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Following our New Year’s Eve in Bangkok, my plan had been to go from Bangkok to Koh Chang and chill out on the beach before heading south for the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan.
As usual, that totally didn’t happen.
Chris and Jon had missed New Year’s in Vang Vieng, but they were still determined to go to the Lao party town. I knew I wanted to go to Vang Vieng — and I especially wanted to spend more time with Chris, Jon, Anthony and Mona.
So before we knew it, the five of us had jumped on an overnight train from Bangkok to Nong Khai, just over the border from Vientiane, Laos.
I had taken an overnight train in Thailand once before — from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani on my way to Pakse, Southern Laos. I was the only foreigner on the train, I had to explain to a woman why I didn’t have a boyfriend, and everyone went to bed by 9:00 PM.
This train couldn’t have been more different. We were in a car of foreigners and beers were offered right away. The bar car blasted Thai covers of “Kung Fu Fighting” and “Crocodile Rock,” and people were dancing and goofing around.
Add that to the bottles of Sang som that we had brought with us, just in case, and you have a recipe for a Thai party train.
For hours, we played endless games of “F*ck the Dealer” — the card game that we more or less played constantly — and enjoyed the Changs while covertly sipping the Sang som. After midnight, the bar car closed down and we were promptly hustled out.
Which moved the party to the hallway…
And after we were hustled out of there, we had nowhere else to go but our own beds.
And it was way too early to go to bed.
So we decided to see if all five of us could fit in the upper berth of second-class Thai train car.
It took a lot of work and folding of body parts…
But you know what? We were a smashing success!
Five people in an upper berth? Definitely possible.
We spent the rest of the night hanging out, finishing the Sang som, whispering to keep a low profile, and taking as many wacky pictures as we could.
It was one of my favorite nights of the trip so far. Seriously — look at these pictures. Look at how happy we are.
I often mention how much happier I’ve been since I’ve been on the road. And it’s not just me. Moments like these, nights like these, are little snapshots of just how happy it’s possible to be.
Wow, I want to party on an overnight train! The pictures are great, looks like a lot of fun!
Haha! Looks like a great time. Someone should create a website for finding party trains!
-Mia
https://twitter.com/#!/WeTravelAndEat
This looks so much fun! And everyone looks so happy, I love it!
Crazy poses are a great touch to a fabulous night! 😉 It is awesome that you captured these moments; times like these are hard to find! Jumping photos are also cool poses as well; these always end my night! 😉 I highly recommend them!
I love F*ck the Dealer! It is very hard NOT to get tipsy off that game! Of course, I think that is the purpose of the game! 😉 Thanks for sharing your night! I cannot wait to read more! 🙂
Thanks! We pretty much never stopped playing that game the whole time we were traveling together!
classic. i love the pics
I love the photos! Train rides are usually just a means to an end but you turned it into a really fun journey. I love it!
I am so enjoying reading about your travels around asia! I’m making mental notes about all of the places I want to make it to when I’m out there in may- the problem is there are just so many!
This night looks like so much fun and completely reminded me of the movie ‘some like it hot’!
Haha sounds hideous but each to their own!
That is awesome. Gotta love those overnight train rides, especially when there’s a good crowd involved. From your entries, I’ve noticed that deviating from the itinerary and going with the flow often gives you the best results and experiences. Cheer to travel!
PS: F* the Dealer, priceless!
I think I need to just come out and say it: I have a total, unabashed girl crush on you, Adventurous Kate. And I wish you many more nights of debauchery on party trains!
OMG, Kristin, I love you. 🙂
Kate I don’t think I’ve seen a photo of you without a grin from ear to ear since you left home. It’s almost intoxicating how much fun your having. I can always rely on your posts to make me smile after another cold day in London. Keep it up mate.
Awww, Chris! Thanks so much! I have been SO much happier since getting on the road!
Had many exciting trips on Thai trains, but never managed more than four in a berth. On a recent trip we had the Intrepid tour guide wanting to party and chat with us rather than the paying customers! Essential piece of equipment on trains and boats is a 2 bottle cooler/chilly bag – nicely holds 3 large Chang and keeps them cold until you need them.
OMG, I am feeling SO BORING right now. I need a night like this BADLY!
Fun fun fun!
You lucky bunch. Jealous I am. Love trains. Especially night trains with a bar and lots of fun. What an adventure.
Looks like you had a lot of fun 🙂
Cant say much…. as everybody else, I wish I was there 🙂
Love reading posts like these. It’s amazing how it always works out but the best times always seem to be had when you’re not trying. Such as traveling by rail in Thailand (who knew?). Doesn’t usually sound like the ideal fun spot, but looks like you had a blast. Thanks for the good read!
How wholly annoying. Partying in the sleeping car with the beds down and multiple persons in upper berth. You teally know how to be throughly ugly travelers.
Rest assured if you ever share my bogey, Ill be calling the Railway Police.
Haha! Looks like you had an amazing time – Hungover much?! 😉
Believe it or not, I very rarely got hangovers on that first trip to Asia. I think it was something about the humidity.