So we wake up bright and (not so) breezy the next day. After a slightly dubious breakfast, we pack up our things, and leave our bags (nervously, as the bell boy just dumps them in the reception for ages) and then wait in reception for our CEO and driver to arrive to take us all the the famous Floating Market.

Tommy had given us a massive speech the night before about not being late, and always being at least 5 mins early so we can make the most of our days. We were due to all meet at 8am, and there is no sign of Tommy. The driver arrives and speak at us in Thai, whilst waving a ticket in our face. We have no idea what to do so just keep saying "five more minutes". We manage to find another G Adventures CEO, and he starts to call Tommy's mobile over and over, we ask for his room number at the hotel and go and knock and there's no answer. Mystery. So we decide to just go off with the driver and head to the floating market alone (eek.)

Thailand is amazing to drive through. I actually really enjoy just sitting in the (air conditioned) minivan, and just staring out the window and wathcing the world go by.

We arrive some time later at the Floating Market, and barter our way into a cheaper deal to get our boat. We clamber in, and paparazi style photographers start taking highly unflattering photos with out of place expensive cameras as you climb in (in turns out they will try and sell your face on a plate at the end, a bit like Alton Towers...but with a plate.)

The floating marketing was amazing. It was a massive overload on the senses, and the sights, sounds and smells just combine to create an exciting, and DIFFERENT experience. I of course got duped into buying a "jade" bracelet, and also tried some of the most delicious mango i've ever eaten. James had his first coconut with a straw in, and we all had a jolly good time floating up and down the river, taking snaps and getting sunburnt!

After a couple of hours we head back into Bangkok, where luckily Tommy is waiting for us (his Dad had apparently fallen down the stairs) and we pull togther our plans for later.

At 5pm we leave the hotel and head over, backpacks in tow, to Bangkok Train Station. It is actually very much like London Paddington, everyone sprawled around, eating food, drinking drinks, waiting for delayed trains. We find a table and order some food to take away for our overnight train to Suratthani, and I try my first Watermelon Blend - Mind.Blown. At 6pm, we discover that in Thailand, twice a day (8am and 6pm) if you are in a national/official building, the National Song gets played and every stops what they are doing and stands to listen. It's a brilliant moment.

Finally it's time to board the train, and we all go to our seats. I have to say, I actually quite enjoyed the night train. When you are ready for bed, you signal to the guard who then comes along and turns the seats into two bunkbeds, and puts clean bedding on. I was on the top bunk, and surprisingly, I actually slept very well (even James slept, which is practically a miracle.) Peeing on the train though....that was a whole different story (it all just goes right out on the train track, and you can see the track below you through the toilet! Madness!) Of course people go up and down the train trying to sell you stuff, and we all bought beers, to help us sleep.

We all clamber into our bunks, and appear the next morning a bit bleary eyed, ready to depart the train at Surathani.