1st February: Nakhon Sawan, Thailand to Bangkok, Thailand

We were woken by the sound of drums and firecrackers at 6:40 but were too tired to think about joining the festivities. I rolled back over and got a bit more sleep. After checking out, we made use of the ‘resort’ facilities and sat on some (padded!) seats with coffee getting the next 3 weeks of buses and hotels booked up. We were joined by the resident hotel cat, who’s taken a shining to me and came to lay on my arm whilst I was on the laptop.

Around lunchtime, Ingrid (who we’d shared the songthaew with from the station) came by for a chat. It was lovely to see her again and we got some really good tips for Vietnam. Thanks, Ingrid!

Our train wasn’t until just after 4pm, so Kaja wandered out to find lunch and did really well considering the slim pickings in Nakhon Sawan. The summer rolls with salad and shiitake mushrooms with a zesty dip were delicious, and it was great to get some more healthy goodness with a papaya salad and a coconut smoothie.

Our taxi driver to the station was watching TV whilst driving. I’m not sure which I find more baffling – the idea of cars being designed with TV screens or the fact that this series was being broadcast in portrait! Eeek.

Nakhon Sawan station has one new central elevated platform and the others at ground level. Presumably this is in advance of future high-speed trains. The journey was uneventful, although we arrived at the new Krup Thep Aphiwat station a little late. By the time we’d gotten across town on the metro, it was half 8. Fortunately, the restaurant we’d earmarked nearby was still just about open. Good job too as the fried vegetable wide noodles and sweet and sour were both simple but filling and delicious. Proper food!

Our ‘hotel’ was hilariously bad. Firstly, we couldn’t get in as it surprisingly turned out to be one of those shambolic places with a code and no reception. Of course, our code didn’t work and neither of us were able to call the number given. Luckily for us, a Thai-speaking guest turned up after a while and, after making a long-winded call, was able to get us our key. Phew! The room wasn’t any better. Every single fixture and fitting felt like it was going to fall apart if we breathed too heavily. No matter, we’re only here for two (very short) nights. Popping to the corner shop for a few quick provisions, one thing I noticed were signs confirming a ban on alcohol tonight and tomorrow. Apparently there are provincial elections an everyone has to be sober to vote!