All of my pre-travelling research revealed the Perhenthian islands off of the coast of north eastern Malaysia to be your typical paradise: untouched desert island beaches, crystal clear water, palms trees just about everywhere and a few wooden shacks dotted along the sand serving as accommodation. The recommendations I'd had from friends who had the fortune to make it to these shores only backed up this description with enthusiasm and a touch of jealousy at heari...

Whilst on the beautiful Koh Tao, gem of the Gulf of Thailand, most people dabble in some form of watersport - usually scuba diving, which Koh Tao is particularly famous for. I went with the intention of doing my PADI Open Water course, which would allow me to dive for fun around the world in the presence of a certified guide and dive company. I came away slightly obsessed and wanting to dive my way around the world, which of course I did not budget for. Within an...

Prior to arriving on the alcohol fuelled island of immorality, I was dubious as to how many of our antics on Koh Phangan would be blog appropriate. And therefore, I suggest parents and definitely grandparents, give this one a miss. Obviously from that, I know my parents will read with attention second to none, but perhaps will have the sense to spare grandparents the shock and hopefully the horror too. Heading to Koh Phangan with my mother's echoings of 'don't b...

I arrived in Bangkok to surprise surprise, chaos. But this time the naturally chaotic city was in overdrive. Everywhere you looked there were Thais with massive supersoaker waterguns and buckets of grey paste, shooting water at and swiping paste on anyone who passed, Thai or otherwise. I have never seen so much fun interaction between locals and foreigners, and for that reason alone, Songkran should be considered a great modern wonder of the world. The bus droppe...

Koh Samet was the perfect way to balance ourselves back to being normal, respectable people after the debauchery of Bangkok. A week of solitude before we headed back to Bangkok to celebrate Songkran (the Thai new year) and bid each other farewell as Lauren headed to Bali and I headed down to Koh Pha Ngan for the April Full Moon Party, was exactly what was needed. Jamie, of eight-trips-to-Bangkok, tubing and Spicy Thaiger fame, joined us for a week of relaxation. ...