So, we arrived back in Bangkok to get the overnight sleeper train to Surratthani where we would then get a bus to the ferry port and a boat to Koh Samui... We arrived in Bangkok about midday and had around 6 hours to kill before our train departed so decided we'd visit the Grand Palace. After getting a taxi all the way there we were met at the gates by a man who told us we could not enter as we were inappropriatley dressed, "no problem" he said just go to the other entrance and you can borrow something to cover you up. So off we went to the other entrance and were met by another man telling us exactly the same thing accept the man before failed to tell us that the Palace was closed for the afternoon due to a Buddha ceremony and would'nt be open again for around 2 hours! So he advised us to go and visit the standing Buddha about 10 minutes away... okay we said and went to walk off, but he stopped us and starting showing us a route that we could take on a Tuk Tuk. 20 baht he kept shouting, very cheap you go to here, here and here.... and then we bring you back. OOOHHH we thought, you want to take us to shops! We looked at each other and thought 'here we go, we'll get forced into buying tacky souvineers and scarfs' and quickly declined. After a few minutes of persuasion we thought, what the heck we have 2 hours to kill, so on we hopped....

2 hours and a suit shop, jewellery shop and a dodgy travel agents later we arrived back at the Palace ready to explore. It was'nt until we heard a lady shouting, 'quickly, get your tickets, Palace shut in 30 minutes' that we both looked at each other - we'd been conned!!! The palace had been open the whole time! By this time we were hot, sweaty and in no mood for site seeing but went in anyway. You can only immagine how angry we were. So after that cuffuffle we were glad to see the back of Bangkok!

The overnight sleeper train was an experience and actually quite comfortable! We went 1st class which was only a few quid more as we were told that 2nd class was not very nice, we were glad we did! Apart from the sudden jolts now and again it was a good journey. A man came around with clean bedding and occasionally a lady would come round taking food orders. Ash had Chicken with Cashew Nuts for the 20th time since we've been here which came with some other funny looking soups.

We arrived in Surratanni about 2 hours late so all in all was a 13 hour train journey. Then we had to get the bus and train taking an additional 3 hours. Thank goodness for travel sickness tablets!

We stayed in Koh Samui for 4 nights in a gorgeous little resort with an infinity pool. The first night we spent the evening drinking coconuts and had dinner on the beach watching the full moon and the fireworks and lanterns that light up the sky.

On day 2 we decided to hire a scooter and explore the island. Half way around we heard a loud 'pop' and the bike started to shudder - Flat tyre! Luckliy every 500 yards there are scooter repair shops so we wernt far from a helping hand.

Back on the road we stopped at some lovely Wats and then decided to visit an 80 meter high waterfall in a National Park. We had to travel on a 4x4 up to the waterfall which was an experience in itself! Me and Ash decided we'd sit on the top rack which was like riding an elephant all over again but a little bumpier! But it was wicked fun!

We spent some time on the beach and took a jet ski out for a while which was great fun, and even treated myself to a pedicure and foot scrub as I lay on the beach. The water was lovelly but after a few minutes in the sea, Ash stood on something slippery, which then decided to retaliate by stinging me on the bum. I turned to see it was a jelly fish!! That promptly ended my swim.

We spent the rest of our time chilling by the pool and taking it easy. In the evening we walked down to the main strip on Lamai beach witch had some 'interesting' bars and clubs! The lady boys love Ash and now and again would slyly stoke his arm when they thought i was'nt looking! He was'nt impressed!! Ha ha...

Next stop Koh Pangang.