12 weeks since we left the UK

What we couldn't do without…

Each other , wet wipes, phrasebook, Ziploc bags, bottle opener, loo roll, hand sanitiser, torch, Skype, bucket loads of insect repellent and very useful ear plugs

On Saturday we walked to a travel agent to organise our onward transport. We have decided to go to Ko Tao in the south. It's near Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan but a bit quieter. Ko Pha Ngan is famous for its monthly Full Moon Party on the beach where pretty much anything goes and a right old mess is made on the beach. As it was full moon tonight that makes the next party in about 4 weeks time so we'll miss that too. What a shame.

This evening we wandered around the riverfront as it is a festival called Loi Krathong where people set displays of flowers, candles and incense floating down the river. It would have been really pretty if it weren't for the fact that the wind blew all the candles out before they even hit the water.

On Sunday we thought we would have a look around the Siam Square area of Bangkok; the main shopping area. We caught the bus (a bargain at 7 baht each - 65 baht to the pound). There are several shopping centres and markets; each one a huge affair. We didn't buy anything; ooh I tell a lie. I went a little crazy when we stumbled upon a Boots and a Body Shop. Even buying my usual basics like vitamin E moisturiser felt like a real treat.

We passed an area with an abundance of massage parlours; one of which interestingly had a sign in the window saying, 'Sorry, no sex.' You do wonder about the numerous other establishments not displaying such a sign.

Saturday evening we ate at a great vegetarian restaurant - Mai Kaidee's - off the Khao San Road. It's certainly interesting walking down this infamous Bangkok street; some of the people look as though they came here in 1980 and remained ever since keeping the tie-dye and dredlock trades well and truly in business. But hey, as long as they're happy then I guess that's what it's all about.

This evening we board a bus to a place called Chumphon; we'll arrive at around 4am. We will then catch a ferry to Ko Tao. Tried finding some accommodation but no joy so we may be at the mercy of the tuk-tuk drivers again.

NOT ABLE TO UPLOAD PICS SINCE HO CHI MINH CITY YET BUT WILL DO SOON AND THERE'LL BE LOADS - JUST TO WARN YOU!!!

Hope everyone's well and gearing up for Christmas!

xx