Bangkok to Chiang Mai

So here is what you can't see--after a 22 hour long train ride from Butterworth to Bangkok, I was the only one who braved the public shower in the train station because I could not handle being grimy.

And, we boarded the train after dinner, so we could skip the catered meal onboard and get right to bed!

 

This train had semi-private compartments--all we were missing to be a 1st class train was doors! But the noise was better contained, and our berths were permanently there, so the kids had a rocking good time playing overhead!

So, it was 2 hours after boarding, and we could go to bed, but it was cold! We put on every bit of clothing we brought, used the curtains to make tents, and it was still uncomfortable!

But the tracks were smooth, the scenery gorgeous, and the brief ride after sunrise (just another 3-4 hours) was really pleasant compared to the 7 hours to bedtime on the Bangkok train, and 7 hours after sunrise to destination.

And the kids had more freedom to play!

Our brief transit in Bangkok afforded time to pick up snacks too!

Here I am seen munching on crispy rice snacks topped with shredded pork jerky.

We liked the breakfast enough to have it again.

The scenery was much more interesting on this leg.

 

Large picture windows ran along one side of the train, allowing fabulous views.

They even placed jump seats for you to roost while the countryside passed by.

After thawing out, we walked the length of the train to see what was on the other end.

We passed other more conventional sleeper cars like the one we rode up from Butterworth.

The kids were mesmerized by the gaps between the cars.

A clear picture window on the last car.

"That, can't be safe! What if you were crossing here half asleep?!!"

At least this intersection had safety curtains intact.

Kids aren't very different from dogs when it comes to moving vehicles and open windows...

This intersection did not have the said curtains.

 "Can we go back yet?"

The dining car had open windows and music blaring!

 Happy boy!

We finally arrived after 2 nights on trains.

 Riding on a "somthiew" modified pickup to our guesthouse.

~ Shien