Arrived in Bangkok after a really comfy and cheap sleeper train feeling pretty relaxed. Immigration was straightforward and we had two beds verging on doubles. At the station we had the usual haggling over taxi fares and although we halved it we were still pretty sure we had paid too much (we had) but it was still only about five quid. Staying in a four star hotel in Chinatown which again is gorgeous (thank you lastminute.com) but a bit early to check in so we got a tuk tuk to khaosan road and had a wander there taking in the sights, sounds and smells. Note to anyone staying here - always pick up a business card with a map from reception as it is so much easier than trying to explain where you want to go!

Following day we headed to the bus station and jumped on a bus to Katchanaburi. Stayed in a hostel built on stilts with air con, tv etc and really friendly staff. Decided to be brave and hire a motorbike - Jamie hadn't ridden one for a long long time but I got to be passenger and we had great fun cruising around. Took a train across the bridge over the river kwai and visited a few WW2 museums which were very poignant. Persuaded husband to buy me some jewellery and on our way back to the bike there was a man with a tiger and her cub so I got my picture taken feeding baby it's bottle while Jamie hand fed the Mum to keep her occupied. That night we had a huge rain storm and were sat in a bar when the owner brough our her six week old puppy who I felt compelled to cuddle. Cue about 20 flea bites for me the next day!

Back in Bangkok we're in a hostel more like a hotel about 10 mins walk from Koh Sahn. Have been eating pretty much from the street stalls in this area which are so tasty and so cheap although we haven't been adventurous enough to try the deep fried maggots and cockroaches. (Delicious I'm sure!!!) Done a lot of chilling out on this part of the trip as Malaysia was pretty full on but we ventured to Chatuchak market yesterday which was a great day out, it's huge, then took the skytrain to Siam Square and met with an old neighbour of my parents and his wife who took us to a fantastic Thai restaurant. Thinking of doing a river cruise or temple tour tomorrow but we'll be back here again as our flights home have been booked (another bargain). Heading to Koh Chang on Wednesday to stay in a little bungalow on the beach for a few nights before heading to Cambodia. Thinking of heading back to Thailand mid April for the water festival then to Laos and then back to Bangkok but we keep changing our minds. Decisions decisions!