From Flash-Packing to Flea-Pit

I made the journey two nights ago from Vientienne to Bangkok on a surprisingly comfortable overnight train. Bangkok is pretty overwhelming- especially when you've come from the luxury of a riverside home in Vientienne- so my single room overlooking a Kho San back-alley, i'm thinking, is a little under par.

I've just sat down in an internet cafe after the most surreal day of my life. I decided to make an early start exploring Bangkok this morning as I leave in an hour for Ko Phagnan. Little did I know it's the King of Thailands Birthday/Anniversary (haven't quite figured that one out) and the Thai people LOVE their King.

I walked out of the backpackers bubble of Kho San Rd this morning at about 9am and already their were crowds of Thai people all wearing pink t-shirts lining the street. Stalls were set up selling weird and wonderful things- dentures- being probably the oddest- and a return of the heamorrhoids cream. After a stroll around Wat Pho to see the giant reclining Buddah I was walking up through the celebrations when everybody stood and saluted and the King of Thailand drove past with the royal family.

I am sad to say I was a fool to the oldest trick in the Bangkok Book. A Tuk Tuk driver offers you a cheap price for a trip around Bangkok to see a few sites and then drags you to his friends tailoring/jewellery/souvenir shop so that he can get a free tank of petrol as commision. I like to think I keep my cool in these situations but trying to flogg me a mouse shaped insence for 250baht (5 quid) pushed me to my limits somewhat.

Wednesday 6th May

I left Bangkok yesterday on a bus bound for Kho Phagnan. The journey went pretty smoothly and I decided to stay at a place recommended by Bee, a lady who gave me my thai massage in Chiang Mai. I have a bungalow to myself on the beach... my bed faces the sea and I keep the shutters open so that from my bed I can see the secluded beach, the water and the sunset. It really isn't bad for 6 quid a night. I am on the north side of the island so it is really quiet- I am heading down to Haat Rin which is where most backpackers stay on Saturday for the full moon party. Tomorrow I have an early start being pushed to my limits doing Muay Thai boxing. Wish me luck!