Route · About 2 weeks
Old Capitals
Ayutthaya and Sukhothai on the way north
This route links the old capitals with the north, so Chiang Mai isn't just a flight from Bangkok. You'll go overland the whole way up and only fly, if you want to, on the way back.
Good for: Travelers who care more about temples, history and markets than beaches, and who'd rather not fly.
Stop by stop
-
Bangkok Start here, and leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat station. Train The Bangkok Connex takes about 75 minutes from Krung Thep Aphiwat to Ayutthaya.
-
Ayutthaya Stay over so you can see the ruins early and late in the day. Train Train and bus. Take the northern line to Phitsanulok, then a bus for about an hour to Sukhothai.
-
Sukhothai Thailand's early capital, with Chaliang and Si Satchanalai within reach. Road Bus. Buses to Chiang Mai take about 4 hours. Cheaper second-class buses make more stops and take about 5.5 hours.
-
Chiang Mai The longest stop, with time for day trips into the mountains.
Getting home: Fly back to Bangkok, or take the sleeper. Sleeper trains take about 12.5 hours.
Our advice: Sukhothai has no train station. Ride to Phitsanulok and take the bus from there, which is easy but worth planning for.
Nights are our suggestion. Transport comes from Wikivoyage and our Thailand by Train guide, checked November 2026. Schedules change, so check before you book.
When to go
The North: best Nov to Jan.