On Friday we took the Overnight Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai!
When we arrived at the platform we noticed loads of TV crews and photographers...our train was making its maiden voyage! Our train was brand spanking new!
We were shown to our seats and I was super impressed with the set-out, the seat was super comfy, I had loads of room...everything was brand new and shinny and the air-con was fabulous...and not a smelly traveller in sight! (maybe they were in the next carriage?!) When the train departed the photographers clicked away and the crowds cheered us on (kid you not - this was major Friday night entertainment for some!) the train officer then came round each carriage welcoming us and presented us with a gift (branded water bottle) and an Inauguration Certificate for the Special Express 'Uttravidhi' (Way to the North)!
When we were out of Bangkok and the buzz of the press running up and down the train taking pics and interviewing people has settled, we went for a little wonder to the 'dining room'. Food is served throughout the night, a good selection of Thai food and sandwiches, soft drinks and coffees on offer and there is a cute little area to sit and watch Thailand go by. When we got back to our seats the 'bed make-up man' (not sure what to call him) was in action and making up the beds in our carriage... in a few flips and clicks our 2 seater area was transformed into a top and bunker bed! And I was even more chuffed knowing that the mattress, pillow and blankey were all new!
 |
I've never been on a sleeper train before, so had no idea what to expect!!!
I had visions of loads of smelly travellers crammed onto thin plank-like beds with chickens and goats walking around the carriages. I had psyched myself up for 13hrs of hell, but was pleasantly surprised - luxury (well...for a sleeper train that is) awaited us!
I had visions of loads of smelly travellers crammed onto thin plank-like beds with chickens and goats walking around the carriages. I had psyched myself up for 13hrs of hell, but was pleasantly surprised - luxury (well...for a sleeper train that is) awaited us!
 |
When we arrived at the platform we noticed loads of TV crews and photographers...our train was making its maiden voyage! Our train was brand spanking new!
We were shown to our seats and I was super impressed with the set-out, the seat was super comfy, I had loads of room...everything was brand new and shinny and the air-con was fabulous...and not a smelly traveller in sight! (maybe they were in the next carriage?!) When the train departed the photographers clicked away and the crowds cheered us on (kid you not - this was major Friday night entertainment for some!) the train officer then came round each carriage welcoming us and presented us with a gift (branded water bottle) and an Inauguration Certificate for the Special Express 'Uttravidhi' (Way to the North)!
When we were out of Bangkok and the buzz of the press running up and down the train taking pics and interviewing people has settled, we went for a little wonder to the 'dining room'. Food is served throughout the night, a good selection of Thai food and sandwiches, soft drinks and coffees on offer and there is a cute little area to sit and watch Thailand go by. When we got back to our seats the 'bed make-up man' (not sure what to call him) was in action and making up the beds in our carriage... in a few flips and clicks our 2 seater area was transformed into a top and bunker bed! And I was even more chuffed knowing that the mattress, pillow and blankey were all new!
I drew the 'top bunk straw' and it was super comfy...had a little night light and phone charger and curtains to block out the rest of the carriage. Only thing I could moan about was a little design error of having a florescent light right above you...kinda kept me awake on and off throughout the night even with my (borrowed from Turkish Airlines) 'Do not disturb' eye mask. Kev had it lucky with the bottom bunker - slightly more room and once curtains are closed - it was dark-ish! He also had the window view and watched the sunrise in the morning!
Before we knew it the guards were waking us up ''Next stop - Chiang Mai'', we had some time to change, brush teeth and freshen up before pulling into the station - where yet more camera crews awaited us! The 13hrs flew by and I would definitely recommend the sleeper train experience as a fun and different way to travel! It cost 791 baht for the top bunk (£17.90) and 881 baht (£19.94) for the lower bunk - not a bad price for a moving hotel!
 |
| 'Hotel Uttravidhi' |
No comments:
Post a Comment