Packed, breakfasted and checked out by 8 am the following morning, we drive back to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok to drop off the hire car. After a few hair raising incidents we arrive 3 hours later, phew! Using the rail link from the airport to Bangkok central and our hotel, we find it so much quicker and cheaper than catching a cab as we don't have the horrendous traffic jams to contend with. Walking into the So Sofitel Hotel an hour later we are reminded o...

Another early start, up at 6.45, breakfasted and ready to go by 7.30 for our trip to Khao Yai National Park. We drive 6 miles to the gateway to the park and wait for the truck from Greenleaf, our guides for the day. A large shiny truck rolls up and a chap jumps out, welcomes us and we are away. As we pass through the huge wooden gates it reminds us of the film Jurassic Park. The next 10 hrs are spent aboard the truck rounding mountainous hairpins through the jun...

Up once again at the crack of dawn for a 6.40 flight; yes you read it right. After a little stress with our airport pick up being late we have an uneventful journey and arrive at Bangkok Airport where we pick up our hire car to drive the 170 km to Khao Yai National Park. Up there on the podium with some of the worlds greatest parks, Khao Yai is Thailand's oldest and most visited reserve. Covering 2168 sq km, it incorporates one of the largest intact monsoon fore...

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...