Thai third-class train ride becomes Chinese social media hotspot

With a fare of just five baht and a journey of less than half an hour, the Chiang Mai–Lamphun train ride has become a hit with Chinese tourists, mostly women, seeking scenic views and photogenic content for their social media.

The northern rail route has recently emerged as a popular attraction after photos and travel reviews of the trip went viral on Chinese social media, particularly Xiaohongshu.

Many travellers are drawn by the vintage feel of the third-class train, the natural light through its open windows, and glimpses of local life along the tracks. In many countries, this type of train is no longer in service.

In recent weeks, Chiang Mai Railway Station has seen a steady stream of Chinese tourists queuing in the morning to buy tickets for the short ride to Lamphun.

They are not using the train purely for transport, but also for photography, after the route gained traction online as a must-visit travel experience.

Thai PBS reporters observed that many visitors arrived prepared for photo shoots.

Some wore long dresses and styled their hair for pictures, posing by the windows of third-class carriages to capture the soft natural light and vintage atmosphere of the train, along with everyday scenes along the railway.

The increasingly popular service runs from Chiang Mai Railway Station to Lamphun Railway Station, taking around 30 minutes, with tickets priced at just five baht.

The trend has also attracted attention from Chinese tour operators, some of which have begun including the train ride in their travel packages.

Many visitors say they are drawn to the experience because this type of older-style train is no longer commonly found in China.

Some tourists bring cameras, smartphones, and tripods, particularly those travelling alone, in order to take self-portraits during the journey.

A review of posts on Xiaohongshu shows a large volume of content featuring the Chiang Mai–Lamphun train ride, with users sharing photos from different angles alongside detailed travel tips.

Some posts even recommend taking the 9.30am departure for the best lighting conditions.

After arriving in Lamphun, travellers often spend time at cafés before returning to Chiang Mai on the 2.15pm service, while others opt for local buses back to Chiang Mai’s Kad Luang area for around 40 baht.