Getting train from Chiang mai to Bangkok and would like to visit Auythaya and also stay a couple of nights in Kanchanaburi. What would be best way to do this? Would we be best to visit Auythaya from Bangkok or from Kanchanaburi while we are there? Thanks

To me the best and easiest way would be to visit Ayutthaya from Bangkok after arriving from Chiang Mai, and I also think the easiest way to go to Kanchanaburi would be from Bangkok, although you might find a way that I don't know about to go directly from Ayutthaya to Kanchanaburi.

My 'specialty' is Kan'buri info, and you can get there from the southern bus terminal in BKK. Air-con buses are leaving every 15 minutes, takes two hours, price about 115 Baht. Make sure you are buying tickets at the blue counters (the orange counters are selling tickets for non air-con buses).

The train from CM to BKK stops at Ayutthaya (well, the train I took 2 years ago did) so I'd suggest just buy your train ticket CM-Ayut and save a few baht. See Ayut then bus/train down to BKK bus terminal to Kan' as Flebo informs you.

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