1.
Posted by
mbt1878
(First Time Poster 1 posts)
48w
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Hello everyone
We are travelling by night train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (Don Mueang airport train station). According to the timetable, the night train should leave Chiang Mai at 17:00 and arrive at Don Mueang station at 05:43.
From there, the journey continues by plane to Koh Samui.
The first flight leaves Don Mueang Airport (DMK) at 09:05, the next at 13:25.
Is it too risky to take the earlier flight due to possible delays of the night train?
Or should the first flight normally be doable?
Thank you very much for your answers! 
2.
Posted by
berner256
(Moderator 1665 posts)
48w
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Here's a quote from a Web site that sells Thai train tickets:
"We recommend that you allow at least 5 hours from the time you are scheduled to arrive at Don Mueang Airport by train until the scheduled departure of your flight because of possible delays of up to 3 hours on the train line."
Trains are subject to delay for a variety of reasons, even in countries where service is deemed to be reliable.
To check reliability of FLIGHTS, including the one from DMK to USM, see this link: https://www.flightaware.com/
3.
Posted by
BeateR
(Full Member 396 posts)
48w
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Why not flying: for example:
Bangkok Airways PG 242 , depart 11:35 h
Flight-time 1 hour 45 minutes
4.
Posted by
AndyF
(Moderator 3082 posts)
48w
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Quoting BeateR
Why not flying: for example:
Bangkok Airways PG 242 , depart 11:35 h
Flight-time 1 hour 45 minutes
The night train covers a night's accommodation needs, which may well be cheaper than flight + a hotel.
Other possible reasons: some of us like to minimise our carbon footprint so avoid short hop flights, and some like the experience of being on trains and other ground transport when travelling. Flying is seldom a fun experience.
5.
Posted by
BeateR
(Full Member 396 posts)
48w
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Andy, OK, I got it. But I really don't understand it. When a flight is so short and so cheap, why should I take a train, which is uncomfortable and takes so long, with the fear arriving too late.
But of course, everybody how he/she wants.
6.
Posted by
berner256
(Moderator 1665 posts)
48w
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Yes, many times it's less expensive and faster to fly. That's why the Trans-Mongolian from Beijing to Moscow isn't as popular as in the past. I took it for the experience. Similarly, I took the train from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore to relive my 1974 rail journey from Singapore to Bangkok. We all have different reasons why we prefer a specific mode of travel over another. No explanation is needed. Just go.