For two days in a row, Paul and I have…
I’m on a train. I might complain. (Or get a sprain).
On Sunday evening, Paula and I will leave Bangkok for Chiang Mai, where we plan to be based for the rest of the year.
Before we left the States, I was convinced that an overnight train would be the best way to do the trip. There’s nice scenery in the morning light, trains are comfortable, and it’s nice to get out of the tourist bubble.The prices of train vs. plane are close. All the numbers are small, and the difference is negligible. So, train!
However, when we arrived in SEAsia and I started searching for ticketing info for the trip, I noticed a rather alarming frequency of derailments on this line. Most of the derailments were in 2013, but the Orient Express, which also uses this route, jumped the track just a few months ago. That dampened the train enthusiasm a little.
In the end, we decided to take the train. We leave Bangkok about 6 PM Sunday night, and arrive, if all goes to plan, about 8 AM on Monday.
So, wish us luck!
Just remember: The train in Chiang-Mai falls mainly on the plain…
Well? Chiang-Mai did you attain?
Yes! The trip up to CM had a lot more starts and stops than I expected on a routed called “Special Express”, but we arrived safe, even a little early. We did a few days at a hotel, and we are now getting settled at our apartment for the next two months, “Smith Suites”. There’s at least one other post about the place here.