The 26-hour train ride to Bangkok

Our first trip to Bangkok was when we participated in the All-Asians Universities Debating Championship 2004 hosted by Assumption University. For some bizarre reason (and also to save cost), our debate club decided that we’ll all take the train from Bukit Mertajam to Bangkok.

It was a 26-hour train ride.

Sounds painful, but when you have a whole contingent of debaters together, you’ll never have a dull moment.

Empty train on an early morning

We had bottomless booze with us. We had crazy company. We all had bunks close to each other. We had playing cards. We played drinking games. We talked cock. We were the noisiest bunch on the train.

In the middle of the night when we were all fast asleep, the train came to a halt. We felt that something was amiss as the train stopped for quite a long time (it makes short stops along the way to pick up passengers but this time, it was longer than usual). After asking around, we found out that the train had hit a cow! and it was laying at the side of the tracks. We didn’t know what happened to the cow after that…poor cow.

View of paddy fields and villages throughout the journey

The train ride was pretty bearable. There are double seats for day use and the staff will come in the evening to turn the them into a bed and fix up the upper bunk. Meals are served on-board as well, which is included in the train fare. In the morning, the staff will ring the bell to wake everyone up for breakfast – military style. Then, trolleys and trays will roll out with steaming hot drinks and food. After that, it’s back to self-entertainment. For lunch and dinner, we can select our food from a few variety, tick it on a list and pass it back to the staff.

Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok

We disembarked at Hua Lamphong Railway Station which is right smack in the middle of Bangkok. It’s huge and busy busy busy.

Supplies for the journey

After the debate tournament, everyone went their separate ways while we stayed on to explore Bangkok. Yet again, we decided to take the train back – another 26 hours on the train, just the two of us. I thought we were going to die of boredom. Hahah! But we did not. Don’t really remember what we did but it was mainly enjoying the scenery, reading, munching on snacks, sleeping and prolly a whole lot of camwhoring.

Relieved! As we were approaching the Bukit Mertajam train station. Home, finally!

If you have a whole lot of time to spare and want to save some moolah (we paid about RM110/pax), the train ride is pretty worthwhile as it’s an experience on its own. The journey is comfortable – you can take some time off to relax and reflect. Soak in the beautiful scenery along the way.

2 thoughts on “The 26-hour train ride to Bangkok

  • March 17, 2011 at 7:41 pm
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    vonne!!!

    i went to Bangkok not long ago too and then up to Chiang Mai..by train!!it wasn’t much of enjoying the scenery kind of plan,but more on to save money..hehe..but i must admit the 12 hours train ride was the best highlight of my 10 days trip to Thailand..it really was worth it..

    oh btw..i think its super awesome what you two are doing!!

    Reply
    • March 18, 2011 at 4:08 pm
      Permalink

      Suria! Yes, the train trip is an experience of its own. Hope you had fun! It definitely saves up a lot of money too. Heheh.

      Thanks, I’ll try to update as much as possible. I uploaded some pics on Facebook.

      You take care okie! See you when I get back to BM :)

      Reply

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