We flew from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. It was so nice having a 1 hour journey rather than 14 hours on a bus! We booked into an airport hotel with a pool, so we would be ready for our flight to Sydney the next day.

So, it is with great sadness that we leave South East Asia, wishing that we could have more time here. We are looking forward to Australia, but our budget is really going to suffer! Although southern Thailand and Laos were expensive at times, it was nothing compared to what is ahead. But, aside from its cheapness there are so many things to love. We loved the food, the people, the varying landscapes and variety of activities. We've met so many fantastic people, many of whom I'm sure we shall stay in touch with. There seem few things not to like. Some areas have become very touristy, particularly in Thailand, and you get different types of travellers to what there were in India, particularly groups of young, load, and I hate to say it, Brits, who make us ashamed to be British ourselves. However. we managed to steer clear of these and we had some amazing experiences. Vietnam was definately our favourite place, but as for Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, each had its highlights for us and offers something different from the rest.

So it's Sydney here we come...... We';re looking forward to a colder climatethere, so Graham won't be constantly sweating and I won't be getting bitten and burnt! I'm sure the novelty won't last long though!

Maggie x