WEDNESDAY 13TH DECEMBER - FRIDAY 15TH DECEMBER 2006set out on minibus from Chiang Mai to the thai-laos border Huay Xai where we stayed the night. Then got a slow boat down the Mekong river which took all day to reach Pak Beng.Were crammed like sardines but the scenery more than made up for it! Went for a group curry which was lush & got offered a place to stay should we ever visit Vancouver (how'd u like those apples Rich????) Stayed the night then took t...

THURSDAY 21ST DECEMBER 2006 Took 3 hour bus journey to Vientiane (capital of Laos).Got dropped off by the Mekong river so fisrt impressions were quite good. Trekking around looking for a cheap hostel however soon showed the capital in all its glory & impressions quickly altered! Just lots of buildings really, quite dirty and just hustly and bustly - not much to do. Went for walk along river & watched the sunset at Sunset Sala Khounta (a recommended bar) ...

FRIDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2006arrived in Chiang Mai after a tedious 11hour overnight bus journey.got housed, changed and fed then spent the night at a thai boxing match which was a quality experience. The atmosphere was intense- really enjoyed it which suprised me in a way as i didn't expect to. It's really lethal though - the fighters have no mercy whatsoever and pretty much anything goes! Gaz got a photo with the winner of the main fight which he bummed about...

WEDNESDAY 6TH DECEMBER Got up early doors,took a taxi to the bus terminal and hopped on a bus headinng for Ayuthaya. Arrived two hours later and booked in at a guest house called 'Tony's Place'. Compared to the room we left in Bangkok this one was lush. Hired two bikes and toured the ruins of the city which was surprsingly small considerin it used to be the capital. After kym mastered turning right at a crossroads we were flying! The ruins were inter...

TUESDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2006 The KING'S BIRTHDAY!!! Went to the park (outside the palace) in the day but it was far too hot & looked like celebrations hadn't started yet so headed back to the ranch to chill for the day. Returned to the park in the evening, well tried to return should i say :) Crowds were epic! The thai people are mental (but in a nice way). They'd sat in the blistering heat all day to wave at a passing car that had the King in! Emer...