Sleeper Train in Thailand, Sleeper Bus in Laos & Other Mode of Transportation

It is interesting to note how varied the mode of transport is in Southeast Asia. Coming from a Southeast Asia myself, I was surprised to learn about sleeper bus and train. We don’t have this kind of stuff in the Philippines. Out of curiosity, I took a “sleeper train” from Bangkok to Vientiane. The lower deck is a sofa convertible to bed with a window seat. If you happen to be in the upper deck it is just a small space without window, you can touch the ceiling and you can barely move. In a short description, it is very much like – a coffin. I ended up taking the second decker as I bought the ticket last minute without much option for the lower deck. I was like a dead-living person in a coffin-like sleeper train for 12 hours. But I survived! 🙂

Another interesting experience which I thoroughly enjoyed is the “sleeper bus” that I took from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. I was wondering if it is like a sleeper train, but NO. The sleeper bus is so much like a bunk bed but the catch is, you have to share it with another person. It wouldn’t be a problem if you are a couple. It could be a dilemma for someone traveling alone. Especially, if the ratio of male to female is odd number. Imagine, there is one bed and you practically have to share it with a total stranger! And what if the other person is physically big in size and can occupy the whole space, how will you squeeze yourself in :P. Interestingly, I was given a space to share with a Laos lady and we ended up as friends. Though she does not speak a single word in English but we kept talking and I think, we managed to get by haha. It was an enjoyable 12-hour bumpy ride in a rough and rugged road. I hardly fall asleep.

Here are some of the photos and other mode of transportation in Laos and Thailand: