We arrived in Bangkok’s Khao San road just as the bars were shutting, so our first taste was that of a mad travellers night. Not what you need fresh off a late flight!
I’ll start by saying that Bangkok is sheer madness! The people, the food, the clothes, and the driving… oh the driving! They don’t obey the few traffic lights. Turning is done by heading into the oncoming traffic until someone gives way. Crossing the road is something akin to that old computer game, Frogger. And we haven’t been brave enough to ride a Tuk-Tuk yet – which seem capable of doing wheelies! But it’s fun!
Our first day was with Dan’s friends, Cherie and Glyn, so we got in a few of the sites, including a trip down the river, the Wat Pho temple and some of the markets. The food here is great, especially eating Pad Thai from the street sellers. Then you get onto the Thai curries that are simply amazing! I love it, although on occassions they can get a bit firey. And then there’s the shopping, with some new t-shirts acquired and a small back pack for day trips at crazy prices. Main pack is now full though!
We decided to delay our trip into Cambodia by a few days (became slightly longer due to a small food issue in Bangkok…), and headed to Koh Samet island about 4 hours South of Bangkok for some relaxing at the beach. I tell you, this backpacking is tough! It was a great place, with the only roads being dirt tracks that you ride along on the back of pick-ups, or along the beautiful white beaches.
Liking walking and as it was a small island, 6km top to bottom, I tried to walk round it. Took me 4 hours to get to the Southern tip – which was worth it for the tranquility and view of the ocean – but was thwated by the sheer cliffs on the West side of the island, so I walked back along the dirt tracks.
Our Bungalow was right by the sea, and the area of the island we stayed on was slightly less packed during the day, but had a great bar/club in the evening! The service out here leads a lot to be desired though, as they have a habit of just delivering dishes randomly, with one or other of us having finished before the other had started!
Thailand has so far been good fun, and we’re looking forward to returning. Next stop is Cambodia, which is where I”m writing this from, but as they say, that’s another story!
Bangkok New Year
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Koh Samet
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ahhh……sweet kitty cat in the photograph you took Greg…really cute!!!
Shame it was murdered shortly after the photograph was taken by the local street seller. That;s right, the same bloke from whom you bought those Thai curries from.
Have a good trip chaps!!!!