The train to Chiang Mai

The train to Chiang Mai was great fun, we were sat in a carriage with lots of Thai families and couples, heading North for the King's Birthday. The seats were pretty comfy although we were concerned at the fact that old women on bicycles were overtaking us. Evidently the train picks up speed at night, when you're 'asleep'.

At 10pm our carriage guard made up the beds, top and bottom bunks with comfy mattresses and freshly laundered sheets. At this point the train was going pretty fast but was quite rickety -similar to Northern Rail's services. Lying down and sleeping felt a bit like trying to sleep on a mattress inside a shopping trolley while it's being pushed down a dirt track. We did get some sleep, mainly because we passed out, but woke up every hour or so as the train felt like it might be coming off the tracks!

In the morning, the beds were turned back into seats and we sat and looked at the beautiful countryside as we rolled into Chiang Mai. Overall, definitely better that Northern Rail and with much friendlier staff - plus a lot cheaper!!