The first class train was a definite step up from the second class one we had tried from the southern islands to Bangkok earlier in our trip. At the time we had been impressed by the bunk beds which lined the train carriage but in comparison these bunkbeds were much wider and the mattresses were a lot comfier. I would even go far as to say that these beds were better than some of the ones in hostels we had stayed at. The main benefit of first class was having you...

Baanchang elephant park We were dropped off near a local market where we had time to buy some fruit for breakfast. We met Pong who was to be our tour guide for the next couple of days. He was so chatty and friendly right from the start. He offered to carry our fruit and water for the trek. We got in another pick up truck which took us further into the rainforest. We got dropped on the side of the road and began our trek to the elephant sanctuary. It was late m...

It was strange taking such short flights on our journey to Chiang mai. Our first flight was one hour, with a 2 hour stop in Bangkok before catching another one hour flight. During our stop over we went to a pastry shop where the pastries were made right in front of you. Afterwards on our way to the boarding gate we stopped at a tourist company offering elephant days out. We found a two day package which included a trek, washing elephants and white water rafting...

Bangkok It was time to say goodbye to the beautiful islands of southern Thailand. After getting 2 taxis and a ferry we arrived at Surat Thani to get on a night train to Bangkok. We met a solo traveller called Gary who was just coming to the end of his 6 month trip. It was interesting to hear from someone at the other side of their travels. Coincidently his ticket meant he was in a bunkbed next to us. We were impressed with the beds, they folded out and were pro...

The island has reminants of koh Samui. At the pier there was lots of places offering European food, many tourists and Thai people offering taxis everywhere. Our hostel was a 5 minute walk from haad rin beach where the full moon party was being held. Our room was a bungalow with a terrace and hammock. To our surprise there was a pool by the beach for us to use. It was the perfect accommodation for us while we stayed. On our first day we explored the area, mainly r...