Day 10 = Bangkok, Thailand

On Saturday morning I left the Hostel in Hong Kong, on my way to the very high tech Hong Kong International Airport.After a short MTR ride into town, you can check into the flight in the train station (your bags are then whipped off by train to the airport.)Although I didn't use this facility as I just jumped on the Airport Express and headed off for my flight.Hong Kong was a very smart airport, hundreds of shops and lots to do.I then had to fly to Bangkok, via Singapore (silly I know, but with my round the world trip this was the only option).Although the flight with Singapore Airlines was amazing, the best airline I've ever flown with!

Arriving in Bangkok was instantly hit by the head and humidity (even at 10pm).After a long bus ride into the old town of Bangkok, I headed to the main backpacker area, Koh San Road.One long road of bars, clubs, guest houses, markets, food stalls and lots of neon lights.I stayed for 2 nights in the Thai Cosy Hotel, which was very accommodating.I even managed to watch a re-run off Lewis Hamilton's final championship winning race (which I hadn't seen).

My first full day in Bangkok was quite interesting, constant harassment by the infamous Tuk-Tuk drivers, as well as taxi drivers and market stall owners.I wandered round aimlessly for an hour or so before a local guy pointed out some sights which I should see.He also got a Tuk-Tuk driver to agree to take me around to all these places and wait for me, for only 20B (about 30p) which seemed too good to be true, guess what it was!!I ended up visiting about 3 tailors and 3 differentjewelry stores.Reading my book I later found out this was referred to as the "Gem Scam".I did actually buy three tailored shirts from one place, although it was quite expensive they are really good quality and was in the guide book as the best tailor in Thailand.I visited quite a few temples and huge golden Buddha's as well as the golden mountain, so wasn't a total waste of time!Later that even went to see Spurs play Man City at the sports bar (Gullivers Traveller's Tavern) on the Koh San Road.Meet a real Essex geezer Stock Broker, we ended up hitting a few bars on the Koh San which was a good laugh, we went to a club after, but had to leave as his budget was much greater than mine, lol!

The next day I moved onto the Lamphu Treehouse Guesthouse which was very comfortable and cheaper than the first place!I then decided to go and see the city by river.This actually turned out to be a great way to get around, any distance along the river was only 19B!While waiting for the boat that was heading south to Central, I met an older yank, Danny.We chatted and ended up spending the whole day venturing around town.Went to the Great Palace, which was a place which was just covered in gold and jewels!We were going to see the reclining Buddha although it was the King's sister's funeral and therefore we weren't aloud.We headed to central Bangkok, where we rode around on the elevated Sky Train around the city.We jumped off and ventured into the massive shopping centre (MBK).We had some great local Thai curries, before trying to get my phone unlocked at one of the many electronic shops.Although unfortunately they had it for a couple of hours and they weren't able to do it.We ended up hitting an Irish bar, before going to the night market.I picked up some fake RayBan's seeing as I thought it would be best to leave mine at home.We then went to a bar and then headed back to the Koh San for a few more beers… which was good fun!

Take it easy, Jonny x