The following morning we say our goodbyes as we board the longtail boat back to the mainland; Dom gives us a big hug and wishes us well. We have had a simple but wonderful time on the island in spite of the rain and we're certain we will return as there is still the neighbouring island of Koh Yao Yai to explore which is only a 10 minute boat ride away as well as a few boat trips to other local islands. Only an hour and a half later, but a world away from Koh Yao...

Up early after all night torrential rain we are relieved to see the hazy sun shining, although through broken cloud. All signs of the down pour have disappeared. Realising the only modes of transport are motorbike, bicycle and foot we rent a motorbike for the next 4 days.There is one road that circles most of the island with dirt roads leading off this to paddy fields, rubber plantations and small villages. As we pootle along the quiet road the villagers smile an...

Of course the wake up call will happen, you tell yourself and after-all, this is 21st century Thailand not bloody Timbuktu but still we awoke, as you do every ten minutes or so from about 3.45 AM. Why do we do that??? The call goes on time as planned and we pack, check out and jump in a tuk- tuk with our 'breakfast snack box' which consisted of a hard boiled egg and a Mateson's meat paste sandwich - cuisine is very BR circa 1978. During the short ride the tuk-tu...

Ancient Chiang Mai the cultural capital of the north was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The food, traditional clothing and Wats are different from central and southern Thailand. Surrounded by mountains, it is for many the gateway to the north. Having checked into the rather nice Decharme Hotel we wonder around the local vicinity to get our bearings. Although a large city it's buildings are on a much smaller scale than Bangkok, the air is clean, and at t...

Returning to Mae Hon Son was our stepping stone back to civilisation; cars, shops, people etc... Checking back into Sarm Mork we are welcomed warmly by the owner. We are quiet excited by the prospect of a hot shower, a bed, and most of all a western toilet. Although Sarm Mork is a basic guesthouse we feel we are in relative luxury - who needs 5* hotels? Legs, knees and hips shot from the 3 day trek we head off for a much needed foot massage; sorry Kirstin we kn...