NORTHERN THAILAND / BANGKOK

Before entering Chiang Mai we stopped in Chiang Rai to view The White Temple, officially the "Chapel of Wat Rong Khun" This unique modern temple was designed and built by artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat starting in 1998. A beautiful white ordination hall - Phra Ubosot - is decorated with silver glittering pieces of mirrors. We continued our journey onto Chiang Mai where Rory and I enjoyed a traditional Thai massage; although the Thai ladies must of had a giggle when they gave us 2 robes to put on, a bit like hospital garments, told us to get naked and put them on, we gave each other a bit of privacy holding the curtain shut which looked out over the street! We continued by night train back to Bangkok where our GAP journey began. We boarded early evening, had a very hot Thai green curry which certainly didn't settle the stomach, but enjoyed some of the locals rum before soon waking to the heavy traffic of Bangkok City center!

First port of call was a trip to the Thai embassy to try and extend the Thai visa, no such luck, a visa run to either Cambodia, Malaysia, Burma or Laos will be required! It was the final day of the tour; Alison, Rory, Ben, Fon and I shared our final supper down by the river, few quite drinks at a live music venue, purchased some Santa hats as Christmas is fast approaching and said our goodbyes! These goodbyes were short lived as Ben, Alison and I met the following day for a trip to the weekend market! We took the local bus, sweating all the way their, before embarking on this huge market which sold pretty much anything. All kinds of foods ranging to all kind of pets and so on...

Over the coming days, Ben, Rory and I shared a triple room costing a total of 4.50 a night for the room which even included air con. We met with Alison, sharing the next few days with a trip to the MBK shopping mall, some cinema time watching Avatar, walks around the city center, temples, Kings Palace and general relaxing by the pool. It was finally the time to say goodbye, Rory staying in Bangkok, Alison heading back to England and Ben off to Australia while i was catching the night train down to Phuket. My next journey started badly as our coach was overbooked by six places and we were delayed by two hours with my bag and a few others left on the pavement while we were sat stationary. Finally we left with my bag being placed on board and set off on the overnight 18 hour trip! See you on the beach!