Penny Pinching and Punches: My Night with a Thai Boxing Team
Taking a Sleeper Train from Surat Thani to Bangkok, Thailand
Views from the train somewhere in Thailand.
Traveling through Thailand comes with its fair share of adventures: some expected, some not so much. As a wanderer with a sense for adventure, I've often discovered that the cheapest option is usually the most local one. Along with that comes an adventure that one wouldn't experience by choosing the luxury end of things. Granted, it's not for everyone, and more often than not, there's usually a moment of regret.
My most recent deep dive into adventure was the decision to take the sleeper train from Surat Thani to Bangkok, a fairly common route for anyone traveling through Thailand. It's typically taken after island hopping. By this point in my month's stay in Thailand, I was slightly over budget and looking to pinch pennies to balance things out. The cheapest way from Surat Thani to Bangkok is by train. Tickets can be booked either online – I prefer the 12Go Asia app or website – or at the station. However, I'd recommend booking ahead to be safe. You wouldn't want to end up in third-class seating.
Regrettably, that's where I found myself. Upon checking, there were three ticket options: third-class for $7, second-class for $12, and first-class for $23. Thinking, "How bad could third-class possibly be?" and seeing it as a steal at only seven dollars, my friend and I made our booking.
The following day, everything went well at the train station, except for a one-hour delay. Nevertheless, we felt optimistic about the upcoming nine-hour train ride. But, as the train pulled up and we boarded, our enthusiasm quickly faded.
Before us was a crowded car with not a single seat open. Eventually, we found seats. As we settled in, we felt the gaze of numerous locals. That's when I realized we were the only foreigners in that part of the train.
The men sitting across from us began speaking to each other, occasionally laughing and glancing our way. Taking it in stride, I smiled back and inquired if any spoke English. One did, and during our conversation, he shared that they were a boxing team headed to a tournament in Bangkok.
Nearly half the train car consisted of the boxing team. It was one of those surreal moments,thinking, "What are the odds of sharing a nine-hour journey with a Thai boxing team?"
As the night wore on, the seats grew increasingly uncomfortable, making me regret my frugality. But then again, when else would I have had the chance to delve deeper into the world of Thai Boxing?
What was supposed to be a nine-hour ride extended to twelve. I arrived in Bangkok after a restless, sweltering night, my back aching in places I didn't even know could hurt.
Lessons From a Fellow Wanderer
I've resolved never to opt for a third-class ticket when taking a night train. But traveling in third class afforded me an experience I wouldn't have had otherwise. It was memorable in every sense of the word, and I'm grateful for it.
So, if you ever have the opportunity to travel the "local way", seize it. You never know who you might meet!
~A fellow wanderer