The Perhentian Islands were amazing! We stayed on the smaller of the two islands because it's more popular with backpackers. The larger island attracts people with more money, honeymooners, etc! At first we weren't sure we were going to like it there because when we were trying to find accommodation the owners weren't exactly friendly, that was until we met Didi. This was a man going through a sex change; he was so over the top with his expressions and hand gestu...

So, we left Thailand and got several buses and boats until we arrived at Langkawi Island. We were hoping for some nice weather so we could have a relaxing few days on the beach before heading to Penang to meet Christie. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly for us, we'd chosen the wrong time to go and it rained the whole time we were there. It was a shame because we think we'd have enjoyed it there. We had our first taste of Malaysian food, a mixture of Chinese and...

On the way down to Phuket we had to stop off in Bangkok again so we had a night out with Russell and Ed that we'd previously met in China. Good to see you boys! Patong is quite a funny place really... prostitutes and old/young men parade Bangla Road (the main street). We don't think the place has too much else to offer apart from the lovely beach and a good place to have a drinking session! Luckily that's what was on the cards as we were we all getting togethe...

Chiang Mai was great! So great that we ended up staying there for 10 days...and wanted to stay for longer. We arrived there from Bangkok at about 6am after a 12 hr bus journey from hell (as per usual!). We ended up staying at 'Nice Place' for the entire time that we were there. We wouldn't necessarily say it was such a nice place but it was cheap (1.60 each per night) and it had a swimming pool-bonus! Chiang Mai is where everyone goes to carry out their trekkin...

After another ridiculous 5 hour bus journey (that was supposed to be 2) we arrived at Vientiane. We went for our 'last supper' together as tomorrow would be the day that Vic went on to see Cambodia and Thailand. We thought we'd keep it traditional and had chilli con carne, lasagne and fajitas! Said our emotional goodbyes as Vic headed off for the airport. The three of us had spent 3 months together; a funny feeling when we said "see you in 9 months"...