The Special Express 14 takes around 13 hours, traversing nine provinces and 18 train stations. It's one of the longest routes in Thailand, spanning 467 miles.
Tourists often split up their travel between the bustling city of Bangkok, one of the top holiday destinations in the world, and the quieter, more bohemian province Chiang Mai. The northern province is known for its gorgeous natural landscape, mountains, and animal sanctuaries.
I've traveled to Thailand several times in recent years but have never traveled on a sleeper train. Since learning that the route is one of the most popular in Thailand among backpackers, I decided to book a trip and try it for myself.