The journey wasn't as picturesque as I imagined, and without any food served on board, it was at times an uncomfortable experience. I found myself wishing the train would reach Bangkok sooner rather than later.
But Special Express 14 isn't exactly a trip for tourists. Most locals opt for second-class tickets, which cost only around 770 baht, or $21, so it's a great way for them to travel especially if they're looking to avoid the additional baggage costs of flying.
Overall, I'd say taking a day train trip across Thailand would be better for tourists looking to catch a glimpse of the country's provinces and natural landscapes. I'm glad to have tried the overnight journey once but in hindsight, it's not a trip worth going out of my way for.