TRAIN SOUTH-EAST ASIA We always prefer to travel by train, if possible. It is an affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transport. Besides, the car reigns certain atmosphere, especially in night trains, and there can be easy to meet with both local and from the same tourists like ourselves. Night Train in Thailand about the benefits of the railway in Thailand is legendary, so we decided to use it to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Of the two options - to spend a long night in a compartment in first class or take a seat "for a shutter in the second class - we chose the cheaper second. We entered the train, found their seats. Sitting face to face with soft seats, we were thinking about how to convert them into bed. From the air conditioner was blowing cold air, so we had to quickly put on pants and shirts with long sleeves. While the train was still standing at the station, the carriages go guy and selling soft drinks - very timely! After sending in the corridors of staff appeared, men in uniform cap check tickets and keep order, and cleaning regularly bypassed the car with his brushes. The service was at the highest level, has been selling food, coffee, soft drinks, beer, etc. There was also a restaurant car. We went to look at him, but did not stay there for long - air conditioning in the car was not working, and it was terribly stuffy and smoky. Liz on the shelf of the second class of about eight o'clock in the evening came the conductor, and began to disassemble the bed. We watched in amazement as two of our seats turned into a bed, and top shelf was the second tier. Thus, the whole car turned into a bedroom, and to secure privacy, you can omit the curtain. Our neighbors differently spent their time: one of them worked on a laptop, a monk meditating behind a curtain, tourists exchanged news. Compartment was closed for the night and into the hallway duty sleepy conductor. We slept under the sweet sound of wheels. The train was late in Chiang Mai for a couple of hours, but it did not matter. When we got back to Bangkok, we decided to take a separate compartment in first class. When darkness fell, the conductor made out of our bed, top and bottom. We spent a peaceful night. Fortunately, in the next compartment went pretty quiet people, but we felt a bit bored by the noisy atmosphere of the second class coach. Daylight train in Thailand the next time our way lay from Bangkok to Hua Hin. Daytime train was crowded, but we managed to get him, and even take a related site. During stops at intermediate stations on the carriage went to dealers, selling a variety of snacks and ready meals, although food had already been included in the ticket price. Ticket on the day the train can only be bought on the day of his departure. This leads to a strong crush, but as far as we know, the place is almost always enough for everyone. Trains in Malaysia, Singapore and Laos After some time we again rode the night train from Hat Yai in southern Thailand to Kuala Lumpur. Tickets, which can pass the first part of the way to the border with Malaysia, you need to buy at the train station in Hat Yai, and the second half of the roads we have paid over the Internet - easy, is not it? The customs office in Johor Bahru, we had to change trains, ie go through passport control and customs and then wait for the train to Kuala Lumpur. We took the ticket in a separate compartment to get a good night's sleep before the long flight home that we had a couple of days. Drag luggage into the compartment, and saw dust-covered carpet, just in case we have taken on the tablet from the allergies. But something was crawling on the carpet, pillows, ceiling. They were cockroaches, big and small. It can not be! We need another coupe. The train started, and we stayed in the hallway waiting for the conductor. "You do not worry, they are harmless, they eat tiny worms" - a laugh, "said the conductor, when we told him about this horrible discovery. Until now, I can not forget his broad smile and sparkling white teeth. Other compartments we have not provided. We went to the diner to eat crappy food and drink just a sip of warm tea. All this time we are sorry that did not bring a bottle of vodka "Sam Song", the best sleeping pill for the traveler. Malaysian Railways, of course, did not sell any alcohol, even beer. The evening turned out to be long and the night even longer. From Singapore to Malaysia, the easiest way to get to the train. But on the other hand, if you just want to cross the border, the bus is cheaper. For those who like to enjoy the amazing view, we recommend to buy a ticket for the Orient Express, which runs between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. This luxury ... and expensive. Those with a limited budget, can afford only to dream about this pleasure, thumbing through the pages of glossy brochures. From the capital of Laos, Vientiane (or, rather, with the Thai side of the border) to Bangkok laid convenient railway connection. As a matter of Laos has no railroads, but river transport is always working properly. Vietnamese Railways Main railway in Vietnam lies near the sea, between the cities of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Hanoi. The journey from one city to another takes about 30 hours, plus do not forget about possible delays. In the night trains have sleeping cars of the first class with air conditioning, designed for four, and second class carriages, up to six people. There is no division between male and female compartments, and there are no seats, just shelves for sleeping. Our overnight train ticket to cost much, and besides in the price included a small water bottle, lunch and dinner. The train had no dining car, but the conductor was selling beer and drinks. Wagons and coupes looked clean and tidy thanks to the large number of staff. They walked up and down the corridors with a strict view, and we noticed that most of the attention they paid to Western tourists. The main train station in Hanoi Local drank tea in his compartment, the hot water they took from the assistant car. We slept well and in the Vietnamese night train - putting on her clothes, which had in stock and wrapped in thick blankets. At dawn we were awakened by a beautiful Vietnamese music and the aroma of breakfast. Good advice for those traveling by train Vietnamese: you will have to check the ticket before they let in the waiting room or on the platform. Trains return ticket sometimes give "traveler card". Upon arrival, when you leave the platform, take it. So do not lose your ticket. Conclusion In the South-East Asia in air-conditioned trains are usually very cold, and strong drafts. So make sure to bring along on a trip knit hat, a silk scarf and warm clothing. All this keeps close at hand. Fly an airplane, of course, faster and easier, but traveling by train is cheaper and often more fun. Without a doubt, is the choice of the true traveler. See also: Quiet town on the banks of the River Fragrance Beggars against the backdrop of ancient architecture are non-Chinese city with Chinese influence, former prison island, and now - a good place for diving shocking dinner in Vietnam you are sunbathing at the provincial beach in Vietnam? A great way to be original!
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