For my previous posts on this trip, check http://lynntowin.ca/thailand-and-laos https://lynntowin.ca/bangkok Night train Bangkok to Chiang Mai We boarded the night train for the trip to Chiang Mai. I travelled in Thailand the first time almost 20 years ago, and the night train experience was one I’ll never forget! This time, not so much. On that trip so long ago, the night train had a bar car. My group went there, where we ordered buckets. Buckets are small pails filled with coke and some of the local rye or rum, then each person gets a straw to share the bucket. Our bartender was a flamboyant ladyboy, who led us in singing…

To see my trip planning, check http://lynntowin.ca/thailand-and-laos The way to Bangkok I got here by the most direct route, Regina to Vancouver to Bangkok. The Vancouver to Bangkok flight is 16 hours 20 minutes. (The longest flight in the world is over 18 hours). I tried to upgrade my seat but there was nothing available. We were packed in like sardines. The flight arrived in Bangkok around 6 am. I knew that I would be shattered after that very long flight and a 13 hour time change, and would just want to have a rest when I got there. So, I booked an airport pickup from the hotel, at a…

What kind of trip am I going on? This trip is with Intrepid Travel https://www.intrepidtravel.com/ca/laos/thailand-laos-adventure-166921 It’s called an “adventure” so I think it will be fun! How will I get there? My flights take me from Regina to Vancouver, then straight to Bangkok. I paid $177 for my flights, using aeroplan points earned from a TD aeroplan visa infinite credit card welcome bonus. Two nights before the tour in a nice hotel were booked using TD points from a TD platinum travel credit card. Two nights after the tour in a very nice hotel were booked using Marriott Bonvoy points from a Marriott Bonvoy business credit card ($150 annual fee).…