Where now?

Our first of two Cambodia stops, Siem Reap, which is home to Angkor Archaeological Park. I had definitely heard of Ankor Wat but until this trip I doubt could of answered where or what it is. The Park is huge, it includes Angkor Wat alongside hundreds of other structures which once formed the Khmer Empire. Today it is one of the most important Aarchaeological sites in the world. Which is why I find it crazy how millions of people are allowed to walk all over it every year, not that I'm complaining, I feel very lucky to have been, maybe I'm just used to barriers and signs saying keep off! We had a full day at the temples, using a tuk tuk and driver from our hostel which drove us around. You can buy 1,3, or 7 day tickets, due to limited time (and money) we just went for one day but there is so much and its so big you could definitely go day after day and see something new. We went to 10 temples altogether starting with the Angkor Wat and finishing on my favourite Ta Prohmn. They...

 We had a bit of a whistle stop tour of Bangkok, as we decided to just have 2 nights. We arrived in the dry and headed straight out to the Khaosan Road for food and saw the dark clouds looming. We sat down under cover to eat just before the heavens opened, so didn't spend too much time wandering about.  If you read any must-see lists about Bangkok, then the Grand Palace tops them all. However, after spending a bit of money in Chiang Mai we decided to give it a miss as it has a steep entry fee compared to what we've been used too. We still had a walk to it, and luckily the rain stayed away so we headed to look at the river, watching some dancing on the way.  We continued on to one of the flower markets which is rows and rows of flower stalls with people making garland and wreaths which are taken and laid at the temples as gifts. After we went to Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, it has a selection of things to see including gardens to sit in by the river, and huge Buddah statue (w...

 Although it wasn't raining when we arrived in Chaing Mai, it started in the night and then continued. However, it didn't dampen our spirits in what is a very interesting city. It doesn't feel like a city, nestled next to jungle and mountains with its extremely friendly people, it has a quaintness about it.  We explored the city on the first day visiting some of the the temples which are extremely impressive and colourful structures. You cannot help but feel peaceful as you enter, as well as gaining shelter from the rain. The Old City still has the moat and remains of and old city wall which are in a perfect square if you look on Google maps. This offers a good walk with fountains and mighty trees.  We enjoyed an evening at the Night Bazaar which is endless stalls of all the souvenirs you can think of and a number of food markets offering a great selection. There was live music on and cheap Chang beer so it was easy to let the hours slip away there. As great food is right...

A rriving in Koh Samui from Singapore was a big change in vibe, although both do seem to come alive a night, there's a very chill atmosphere in Koh Samui. You're almost forced to take it easy, mainly because its just so hot and humid and its very difficult to walk anywhere. W e mainly spent time sat on beaches, w hilst on the small Thai island, so I'll try not to fill this with beach photos. Our first few nights we were in Bo Phut, also known as Fishermans Village, famous for its night market. We took a trip out to Angthong National Marine Park, an archipelago of 42 islands. I t started with a speed boat trip out to Koh Wao where we spent some time snorkeling. Matt seems to be a natural, whereas I'm not as trusting with the snorkel but we did get to have a good look at plenty of fish and life around the corals. From there we headed to Koh Mae Koh where it was a short, but steep, walk up to view point over the Emeral Lagoon (setting for the book/film The Beach). We wer...