I forgot about the train station...

On Jan 2 we are leaving Bangkok for Chiang Mai. In Thailand there are 3 ways to travel long distance, the First Class Overnight bus which is how Melinda and most Thai's travel, the propellor plane that only flies when a full flight is booked, or the train. We decided to take an overnight train and see some of the countryside. To purchase train tickets, you HAVE to go directly to the train station. So we hailed a taxi and set off for the Hualumpong Train Station. It is the Thai version of Grand Central in New York. It is noisy, the architecture is beautiful, there are food stands all around the main hall and long tunnels that head in all directions to the various platforms. 

We made our way through the crowd watching some sort of concert, and found the information booth. There was an English speaking information assistant who informed us all of the trains to the Chiang Mai were booked because it is winter (the high season) and the flower festival. But, in Thailand there is ALWAYS a way around. He told us that if we booked a hotel or excursions with the travel group they could get us tickets on the train, so up to the big office we went.

We got tickets on the 2nd class car which is a sleeper car and air conditioning. We leave at 6pm on 1/2 and arrive to Chiang Mai at 6am on 2/2.We have planned outings to the high country to see the mountain people and ancient tribes on the afternoon of the 3rd and a cooking lesson on the 4th where we begin at the market and learn how to pick the best ingredients. Also, we are going to visit our Uncle Rick and his wife Konnika who is Thai. They are vacationing in Chiang Mai at the same time we are. 

at train station

starbucks on the way home

bargaining thai style