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Bangkok (3 nights)
A minivan turned up at my resort on Koh Chang to pick up me and one other, an Australian girl called Jo. We stopped at other places on the island, but nobody else got in, so it was just the two of us! The minivan was new and air-conditioned and drove us all the way. However, the van went to the airport and not to the city centre, so we had to change to an airport shuttle bus once we got there. We were also delayed by a slow ferry journey, so, having set off at 8.00, we arrived at Bangkok's Khao San road around 19.00.
Khao San is the really touristy and at this time of year, hugely busy area of the city. It lies some way from the main city centre, but near the river. I found transport more than a little awkward in Bankok, with Tuk-Tuk drivers who, although able to cut through the horrendous traffic, attepmt to scam you at every opportunity, but you can use regular river ferries to get around quite cheaply.
My hostel, little more than a big box of rooms, was located near to Khao San, but far enough away to be fairly quiet. I spent my first evening here having a few drinks with some young Americans. I was glad of a bit of company, but they were so young that they were hugely excited by the prospect of legal alcohol and taking full advantage! I found them annoying!
The next day, having decided if I couldnt bear them I would join them, I was more than a little bit hungover. I took a river boat heading for Chinatown, but got the wrong stop and found myself lost. I did also find a rather lovely flower market, where stall after stall was preparing garlands and little prayer offerings. The whole place was bright yellow. I then took a tuk-tuk, which charged me very little for a day tour. In fact, I soon realised it was far too little and the driver was planning on making his money by taking me to overpriced restaurants and shops where he would get commision. I would never have fallen for it had I had all my wits about me, but I was only half awake. When I challenged the driver to change the tour, he refused and chucked me out in the middle of nowhere. Luckily I had a map with me and could find my way back, but it still took me 2.5 hours.
The next day I took things easy. I bought a new book and read it. I did very little else. I booked a train for the following evening, which would take me down toward the islands.
Before catching the train I made the most of my day. I caught a ferry boat and this time got off in the right place, visited not one but two temples, the grand palace, and chinatown, where I indulged in some street food. There were lots of little stalls, each with a few little tables and chairs and each selling noodle and rice dishes. The food in Thailand is generally very good and this was no exception.
That night I took a lunatic taxi to the train station. When we were held in traffic he would sprint up the other side of the road and nip back in just before hitting oncoming traffic! The train was delayed by an hour or so, which actually pleased me. It meant that I would arrive around 5.30 in the morning and not around 4.00!
The train itself was somewhat dissapointing. The carriage was arranged with beds aligned front to back either side of the ailse. There were two tiers of beds with the lower on splitting to form seats. The bags went in racks open to the aisle between the beds. This was the least secure of any of the trains I have travelled in and I chained my bag to the rack. The cabin was air-conditioned, which sounds nice, but it got very very cold in my upper bunk. They also kept the corridor lights on all night!
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