Sleeper Train questions

[Ruffian Dick]

42 minutes ago, William C F Pierce said:

"What time does the restaurant closes and opens?" The last time I did the journey CM to BKK; soon after boarding an attendant comes round with a menu and ask what time you would like it. A very old world experience that will be soon gone with the new high speed rail system when its completed. The trains never run on time. If can't get up over a mountain, it will go back a bit to take another run at it. Hence the reason for the usual delays, but still part of the fun of an old world experience.

Going in one direction (and def on a different train), there was no table service, just directions to the dining car with mediocre eats. On the opposite direction, menus were handed out (with two reasonable choices) and meals delivered to the seat.

 

Saw one Belgian tourist crack open a cold one (and may have shared another...). The attendant came along and told him he couldn't have it, then walked on, so he finished it. No, they didn't kick him off. Your mileage may vary.

[Sandy Freckle]

11 hours ago, WhyYouTalkMeBad said:

Wasn't even close lol

..., in a whole different coach !

[themerg]

Here is good advice : sleep on the sleeper train.

[Grusa]

Tthe wife and I took the train to butterworth 18 months ago. Alcohol banned, signs everywhere. At every stop, vendors came on board, with discreet cool boxes of ice-cold drinks including cans of beer. Not even grossly overpriced!

Take a condom, and pretend it's a coke!

[smotherb]

On 6/14/2017 at 6:08 AM, WhyYouTalkMeBad said:

Does the new train have curtains in the 2nd class sleeper? If so nothing stopping you drinking in your bunk but no way you can drink in the open and it won't be a cold one because you can't buy it on board.

but you can get an ice bucket

[smotherb]

Why be so cheap, take the first class cabin with a lady, bring aboard whatever you like, they do not check baggage--yet. At least you won't have to be drinking in your bunk.

[WhyYouTalkMeBad]

Why be so cheap, take the first class cabin with a lady, bring aboard whatever you like, they do not check baggage--yet. At least you won't have to be drinking in your bunk.

 

I used to go on trains either for an adventure or visa runs. Bring a lady and be stuck with her the whole trip just to book first class.. Nope

Besides its really 3rd class and it has a crap view staring at a wall.

 

However if you are in love and want your partner with you then obviously its the only choice to make.

 

Don't make the mistake saying it's all about the money [emoji5]

 

 

[elgenon]

I bought a first class sleeper ticket BKK to CM. Couldn't sleep because the roaches were crawling over me. I asked where the dining car was and they wouldn't tell me because the attendant wanted to make money by bringing me food. Last time I did that.

[Khon Kaen Dave]

3 minutes ago, elgenon said:

I bought a first class sleeper ticket BKK to CM. Couldn't sleep because the roaches were crawling over me. I asked where the dining car was and they wouldn't tell me because the attendant wanted to make money by bringing me food. Last time I did that.

Aahhhh, private enterprise, Thai style.

[tonray]

3 hours ago, elgenon said:

I bought a first class sleeper ticket BKK to CM. Couldn't sleep because the roaches were crawling over me. I asked where the dining car was and they wouldn't tell me because the attendant wanted to make money by bringing me food. Last time I did that.

 

Did the roaches ask for a refund on their ticket cost ?

[WhyYouTalkMeBad]

I bought a first class sleeper ticket BKK to CM. Couldn't sleep because the roaches were crawling over me. I asked where the dining car was and they wouldn't tell me because the attendant wanted to make money by bringing me food. Last time I did that.

Those old attendants that looked like they were waiters from the Las Vegas 1950's disappeared long ago.

 

There main source of income wasn't from the 200 baht meal set but from the countless tips for alcohol when the BKK to chang Mai train was a non stop party.

 

Those days are gone but glad to have experienced it a few times

 

 

 

[nofarang]

I am passionate train user but mostly for the southern routes. Here are my experiences:

 

 

1. Trains are often if not ALWAYS late, in any case unreliable. Exception: Sprinter trains
2. Restaurant car closes at 23:00 and opens at 6:00.
3. No beer on the trains. Be aware if you drink discreetly in your bed. One time a conductor saw my already empty can and reacted furious, taking the empty can away from me. But I still drink behind the curtains. But not cold.
4. No train stops for smoke breaks! You can smoke during the trip between the carriages in the doorways as the Thais do. It is uncomfortable but nobody will bother you.

Edited June 17, 2017 by nofarang

[sandyf]

On 6/16/2017 at 8:32 PM, Chou Anou said:

"Knee jerk reaction"???  Spoken like a true creature of privilege (male) who's never known the fear of rape traveling alone on a sleeper train.  You're a big boy, you can do without your alcohol for a few hours in the service of creating a slightly less scary environment for the women traveling on those trains.

The alcohol ban was a bit over the top, they also introduced female only carriages which would have been a reasonable move on its own.

 

The attack which led to the ban was carried out by a member of staff, not a passenger. Only the mentally challenged would think that staff confiscating alcohol from passengers would eliminate a potential re occurrence. 

 

To the OP. I have done several train journeys and went to Udon Thani a few weeks back. The new rolling stock , also used on the CM route , is a lot more comfortable than the old carriages. I would recommend the first class, more private, quieter and toilet facilities are more available. Suggest you take your own food and refreshment , best to avoid anything with a strong smell.

[elgenon]

17 hours ago, Khon Kaen Dave said:

Aahhhh, private enterprise, Thai style.

I think it is run by the government.

[elgenon]

13 hours ago, tonray said:

 

Did the roaches ask for a refund on their ticket cost ?

Yes, they objected to my presence.

[smotherb]

22 hours ago, WhyYouTalkMeBad said:

 

I used to go on trains either for an adventure or visa runs. Bring a lady and be stuck with her the whole trip just to book first class.. Nope

Besides its really 3rd class and it has a crap view staring at a wall.

 

However if you are in love and want your partner with you then obviously its the only choice to make.

 

Don't make the mistake saying it's all about the money

 

 

Well, if you have no more to offer a woman than money, it is all about money--and if you make a wise choice when you select the woman you can be sufficiently satisfied for the round-trip. Of course, the other option is find another for the return trip--just don't limit your horizons.

 

 

[WhyYouTalkMeBad]

Well, if you have no more to offer a woman than money, it is all about money--and if you make a wise choice when you select the woman you can be sufficiently satisfied for the round-trip. Of course, the other option is find another for the return trip--just don't limit your horizons.
 
 

I have absolutely no idea what you are trying to say

[Khon Kaen Dave]

1 hour ago, elgenon said:

I think it is run by the government.

probably.

[smotherb]

6 hours ago, WhyYouTalkMeBad said:

I have absolutely no idea what you are trying to say

you said, "Bring a lady and be stuck with her the whole trip just to book first class "

 

If you think you will be stuck, then you made a poor choice of companion.

 

Yes, it is not a very classy first class, but it gives you a better option than drinking in your bunk.

 

If you still need further explanation then I am afraid you will not understand.

 

[WhyYouTalkMeBad]

you said, "Bring a lady and be stuck with her the whole trip just to book first class "
 
If you think you will be stuck, then you made a poor choice of companion.
 
Yes, it is not a very classy first class, but it gives you a better option than drinking in your bunk.
 
If you still need further explanation then I am afraid you will not understand.
 

'If you think you will be stuck, then you made a poor choice of companion.'

Huh? How could I know after 12 hours if she was a good choice?

Why are you using the word companion? Why not just say she is your GF or wife. What's the big deal? Unless she is a hooker then your crystal ball is as good as mine.. Which is broken [emoji16]

[smotherb]

7 hours ago, WhyYouTalkMeBad said:

 

 

'If you think you will be stuck, then you made a poor choice of companion.'

Huh? How could I know after 12 hours if she was a good choice?

Why are you using the word companion? Why not just say she is your GF or wife. What's the big deal? Unless she is a hooker then your crystal ball is as good as mine.. Which is broken

What 12 hours? You are suggesting you would be stuck with your companion--and I use the word "companion" because it is a generic term; you may want to take your boyfriend or mother or just a friend instead of a wife or gf.

Edited June 18, 2017 by smotherb
remove typo

[elgenon]

On 6/18/2017 at 1:20 PM, Khon Kaen Dave said:

probably.

As I remember the government wanted to shake it up and privatize it, but the railway employees wouldn't have it. Plush job , don't work too hard.