Due to the lack of options flying out of Hervey Bay it took two days to get to Bangkok, with an overnight in Sydney. Discovered the Rydges Airport Hotel right across the road from the International Terminal. They had a fantastic gym so hit the pedals and weights for a workout on the afternoon I arrived. Both flights HB - Syd direct and Syd - Bkk direct were uneventful and smooth. Arrived Bangkok on time at 1420 Sunday. Didn't sleep during the whole 9 hours of the Bangkok flight but caught up on all the new docos in the entertainment system, Grand Designs (Aust) series and Space Exploration Series. The Cab from the airport was quick, efficient and cheap, US$15. Stayed at the Grand President Hotel, which is where the Cycle Tour Mini bus picks us up from to get us clear of the traffic. Third time I've stayed here and it's always great. Just spent the spare day catching up with the other people on the tour, wandering around the shops and admin.