Train to Chiang Mai

1/4/2010

After arriving at the train station in Bangkok my first goal was to find Singha....

And then to find donuts for the kids...

On our quest for beer and donuts we happened upon this 'Sweet Corn Drink' and in true form for us, we had to try it. If you like corn in the liquid form, then you will love this drink. It didn't do much for me and I enjoy corn, but something about it being liquid just didn't sit well with me. Boy 3 love it. Go figure.

Next we waited (on the floor) to board the train....

As we are boarding, they are working on the train. I wasn't sure if this should make us nervous, or make us feel good that they are doing a little maintenance just before departure.

We took the overnight train to Chiang Mai, this was a 14 hour train ride. We wanted to go first class, which would mean having your own private room with a sink and a door, but we had a hard time booking and by the time we booked, first class was sold out, so here we are in second class. The prices were amazing, it only cost us $24 USD for adults and $19 USD for kids, and I have to say second class was kind of fun.

OK, so we have to talk about the bathroom on the train. I should have taken a picture and I don't know why I didn't. Everything in the bathroom was steel and there was a spray spout, you know the one I am talking about - like the spray spouts many American's have in their kitchen sinks, these are in all Thai bathrooms, but they are not used for dishes if you catch my drift. Anyway, it wasn't the cleanest bathroom, but not one of the dirtiest bathroom I have ever been in either. The thing that got me (and the reason Girl REFUSED to use the bathroom on the train) was that anything you put down the toilet ended up on the TRACKS!!! Are you kidding me?!?! Oh my goodness!

Here we are getting ready to settle in for the night. Surprisingly, the beds were very comfortable!