So, we spent an hour or two searching for hostels in bangkok, and eventually found ourselves a very reasonable and very nice guesthouse just off the Khao San Road which was perfect location. Despite being absolutely shattered after our night of travelling, we only had a couple of days in Bangkok so decided to try and make the most of it. We went up to the pier and got a longtail boat down the river to the other end of Bangkok - for all of about 20p! We're back in cheapland! It was a very nice ride and we saw all the sights along the river, and then decided to get off at a random pier and see what we could find. Upon looking at the map, we discovered that we weren't far from the Banyan Tree Hotel - a hotel with a sky bar with great views of Bangkok that had been reccommended to me by a couple I met in Borneo. We got a tuk tuk - I swear the most insane tuk tuk driver in the whole of Bangkok - he just weaved in and out of traffic, squeezing through gaps I'd have put money onbeing smaller than the tuk tuk, but somehow he managed it! Was a fun ride, but when we arrived at the Banyan tree - we started to realise that this might not have been the cleverest idea in the world. We were dressed in shorts and vests, with flip flops, and both looked a bit of a state after our speedy tuktuk journey. We walked throught the lobby of the hotel, and felt very out of place at this point even, as all the bell boys and concierge bowed at us and directed us to the lifts. When we arrived at the 59th floor, we were greeted by two women who looked us up and down and asked what they could do for us - quite clearly wondering what they, at the world renowned Banyan Tree Moon Bar could possibly do for two ruffians who look like they've just stepped off the beach. Anyway, we managed to keep a straight face as we said that we'd like to go for a drink, and they pointed out that they did actually have a dress code, and we didn't quite make the cut. It turned out that we both needed proper shoes and Tim needed trousers, sleeves and a jacket. Just as I was about to ask where the nearest market was (after all we'd come a fair way to have a drink!) she produced two pairs of mens shoes for us. I was starting to find the whole situation rather amusing already, but when she produced the hugest fat mans trousers and suit jacket for Tim, I couldn't control myself. Tim had just been halfway through asking me how she would know his size, but obviuously they catered for the largest man they could possibly expect to walk into the hotel. So while I'm doubled over in laughter, Tim tried to keep a straight face as he decided to change in the bat entrance - only to be asked politely to please change in the bathroom! I have never laughed so much in my life - Tim had to hold his trousers up the whole time to stop them revealing his red swimming shorts underneath, and even then he looked ridiculous. I was still crying with laughter when we walked into the bar - the view was amazing though - it was well worth it. The cocktails set us back a fair bit, but the whole experience was priceless! And it kept me giggling for about 2 days!

After the Banyan tree fiasco, we went into Bangkok to experience Khao San Road - it's a great place - I love it - so busy and bustling with people everywhere - shops, stalls, food carts, men offering cheap entry to ping pong showes, lady boys - the whole atmosphere is amazing. I really loved it, though Tim found it a bit tacky!

The next day, we went on a Kanchanaburi tour. It was a day trip that included various stop offs including the bridge over the river Kwai, Tiger Temple, where we got to stroke tigers, adn play with tiger cubs, and elephant trekking which was great. Tim rode on Sandy - our elephant's neck, and lost his flipflop - but luckily there was a young ele behind us who was quite adept at picking up dropped items and retrieved it and gave it back to us with his trunk! We also went to see a waterfall and a market and a couple of other things. Did some bamboo rafting down the river Kwai as well which was fun! all in all a fun day. We spent the evening shopping on the Khao San Road to the point that the next day we had to buy another bag to get all our stuff in! Then we flew to Hong Kong.....