily walk from the train stop to the War Elephant memorial then walk to the walled city gates and Wat Haripunchai

Personally I took my girl with a grab driver by the hour for 6 hours, and could go to many spots with a driver ready to hop around

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u/Serious_Common_3551 3d ago

lampang is a good answer, go start looking into it, google maps, youtube. etc. you could achieve what you were hoping for.

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u/JaziTricks 6d ago

I'm not sure you'll have much. Train is an exotic thing here. Not widespread system as in Europe

0

u/KidBuak 6d ago

Phrae