Photos taken from my train journey to the northeastern Thailand.

The train journey from Bangkok to the north eastern part of Thailand took the whole day, about ten hours. That’s why I used to travel by night trains in the past. The lockdown stopped all train journeys for almost a year. Then some slower daytime trains were allowed to operate; that’s why I had to switch to slower old train at cheaper fares.

The daytime train was very slow as it stopped at all the minor railway stations along the way. But this turned out to be quite enjoyable as I could see small old charming railway buildings with well looked after gardens.

The daytime train surprised me with sceneries of the countryside and the contrast between villages and big cities along the journey. The railway track climbed up the high plateau in the north eastern part of the country.

The best part of the journey was the view of the dam and reservoir. The railway track went along the reservoir and crossed the reservoir on a long bridge. On sunny days, the views were quite beautiful and invigorating for my spirit.

However, on cloudy days, the scenery would change completely to dark grey cloudy sky with looming threat of a fierce storm. This was quite exciting as it reminded me of old horror movie scenes. My mind would just float in the space along the railway track until sleep came over me.

Now I have become used to traveling by daytime train even though the train was not very comfortable and noisy. The scenery in the countryside and natural surroundings along the way still exuded lots of magic and charms to me. This would also reduce my traveling expenses.

The types of passengers seemed to be quite different between those traveling on luxurious and modern night trains and old slow daytime trains. I preferred the atmosphere and down to earth vibes inside the slow trains. These people were simple hard working country people with simple clothes and no brand name accessories. It was as if I was in a village on the train journey.

I could observe all the different people from various towns and villages on the slow train which was more interesting than going to a cinema. The whole real world surrounded me and helped grounded me in reality. So, each train journey would always be a new experience to me!

Wishing you all a very nice day.

See you.