Taking the Thailand sleeper train

After leaving Kanchanaburi, we will be heading to Koh Tao which is popular for scuba diving and snorkeling.  After much consideration we have decided to take the sleeper train to Chumphong then bus it to the Lomprayar ferries where we will then head over to the island.
We will choose either first class or second class sleeper on the train.  My husband and I are happy to take the second class but we want to ask our kids which they prefer as second class is a lot less private but I'm sure it would give lots to talk about.  The train leaves Bangkok early evening and arrives at 4am.  You then get a bus transfer to the ferry and sit and wait for it to go.  The ferry ride takes about 90 minutes.  Talk about trying all the transport I can jam into one day.
Once we are there we will be staying at Sensi Paradise Resort.  This is one of the few places that has a family bungalow to fit all six of us in and it's right on the beach.  Sensi is on Mae Haad which we thought would be good as it is still close enough to walk to Sairee Beach but far enough away from the hustle and bustle.

For information about the trains in Thailand go to
www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm

Second class sleeper - you are in one long row with just a curtain to give you privacy and the walkway is quite narrow.

First class before they make the bed - here you have the privacy of a door and your own sink

Ferry website
http://www.lomprayah.com/

We look forward to trying all this transport out and letting you know if we chose right or if it was a miserable failure and to let everyone know a better way.