Hey there my steemit friends! I have a great tip for getting around Thailand. Take the overnight train! I'll explain why, but first I wanted to tell you that I've been traveling and living out of a backpack for well over ten years, probably closer to fifteen; and strangely enough my least favorite part about traveling is the actual moving around part.
I'm talking about those hours spent cramped on a bus, airplane, or maybe even a little sea sick on a ferry. For me travel is all about the destination. Staying there at least a week and trying to experience the place as if I'm simply living there, not like I'm on vacation doing one tourist activity after another.
That being said I would have to say the most comfortable form of travel in all my years of experience is the overnight train in Thailand. My first time on the sleeper train was about 13 years ago, since then most of the trains have been modernized and have had a nice make over.
What I love so much about the overnight train is that you have your own bed, your own private space with a curtain, even your own power plug. You can work on your laptop, get up and move around, go into the restaurant area, enjoy the view going by, socialize with other travelers; but best of all when it's time to go to bed, the gentle rocking of the train puts you to sleep like a baby. I literally sleep better on the train than normal and wake up feeling fresh!
Besides all that, since it's overnight you do not need to pay for a hotel. So basically you get transportation and a place to sleep for one low price. Most travelers who take the overnight train come and go from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in the north or Bangkok to Surathani to access the islands in the south. Either trip is about a dozen hours, but it's a very comfortable dozen hours and it goes by fast.
From Bangkok you can get your train ticket upon arrival at the Hua Lamphong station if you get there before 6pm. The night trains usually depart shortly after that. However you do risk it being sold out, especially during weekends and holidays. To play it safe I'd recommend getting your ticket at least one day in advance. The tellers at the station all speak English and are very helpful.
To get to Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok the MRT subway line will take you directly there. If you are staying in the backpacker mecca of Khao San Road take a taxi for about two dollars. Do not take a taxi direct from Kao San, they will always try to rip you off and make you pay two to ten times more. Walk out of the area and grab a cab going by and say "Hua Lamphong, meter please" You'll be there in no time for about two dollars.
The tickets have gone up from about $18 dollars thirteen years ago to about $23 now and it's still a great deal. Just make sure you get the "air conditioned sleeper". If you go for a lesser quality, your lovely train ride could turn into sitting on a dumpy bench all night leaving you drained and miserable. This is Chiang Mai Station, we arrived just before 8am feeling fresh and ready for a full day.
Now it is true you can fly to these destinations for just a little more money and often that is the way to go. But I would consider taking the train just for the enjoyable experience and the fact that you save on a hotel for the night. The ease, affordability, and comfort of getting around Thailand is just another reason why this is one of my favorite countries in the world! Until next time -Dan "World Travel Pro!"
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With over 10 years of travel experience I answer travel and international lifestyle questions. Leave a question in the comments and I may make a Steemit post just for you!
