Overnight Train

Now when I said Overnight train you may have been thinking, oooooh. So exotic.  Just like the movies.  Perhaps you were thinking of something like this?

The Eastern and Oriental Express

When I saw this train, those were my exact thoughts.  However, I hate to burst your bubble, but our train was slightly less upmarket.

Purple!!!  Which is Matt's mom's favorite color.

Ex-Japanese Diesel Rail Car.  This train was not exactly something out of an Agatha Christie novel.  However, it would be if she was writing novels about Thai Train Travel for the Budget Minded!  Well, I am and we got our money's worth.  We saved 2 nights hotel by taking this  purple wonder there and back again.  We also saved the price of plane tickets.  All for around 28 buckaroos each way per person.  Anyone want to see the inside?

Our berths 1,2,3,4 and 5 were located in conveniently next to the toilets.  That way we had easy access, and also could people watch as others made their way to the bathroom.

Japanese style.  On a moving train. Uh, awkward!

Sinks that made a wierd grindy noise when you used the hot water.  The noise was audible from our berths.

 The toilets were way scarier in person.

My tip for you if you travel by train in Thailand, get a berth in the middle of the train car, or even better, a  first class cabin with private washroom.  However, it was not a bad experience, and we can now say that we have taken a sleeper train!  Also, the ride through the jungle when there was daylight was way cool.  So beautiful to see all the trees, vines and bamboo.

If you are interested in train travel in any country the following website is extremely helpful:

www.seat61.com

It gives you the lowdown on train travel in most countries, including Europe and I think I will always check that site when I plan any future train travel!

After we arrived in Chaing Mai we had the most awesome experience.  Tell you next time!!