So the journey to Luang Prabang was interesting from start to finish. It started with the agency who I'd booked the bus ticket through telling me that I wouldn't be on a VIP bus that I'd booked but a local bus but even then he wasn't too convinced that he knew how I'd be getting to Luang Prabang. When I got to the bus station I was actually told I was getting there by minivan, which was better as it would save two hours on the journey...or it was meant too. The r...

The crossing was a lot easier than I thought it would be, we flagged down a tuk tuk and managed to barter him down from 120 bahts each to 120 bahts for the two of us. This took us to the friendship bridge, which was so quiet and straight through the Thai immigration to hop on a bus that takes you over the bridge into Laos (at another cost of 20 bahts not that you have any other choice). And minutes later you're in Laos. The visa process should be simple but there...

Time to leave Pai and start heading over towards Laos. So on 23rd January I left Pai and headed over to Chiang Rai via Chiang Mai. For 150 bahts (£3) and a three hour minibus ride I was back in Chiang Mai and met up with Ole, who was also on his way towards Laos. We booked a bus for that afternoon to go to Chiang Rai which would be a two and a half hour trip over. The scenery heading east was pretty and very green. Eventually we made Chiang Rai and checked into ...

Oh dear, waking up with a cracking hangover the morning you're about to embark on the windiest journey is probably not the best idea, but yet I did. Before the minibus came to collect me I went off in search of coca cola, 7 Eleven toasties and water and downed a travel sickness pill and paracetamol. I surely must be able to tackle this journey now with it's 762 bends climbing up to the hippie town of Pai. Once changed minibuses at the bus station we were on the...

Finally got a move on and off to Northern Thailand it is. I was booked on the 10pm sleeper train to Chaing Mai and for second class it was pretty decent. A bed I could stretch out on (as previously said being a little on the short side this isn't much of a challenge), clean and comfy. I was instantly pounced on by the catering woman planning my breakfast but actually just wanted a b**** and a moan about Chinese tourists. The evening was a bumpy one and in bed it ...