Overall it wasn't anyones fault but it sucked. CHAPTERS BELOW 👇 Use Codeword "NAKEDGURU" For 5% OFF Your Holafly eSim Plan Visit: esim.holafly.com/?ref=odjjmwu&discount=NAKEDGURU& CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro - What Am I Doing? 00:36 Well Priced Food At The Station 01:18 Dual Pricing Experiences - Telling The Truth 05:00 Why Dual Pricing... Maybe? 05:40 Support The Channel 06:56 Packing Heavier Than I Arrived 08:04 Boarding The First Class 13:23 Tour - Still Akward 19:40 My Advice & Costs Involved On The Train 21:20 Compared To The West - Subscriber Comment 22:32 Bed Made & Other Features 23:35 This Is A BIG Bonus! 25:00 IT GOT MUCH MUCH WORSE - NEVER AGAIN! 29:40 Arriving Home Check Out Our LAZADA SHOP For Honey, Cacao, Super Greens Powder, Ginger Extract & Lots More! Here: shorturl.at/Q863r OFFERS FOR WORLDWIDE SUBSCRIBERS 🍄 MUSHROOMS: Get Discounted Fruiting Body Mushroom Supplements Thailand & Worldwide Shipping: shorturl.at/kUOyy Use Coupon code: BAMBOO10
I think that you are the only solo, whom I have ever seen book a single bunk in 1st class. Most solo travellers book a single bunk in 2nd or 3rd, or book the entire cabin in 1st - depending on their budget. Makes perfect sense now, from watching your experience. Thanks for sharing! :)
The Chinese wife had the best sleep of her married life, in a cabin away from her snoring husband. The pretty daughter knew exactly how to play the foriegner to get the berth changes made. Lol
Dual pricing; been in Thailand for over 50 years and still get farang prices in tourist areas. Has little to do with discounts for Thais or Thai prices would not be the same all over the country. Good or bad is up to the customer. About First class on the train, I book both seats to prevent bunking with a stranger.
1st class is too cold, air conditioning is freezing 😂. 3rd class is best as you meet the locals and all the tasty treats. Double pricing has been around SE Asia since bhudda😂. Don't be frugal and just be sensible and enjoy the experience.
I used to live in Cheltenham and during Gold Cup week they used to put the prices up for entrances to nightclubs for the tourists. The week before they would hand out cards to the local's which got us in for the regular price. Dual pricing is not specific to Thailand.
🤣 Pricing. I dated a Vietnamese woman for a while and she absolutely refused to go shopping with me. I had no clue why, but was agitated enough to demand answers. I was told every shop overcharges her when she’s with me.
It doesn't surprise me about the pricing issue. I think it does make it more affordable for the local people. Here in Hawaii we have Kama Aina pricing for the locals sometimes not openly advertised but if you are locally known ( easy in my small community) or speak and act in a local way, you will get a discount or extra amount. It works out very well.
I've really enjoyed your trip, lots of information and sights that I've never seen. I've added loads to my bucket list, thanks and it must be great to be back to your family and vice versa
Great work and you were very amiable toward the girl as she definitely appeared on the path that she would only be happy with what she wanted (no compromise attitude)!
@@jacktersey3688 fortunately he appears to be a better person than you and I, lol. Mind you once you spend a lot of time countries such as Thailand/Philippines/etc, things def worry u a lot less than when back western countries (I find)
Ive been ejected from first class ac pre booked ticket because some Thai lady didnt 'feel safe' in 2nd class ac. Shit happens suppose, but wasnt happy being dumped in 2nd class with all the Thais up all night talking 🙄
I'll be awake to be beware in case lots of person are coming in after buying the tickets, I still get use by not sleeping, face at the window to the wholescapes & silently singing the songs to enjoy it. I also will be awake faster for brushing & showering no matter am I bored or nothing to do for a long years by serving the areas quickly. Which means taking naps for a few minutes only. By the way thanks for your information about the train situation again as now your loved ones with 2 kids and your lovely pet are lovely joining by welcoming you back to your farmhouse without any injuries known as You're peacefully back to your farmhouse.
😂😂😂 I was waiting for your friend to start snoring 😂😂. Like sharing a room with a 600kg adult moose, there’s nothing worse travelling and sharing with a snorer.
That's the issue with sleeping in trains. I'm a snorer and I know how much it can piss off people so I tend to refrain from sleeping. I agree with you, the curtains in 2nd are a good shield. I wanted to go to CM in 1st class train next month, and record a video of it, but you made me think otherwise. I'll fly! And I'm also thnking about this nice little restaurant where you stopped at the beginning: I hope they have not been flooded!
When I was a smoker I also snored heavily. I worked on an offshore oil rig with 4 in the cabin. I'd get remarks like "you made sounds like a farm animal" lol. Funny now but not so much at the time. A chainsaw was mentioned to.
@@WanderlustReports sleeping on that train is terrible. Easy to take a 1hour flight...you can make it for lunch and not be shattered the next day. With no or little sleep on a bumpy train.
There’s all kinds of different pricing in the U.S. it’s just has a different perception. Like Senior, military, student, automobile membership, local resident, employee discounts. Coupons, prepaid, app discounts abound. Plus I don’t pay income taxes in Thailand, so I don’t have much to complain about. But I do understand after living in Thailand for awhile, one can get the feeling that you are being nickel and dime to death. Pay as you go so to speak. I was curious about getting that feeling. However I soon realized, I pay a far far greater amount in U.S. taxes, than I would in Thailand.
Loved this video. The title belies your travel philosophy, though, something I think is important. Your go with the flow approach to challenges while travelling is one of the best parts of the video. The title suggests otherwise for what it is worth.
I've been coming to Thailand since '98 on a regular basis. Most dual-pricing I have come across, is in the 'tourist areas'. Another con I've come across is higher prices in the shops in the low season. When I queried this with a Thai friend, I was told that it was because there are less tourists, and the shopkeepers still have the same bill's to pay, so they put up their prices to cover the shortfall. I've also been charged extra in the low season for 'air-conditioner use', as you are more likely to use your air-conditioner when it's so hot. This happened to me twice in Chiang Mai and Phuket.
Living in a tourist area, i sometimes wish we had double pricing😂 Thanks for an interesting trip report. I was possibly in CM at the same time as me. We both missed the flooding luckily.
Nice series about your trip to CM. Going there next month. I hate getting stuck with strangers and do backflips to ensure it never happens but sometimes you can't help it.
Your a good guy to have given up your privacy, not many would have. Dual pricing is not an issue for me, it’s annoying but that’s part of the way we, Farangs, have to live
Yeah. That 1st class cabin is only ok if you're travelling as a couple or with a friend. Don't know if I would fancy that really. I think you're right. If you're on you're own, 2nd class would be better. For me anyway. Thanks for showing us.
I’ve travelled in a sleeper in the US and it was essentially similar to flying business or first class - *much* better and more private than coach The flip side is that it *costs* - definitely the higher-cost option
Ryan, I really enjoyed this video. A great job of explaining and showing the first class night train from Chiang Mai. Stay Safe, and Stay Blessed ! Cheers,
When in Thailand as a farang , I concider myself to be fortunate. I have seen where many Thai’s in the hospitality industry live. I admire the way they have No tall poppy syndrome IMHO. I rarely haggle and often tip The thai’ are a wonderful natured people who are always happy and smiling 😊 and I like to add to their smile as it warms my heart and makes me smile. I’m a carpenter so far from rich on the world stage
From the first visit to Thailand 2007... I learnt about the dual pricing... after proudly showing my Thai wife.... the bargain I'd got... to be told... she would buy the next time.... your videos are cool...
Great video shame about the train, I like to have a cabin to myself as I snore really loud and feel sorry for anyone that is close to me when I sleep I don't know how the wife puts up with it but she does at least for now 😂 Great trip through, I don't know why people make such a big thing about dual pricing in some parts of the UK example Blackpool locals get discount on entrance to some attractions it goes on everywhere.
I live in Baja, Mexico....many places have "Gringo" prices. Printed prices are rare. I make sure to speak to cashiers in Spanish, even if they speak to me in English. At the Flea Market yesterday I was quote $15 for a used baby item for my charity work. Another vendor I buy from, heard the price, and said something to them about the babies I feed. Price came down $3 US, and she apologized, saying she was sorry, she thought I was a gringa. Yup, I am. Restaurants, grocers, everywhere here except the thrift stores will charge more....but the locals get paid so little. In Key west I paid $1200 a month for a room in someone elses house. Until hurricane Irma knocked it over. Now my big new gated house with wifi, and cold ac is $400 a month on the beach....
Great episodes of the trip north Ryan. Thanks for them all. Been in similar situations a few times in my life as well, struggling all night to sleep with snoring people/friends in close quarters. Train travel is something I will do again once the high speed electric trains start to run possibly. Knew you made it home and happy to see the proof in this episode. Lots to do, so get some sleep and when you wake, get back to it Father Ryan, no more dilly dallying on trains for awhile! 555 Peace and Love Y'all
Nearly broke my back sleeping on a train up to chaing mai....on bottom seat second class....the two seats move separately....top bunk second class is one piece so better.
Great tips Ryan regarding the train cabins. Sleeping on those trains are a bit of a challenge for me. The train looked fairly new, but I bet the rail tracks are still the same!
couple of things. If you travel with someone in 1st it is nice. I travelled with my wife and it was lovely. Second, the air con is set to artic blast by default. Every travel blogger mentions it. No one seems to mention you can just ask for it to be turned down and they will do it for you.
I tried in vain to get a 1st class cabin ticket online for several weeks but the website was difficult to navigate... My Thai hotel staff in BKK also couldn't figure out how to reserve/purchase the tickets on the website. Maybe it's fixed now.
Interesting - I was there a couple of months back and did the same trip on the same train as a solo, there was no option to book one seat in first, it was the whole cabin, or a single in 2nd class or lower. I booked the whole cabin and had a lovely time. I agree, I wouldn't spend the extra on first class if sharing with someone I didn't know.
No doubt you had a good sleep when you got back to your home which looks really lovely actually. Your narration on video is really good and laid back as opposed to the ‘in yer face’ style some people use. Also thanks for a the tip about the Holafly e-sim as I was wondering how to navigate the local sim card situation when I come out in a couple of weeks. I did actually take a train about 20 years ago from BKK to Sarat Thani which was 1st class and I had the whole cabin. it was OK, cost about £10 gbp. the train was much older and very slow. 20-30 mph and then up to about 50mph. But it was worth it when I got towards the destination as sun was out and surrounded by sand dunes and palm trees. A welcome change from ‘crazy Bangkok’!
Good advice Ryan as soon as I seen your situation I thought no no no 1 st class na, not like that, but sometimes that’s what it is suck it up 😂 I guess but not for me, as you said second class would have been better but 1 st I would expect it to be all mine so definitely pay the difference well done mate nice trip will do that one day cheers
Hi, thank you for the video. I have a small question when you arrive in the immigration do you need one-way ticket or you need to have a return ticket thank you
I will be going to Chiang Mai on oct 23rd for a few days. We are planning to ride a 20 passengers nite bus ( VIP) up north and 2nd class train down south. How in advance should I buy the tickets?
In watching these last few videos I was left with a feeling that you (Ryan) may experience is isolation. You live in an area isolated from western folks so you end up going "local" a lot of your time. I enjoy you show and I wish you the best. Shine on.
That certainly looked like a worse experience than the second class with curtain and privacy :D ..also the prices sounds quite high... like you can just get a plane ticket for less :D
Haven't been on it since they banned alcohol, it used to be great in 2nd class, order some food and a couple of large Changs. I am in the south - Trang, the family and I did Trang to Bangkok, then Bangkok to CM. I have also done first class from Trang to BKK and Surat Thani to BKK (to get married). Although we have a train station in the local town I always fly now.
For Train-Ride... as i checked for myself. a return ticket flight is offered 86 US bkk-Chiang Mai. 1:20 flight time.. it sounds somehow more comfortable so.. 😂 (sure excluding fare from/to airport then).
In thailand everyone is scared to go prison for 5 years. Sentences are much longer here for the crimes. And no one wants to go to prison in thailand. It is worst than hell.
Great video my exp.was 2nd class not very good the door between the cars where left open by people passing through made the cabin hot and full of mosquito.Also I would say that the Gov used this train during Covid to house patients
Took my wife's sister and husband out for dinner. They double charged us but the bill was still under 700 baht. I did not know at the time. Asked my wife how much I should tip. Wife's sister freaked out. Told me not to tip and they would never come back to that restaurant.
Bit of a crap situation for a first class ticket. But as always it’s a learning curve. I got lucky going on the sleeper train because I booked in several months in advance and managed to get a bottom bunk. I will not bother with first class next time. There are showers available in second class it was a whole carriage with showers basins and loos.
The only time I took an overnight train in Thailand, I went for 1st class and ended up with a cabin to myself. (The train to Surat Thani isn't as busy though.)
What ever knob said US rail travel is dangerous is full of it. Maybe they are confusing it with inner city subways or something. Rail travel in the US is super safe. Freight gets targeted from time to time, but not passengers.
Same and probably more abundant in the Philippines. It is affectionately known as skin tax or kano tax for Americans. Don't know why people would be upset with talking about it. Every seasoned traveler knows it exists.
That's just semantics and disingenuous. It's still charging a different price for different people. Just average the 2 prices and charge everyone the same. If the average Thai can't afford the same price, then the price is too high.
@@starship8088 agreed. it's got a lot of names around the world. latin america it's gringo pricing. i can't stand the attitude of treating people differently for pretentious abritrary and often racist reasons.
New subscriber. Good info and I like your VLog style. If not in a rush we prefer to drive long distances- 4 hours per day then stop, spend the night and have a local experience.
Thanks for sharing Ryan, bit of a disappointment for you but lesson learned hey, you won't be doing that again in a hurry. On a positive note, you'll be home with the family soon enough. And this will just be another story to laugh about
I still dont understand what happen on the train but according to the thai train rule for 1st class only opposite sex can't be in the same room if you are not a couple or family members. The logic is 1st class room can be lock and opposite sex being in the same lock room is not very safe. Also if you travel alone you can book the entire room for your self it will be cheaper than buying top and bottom bunk seperately.
Glad I Found out ,,yeah the shower is very appealing ,and I’d go with paying for the whole cabin,,70s in Oz I’d get a sleeper and it was a one person cabin ,,don’t know about nowadays though .havent been on a train since the seventies or early eighties,,but most likely will in Thailand ,,thanks for the tips.
Overall it wasn't anyones fault but it sucked. CHAPTERS BELOW 👇
Use Codeword "NAKEDGURU" For 5% OFF Your Holafly eSim Plan
Visit: esim.holafly.com/?ref=odjjmwu&discount=NAKEDGURU&
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro - What Am I Doing?
00:36 Well Priced Food At The Station
01:18 Dual Pricing Experiences - Telling The Truth
05:00 Why Dual Pricing... Maybe?
05:40 Support The Channel
06:56 Packing Heavier Than I Arrived
08:04 Boarding The First Class
13:23 Tour - Still Akward
19:40 My Advice & Costs Involved On The Train
21:20 Compared To The West - Subscriber Comment
22:32 Bed Made & Other Features
23:35 This Is A BIG Bonus!
25:00 IT GOT MUCH MUCH WORSE - NEVER AGAIN!
29:40 Arriving Home
Check Out Our LAZADA SHOP For Honey, Cacao, Super Greens Powder, Ginger Extract & Lots More! Here: shorturl.at/Q863r
OFFERS FOR WORLDWIDE SUBSCRIBERS
🍄 MUSHROOMS:
Get Discounted Fruiting Body Mushroom Supplements
Thailand & Worldwide Shipping: shorturl.at/kUOyy
Use Coupon code: BAMBOO10
Yeah, jeez. You should have at least gotten the widow seat since they wanted the doors open to yap. Well; you missed the floods so, that's good.
I think that you are the only solo, whom I have ever seen book a single bunk in 1st class. Most solo travellers book a single bunk in 2nd or 3rd, or book the entire cabin in 1st - depending on their budget. Makes perfect sense now, from watching your experience. Thanks for sharing! :)
The Chinese wife had the best sleep of her married life, in a cabin away from her snoring husband. The pretty daughter knew exactly how to play the foriegner to get the berth changes made. Lol
Koreans
I was just about to write that and then I saw your comment.
@@Mrmallet777Hilarious
Dual pricing; been in Thailand for over 50 years and still get farang prices in tourist areas. Has little to do with discounts for Thais or Thai prices would not be the same all over the country. Good or bad is up to the customer. About First class on the train, I book both seats to prevent bunking with a stranger.
good idea 👍
One of the things that really gets on my nerves about Thailand all the national parks charge foreigners up to 5 times more than thais
1st class is too cold, air conditioning is freezing 😂. 3rd class is best as you meet the locals and all the tasty treats. Double pricing has been around SE Asia since bhudda😂. Don't be frugal and just be sensible and enjoy the experience.
@Mrmallet777 we can afford it, Thais can't, besides it's thier country.
@@julianshalders6047 lots of Thais are richer than us don't see them getting charged double
I used to live in Cheltenham and during Gold Cup week they used to put the prices up for entrances to nightclubs for the tourists. The week before they would hand out cards to the local's which got us in for the regular price. Dual pricing is not specific to Thailand.
They do it in Canada for the national parks.
Your patience is a virtue. One I would not have had😊👏👏👏👏
A bunk with a complete stranger and the term First Class are mutually exclusive in my mind . I'd pay for just a seat instead
Really makes me curious what the other classes look like.
🤣 Pricing. I dated a Vietnamese woman for a while and she absolutely refused to go shopping with me. I had no clue why, but was agitated enough to demand answers. I was told every shop overcharges her when she’s with me.
Alphie had no idea you were coming back. He was so pleased. Welcome home.
Great mediation my man, keeping the peace and bringing the smiles, great advice and video
It doesn't surprise me about the pricing issue. I think it does make it more affordable for the local people. Here in Hawaii we have Kama Aina pricing for the locals sometimes not openly advertised but if you are locally known ( easy in my small community) or speak and act in a local way, you will get a discount or extra amount. It works out very well.
I definitely enjoyed coming along on your journey. I'm glad you made it back safely. At the end of the day there's nothing like home. ☺
Wonderful series Ryan! Really enjoyed it
Thank you 🙏
Ah thanks Ryan for the series & the commitment to the channel. Have enjoyed it 🙏
My pleasure! thanks Steve!
We love all your videos don't stop making them ❤❤❤
I've really enjoyed your trip, lots of information and sights that I've never seen. I've added loads to my bucket list, thanks and it must be great to be back to your family and vice versa
Thank you 🙏
You’re just way too nice Ryan! Thanks for taking us along……I’m so glad we’ve booked our 2nd class overnight train ride to Chiang Mai & cannot wait 😊
Thank you Marietta 🙏
Great work and you were very amiable toward the girl as she definitely appeared on the path that she would only be happy with what she wanted (no compromise attitude)!
Her attitude would have made me uncooperative to teach her a lesson.
@@jacktersey3688 fortunately he appears to be a better person than you and I, lol. Mind you once you spend a lot of time countries such as Thailand/Philippines/etc, things def worry u a lot less than when back western countries (I find)
@@TKsolotravel I wouldn't mind if she showed some respect to the worker. But she clearly had an attitude.
I’d have to decline the change. You book knowing which seat. You shouldn’t book hoping or demanding someone will change.
@@jacktersey3688I agree.
Ive been ejected from first class ac pre booked ticket because some Thai lady didnt 'feel safe' in 2nd class ac. Shit happens suppose, but wasnt happy being dumped in 2nd class with all the Thais up all night talking 🙄
I'll be awake to be beware in case lots of person are coming in after buying the tickets, I still get use by not sleeping, face at the window to the wholescapes & silently singing the songs to enjoy it. I also will be awake faster for brushing & showering no matter am I bored or nothing to do for a long years by serving the areas quickly. Which means taking naps for a few minutes only. By the way thanks for your information about the train situation again as now your loved ones with 2 kids and your lovely pet are lovely joining by welcoming you back to your farmhouse without any injuries known as You're peacefully back to your farmhouse.
😂😂😂 I was waiting for your friend to start snoring 😂😂. Like sharing a room with a 600kg adult moose, there’s nothing worse travelling and sharing with a snorer.
That's the issue with sleeping in trains.
I'm a snorer and I know how much it can piss off people so I tend to refrain from sleeping. I agree with you, the curtains in 2nd are a good shield.
I wanted to go to CM in 1st class train next month, and record a video of it, but you made me think otherwise. I'll fly!
And I'm also thnking about this nice little restaurant where you stopped at the beginning: I hope they have not been flooded!
I think they are in the safe zone there 🙏🙏
When I was a smoker I also snored heavily. I worked on an offshore oil rig with 4 in the cabin. I'd get remarks like "you made sounds like a farm animal" lol. Funny now but not so much at the time. A chainsaw was mentioned to.
@@WanderlustReports sleeping on that train is terrible. Easy to take a 1hour flight...you can make it for lunch and not be shattered the next day. With no or little sleep on a bumpy train.
It's good to be home get some rest!!
There’s all kinds of different pricing in the U.S. it’s just has a different perception. Like Senior, military, student, automobile membership, local resident, employee discounts. Coupons, prepaid, app discounts abound.
Plus I don’t pay income taxes in Thailand, so I don’t have much to complain about.
But I do understand after living in Thailand for awhile, one can get the feeling that you are being nickel and dime to death. Pay as you go so to speak. I was curious about getting that feeling. However I soon realized, I pay a far far greater amount in U.S. taxes, than I would in Thailand.
Great episode dude. Very informative.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Its been a nice series ryran 🎉
Thank you 🙏
A enjoyable series of videos, interesting and informative and entertaining.
Thanks Michael 🙏
"I know im going to get a really good night sleep"
Nek minnit
"Probably the worst nights sleep of my entire life" 🤣😂
🤣🤣🤣
Loved this video. The title belies your travel philosophy, though, something I think is important. Your go with the flow approach to challenges while travelling is one of the best parts of the video. The title suggests otherwise for what it is worth.
Enjoyed the trip with you thanks 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜🧘🏽♂️💯🧘🏻💜
I've been coming to Thailand since '98 on a regular basis. Most dual-pricing I have come across, is in the 'tourist areas'.
Another con I've come across is higher prices in the shops in the low season. When I queried this with a Thai friend, I was told that it was because there are less tourists, and the shopkeepers still have the same bill's to pay, so they put up their prices to cover the shortfall.
I've also been charged extra in the low season for 'air-conditioner use', as you are more likely to use your air-conditioner when it's so hot. This happened to me twice in Chiang Mai and Phuket.
I have traveled first class from the loas to Bangkok 1st class many years ago now. Excellent service.
With you all the way with your journey,thanks.Nothing is perfect but life is good.Glad to know you are home safe and family.❤️🙏🇺🇸🇹🇭
Living in a tourist area, i sometimes wish we had double pricing😂
Thanks for an interesting trip report. I was possibly in CM at the same time as me. We both missed the flooding luckily.
I don't agree with dual pricing anywhere in the world. In Thailand, I have the pink ID and often receive the lower price, but not always.
Nice series about your trip to CM. Going there next month. I hate getting stuck with strangers and do backflips to ensure it never happens but sometimes you can't help it.
Your a good guy to have given up your privacy, not many would have. Dual pricing is not an issue for me, it’s annoying but that’s part of the way we, Farangs, have to live
What a muddle on the train. You are so kind. It looks like they have upgraded since we last did this journey.
Yeah. That 1st class cabin is only ok if you're travelling as a couple or with a friend. Don't know if I would fancy that really. I think you're right. If you're on you're own, 2nd class would be better. For me anyway. Thanks for showing us.
Cheers Matt!
Hahaha this is Thailand. Expect the unexpected 😅 This is why I always fly or take a private car/Taxi. Not worth it to me to save a few dollars.
I like your plan... I do the long jaunts with a good driver, full size SUV and plenty of stops along the way.
Wonderful.. Wonderful.. Video... Nice to get back home 🏡.. to family 😊
Privacy is very important for us Farang.
I’ve travelled in a sleeper in the US and it was essentially similar to flying business or first class - *much* better and more private than coach
The flip side is that it *costs* - definitely the higher-cost option
Isn't this the same price as flying? Not sure the prices today but 1,600 baht can buy a plane ticket I'm pretty sure.
Yes, but you can view it as a free night's accommodation too. (Assuming you can sleep decently.)
@@CaptainKremmennot really because if you arrive at 6am you have to wait until 2pm for the hotel check in
Ryan, I really enjoyed this video. A great job of explaining and showing the first class night train from Chiang Mai.
Stay Safe, and Stay Blessed !
Cheers,
When in Thailand as a farang , I concider myself to be fortunate.
I have seen where many Thai’s in the hospitality industry live. I admire the way they have No tall poppy syndrome IMHO. I rarely haggle and often tip
The thai’ are a wonderful natured people who are always happy and smiling 😊 and I like to add to their smile as it warms my heart and makes me smile.
I’m a carpenter so far from rich on the world stage
From the first visit to Thailand 2007... I learnt about the dual pricing... after proudly showing my Thai wife.... the bargain I'd got... to be told... she would buy the next time.... your videos are cool...
Great video shame about the train, I like to have a cabin to myself as I snore really loud and feel sorry for anyone that is close to me when I sleep I don't know how the wife puts up with it but she does at least for now 😂 Great trip through, I don't know why people make such a big thing about dual pricing in some parts of the UK example Blackpool locals get discount on entrance to some attractions it goes on everywhere.
I live in Baja, Mexico....many places have "Gringo" prices. Printed prices are rare. I make sure to speak to cashiers in Spanish, even if they speak to me in English. At the Flea Market yesterday I was quote $15 for a used baby item for my charity work. Another vendor I buy from, heard the price, and said something to them about the babies I feed. Price came down $3 US, and she apologized, saying she was sorry, she thought I was a gringa. Yup, I am. Restaurants, grocers, everywhere here except the thrift stores will charge more....but the locals get paid so little. In Key west I paid $1200 a month for a room in someone elses house. Until hurricane Irma knocked it over. Now my big new gated house with wifi, and cold ac is $400 a month on the beach....
You forgot to mention during your promotion for the eSim Holafly, make sure you check if your device is eSim capable, not all smartphones are.
Great episodes of the trip north Ryan. Thanks for them all. Been in similar situations a few times in my life as well, struggling all night to sleep with snoring people/friends in close quarters. Train travel is something I will do again once the high speed electric trains start to run possibly. Knew you made it home and happy to see the proof in this episode. Lots to do, so get some sleep and when you wake, get back to it Father Ryan, no more dilly dallying on trains for awhile! 555 Peace and Love Y'all
Thanks my friend - back to the grind!
Nearly broke my back sleeping on a train up to chaing mai....on bottom seat second class....the two seats move separately....top bunk second class is one piece so better.
Yes tourist places in hawaii have Kama'aina pricing for locals..some need proof and some dont
Great tips Ryan regarding the train cabins. Sleeping on those trains are a bit of a challenge for me. The train looked fairly new, but I bet the rail tracks are still the same!
Over all, great video series of your trip. Thanks a lot. I agree with your assessment of the first class.
couple of things. If you travel with someone in 1st it is nice. I travelled with my wife and it was lovely. Second, the air con is set to artic blast by default. Every travel blogger mentions it. No one seems to mention you can just ask for it to be turned down and they will do it for you.
I tried in vain to get a 1st class cabin ticket online for several weeks but the website was difficult to navigate... My Thai hotel staff in BKK also couldn't figure out how to reserve/purchase the tickets on the website. Maybe it's fixed now.
We do this some parts of the USA too. It helps locals out a lot.
Yes Ryan! Loving the content. It was great meeting you in Chiang Mai and Pai last month. Big love from Stockport ❤
Cheers Mike - hope you are well brother 🙏😁
Interesting - I was there a couple of months back and did the same trip on the same train as a solo, there was no option to book one seat in first, it was the whole cabin, or a single in 2nd class or lower.
I booked the whole cabin and had a lovely time.
I agree, I wouldn't spend the extra on first class if sharing with someone I didn't know.
No doubt you had a good sleep when you got back to your home which looks really lovely actually. Your narration on video is really good and laid back as opposed to the ‘in yer face’ style some people use. Also thanks for a the tip about the Holafly e-sim as I was wondering how to navigate the local sim card situation when I come out in a couple of weeks. I did actually take a train about 20 years ago from BKK to Sarat Thani which was 1st class and I had the whole cabin. it was OK, cost about £10 gbp. the train was much older and very slow. 20-30 mph and then up to about 50mph. But it was worth it when I got towards the destination as sun was out and surrounded by sand dunes and palm trees. A welcome change from ‘crazy Bangkok’!
Appreciate this comment 🙏
Good advice Ryan as soon as I seen your situation I thought no no no 1 st class na, not like that, but sometimes that’s what it is suck it up 😂 I guess but not for me, as you said second class would have been better but 1 st I would expect it to be all mine so definitely pay the difference well done mate nice trip will do that one day cheers
Cheers Peter!
Ok
I will stick to flying.
It's all about experiencing travelling by train and the Thai hospitality.
Hi, thank you for the video. I have a small question when you arrive in the immigration do you need one-way ticket or you need to have a return ticket thank you
Thank you ryan totally enjoyed these videos on your trip. Keep on doing what you do. Brilliant
Thank you Lillian 🙏
What an adventure! I never imagined this kind of thing.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Beverly - hope you are well!
So good to be home. Thanks for a great trip! ❤
🙏😁🇹🇭 thank you
I will be going to Chiang Mai on oct 23rd for a few days. We are planning to ride a 20 passengers nite bus ( VIP) up north and 2nd class train down south. How in advance should I buy the tickets?
Sorry I have never booked a VIP bus for a group before 👍👍
@@lifeinruralthailand we are a couple going to ride a vip 20 passengers bus. We are not a group of 20 passengers. The bus is a 20 passengers VIP bus.
In watching these last few videos I was left with a feeling that you (Ryan) may experience is isolation. You live in an area isolated from western folks so you end up going "local" a lot of your time. I enjoy you show and I wish you the best. Shine on.
That certainly looked like a worse experience than the second class with curtain and privacy :D ..also the prices sounds quite high... like you can just get a plane ticket for less :D
I think you showed great tolerance
The daughter obviously had an American accent
By speaking Thai you blew her away
Cheers Anthony 🙏
@@lifeinruralthailand and taught her a lesson in civility in another country
I love your attitude towards other people, fair play 😊😊,its just nice to be nice, 👍👍
In Hawaii locals get “Kamaaina” prices for certain places too where as tourists pay a higher price.
I snore like a pig..and sometimes talk and shout in my sleep...i have to sleep in a separate room to the rest of my family.
Haven't been on it since they banned alcohol, it used to be great in 2nd class, order some food and a couple of large Changs. I am in the south - Trang, the family and I did Trang to Bangkok, then Bangkok to CM. I have also done first class from Trang to BKK and Surat Thani to BKK (to get married). Although we have a train station in the local town I always fly now.
Sensational as always brother,much love and respect.
Thanks Carlos 🙏
For Train-Ride... as i checked for myself. a return ticket flight is offered 86 US bkk-Chiang Mai. 1:20 flight time.. it sounds somehow more comfortable so.. 😂 (sure excluding fare from/to airport then).
In thailand everyone is scared to go prison for 5 years.
Sentences are much longer here for the crimes.
And no one wants to go to prison in thailand. It is worst than hell.
the places that have prices shown on the menu often have “discounts” for locals.
Great video my exp.was 2nd class not very good the door between the cars where left open by people passing through made the cabin hot and full of mosquito.Also I would say that the Gov used this train during Covid to house patients
Took my wife's sister and husband out for dinner. They double charged us but the bill was still under 700 baht. I did not know at the time. Asked my wife how much I should tip. Wife's sister freaked out. Told me not to tip and they would never come back to that restaurant.
Great video Ryan!!!! 2 thumbs up my friend!!!!
Cheers Samuel 🙏
Bit of a crap situation for a first class ticket. But as always it’s a learning curve. I got lucky going on the sleeper train because I booked in several months in advance and managed to get a bottom bunk. I will not bother with first class next time. There are showers available in second class it was a whole carriage with showers basins and loos.
The only time I took an overnight train in Thailand, I went for 1st class and ended up with a cabin to myself. (The train to Surat Thani isn't as busy though.)
Dual pricing/local's discount is available in some businesses in Far North Queensland
Yes they do certain places have it posted the 2 prices.
1 for locals other for foreigners
What ever knob said US rail travel is dangerous is full of it. Maybe they are confusing it with inner city subways or something. Rail travel in the US is super safe. Freight gets targeted from time to time, but not passengers.
Same and probably more abundant in the Philippines. It is affectionately known as skin tax or kano tax for Americans. Don't know why people would be upset with talking about it. Every seasoned traveler knows it exists.
I love the fact that you explained the dual pricing systems, by saying it was a discount for Thai people rather than a rip off of the flange.
That's just semantics and disingenuous. It's still charging a different price for different people. Just average the 2 prices and charge everyone the same. If the average Thai can't afford the same price, then the price is too high.
@@molonlabe9602that’s hardly fair is it.
@@davidthomson692 it seems like fair doesn't matter much when performative virtue signalling is in play. sad, isn't it.
@@starship8088 agreed. it's got a lot of names around the world. latin america it's gringo pricing. i can't stand the attitude of treating people differently for pretentious abritrary and often racist reasons.
@@starship8088 The pricing applies to all foreigners not just the so called farang....
Often when I visit Thailand to see the families, I'm feeling like a working vacation until I get back "home".
❤🙏🏻👍🏻That was really interesting to hear & see your experience of travelling. Must feel so good to be home. 💞💞💞💞
Thank you Wendy 🙏🙏
New subscriber. Good info and I like your VLog style. If not in a rush we prefer to drive long distances- 4 hours per day then stop, spend the night and have a local experience.
Welcome to the channel 🙏
You’ve convinced me I’m flying 😂😂 good vlog buddy 🤩
Sounds and looks like a nightmare, but on the positive side, your thumbnail is hilarious!
😂😂😂
Vietnamese trains have cabins like that but they have four beds per room in 1st class or six beds in 2nd
What a nightmare your experience would have been for me. After this review, I will continue to be a frequent flyer.
I agree William 🙏
Im envious because your beautifull familly. Wish you well.
Thanks for sharing Ryan, bit of a disappointment for you but lesson learned hey, you won't be doing that again in a hurry.
On a positive note, you'll be home with the family soon enough.
And this will just be another story to laugh about
You can get a airplane ticket for the price of both beds in the train..
I still dont understand what happen on the train but according to the thai train rule for 1st class only opposite sex can't be in the same room if you are not a couple or family members. The logic is 1st class room can be lock and opposite sex being in the same lock room is not very safe. Also if you travel alone you can book the entire room for your self it will be cheaper than buying top and bottom bunk seperately.
Glad I Found out ,,yeah the shower is very appealing ,and I’d go with paying for the whole cabin,,70s in Oz I’d get a sleeper and it was a one person cabin ,,don’t know about nowadays though .havent been on a train since the seventies or early eighties,,but most likely will in Thailand ,,thanks for the tips.