We began Thailand with two islands - first Koh Pi Pi then Koh Phang Nagn. On the second island, we had a beach hut which was just a few metres away from the sea which was pretty nice. So we got a bit of sunbathing in before hitting the bright lights of Bangkok.

Now I expected to hate it in Bangkok (we all know that I have the occasional snobbish tendancy), however, I love it. It's mad. When we arrived, we got straight into a tuk tuk laden with our backpacks - our driver had a Jeremy Beadle style withered hand which didn't bode well. However, we made it to our hotel in one piece.

Since then, we go everywhere by tuk tuk, and if you don't nearly die a few times then you really haven't had your money's worth. This is X-treme Asia at its best.

We went to a tiger temple where we got to stroke real-life tame tigers, although I suspect they were doped up (this is Thailand afterall). Apparently they wake up when it gets cold. We were told this just as a massive clap of thunder broke over our heads. Oh good!

We also managed to cuddle a baby tiger, which typically started getting a little excitable when it came to my turn. So the guy picked it up, placing it's paw on my shoulder, big sharp teeth well with in decapitating distance.

Our final cultural experience in Bangkok was a ping pong show. All very seedy as we were taken through a cafe, up some stairs and into a darkened back room... but it was all very amusing. One girl managed to open a soda bottle and we got sprayed in the face. With soda. We hope.

So next we move to Northern Thailand for a spot of trekking.

Katherine xxx