We arrived into Bangkok at about 8.30am on the last sleeper train of our trip. It had been a relaxed and comfortable experience especially compared to the manic, cramped conditions of the Chinese trains. What they do have in common however is that they're all impossible to sleep on and it's an early start on both (in China due to the noise of your fellow inmates (wet sock across the face) and in Thailand it's a friendly hello from the staff called out as they walk down the aisle (gentle prod)). Reluctantly we ventured out of our makeshift caves which were then returned to upright seats with speedy efficiency - we both agreed that they're like the dens you'd make as kids by hiding under the table then dragging down the table cloth. It was a good experience despite the lack of sleep. For the remainder of the journey we vacantly stared out of the window sipping coffee and feeling tired.

On leaving the train we were soon jolted awake by the difficult task of reaching the hotel across a really busy stretch of road that seemed devoid of rules or process. We made it and checked in to the Bangkok Centre Hotel (which was much nicer on the inside than the outside - Nelson Mandela House).

It was the last full day of the trip so a busy itinerary was planned which unfortunately did not contain the words sleep, chill-out or do nothing anywhere on the agenda. So sleep deprived we were back in reception at 10am to go see Bangkok.

We began the tour with a long-tail boat ride down the Bangkok klongs (canals). The boat resembled an extra large gondola with a roof but with a truck engine and pole strapped to the back of it and a driver/captain (not sure which is most applicable) who looked about 10. This was no gentle relaxing gondola ride down the canal: everytime the boat hit the top of the water it felt like the bottom was about to split or splinter and the engine was chucking out black smoke, chugging and cutting out (if it was your car you'd definitely pull over). Brett's closing shout was don't swallow the water before he was drowned out by the engine as we set off. Despite all the above it was great fun. The klongs in Bangkok are far wider (and deeper) than the average canal in the UK as they're natural waterways from the river. Bangkok is known as the "Venice of the East" and like Venice, its sinking. On the sides of the canals there are lots of houses on stilts (some ramshackle and falling down and others like little havens with pot-plants and ornaments), loads of wats (Buddhist temples) with bright colours and designs and friendly locals who smile and wave to passers-by. It was a good way to see the city.

We visited 2 wats - briefly stopping at the Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) before heading to Wat Po. At Wat Po we saw the "reclining Buddha" (about the size of a double decker bus), the gold Buddha and the standing Buddha - they were pretty much what it said on the tin. The Wat itself was very elaborate, colourful and bright. We opted out of visiting the palace as it was just too hot.

Instead we headed to market on the Khao San Road which is the main haunt for back-packers and tourists. It was disappointing to say the least and neither of us could see the appeal. The market stocked tat - cheap clothes, t-shirts, flip-flops and fake driving licences and degrees. The bars and restaurants were pretty much catering for western customers I.e. Irish bars, burgers, etc. We had a walk round it but it wasn't for us. Apparently it's manic in the evening but we had no intention of finding out so we made a hasty retreat.

That evening we went for a meal as a group for the last time. It was nice: Brett took us to a little restaurant on the river with great views, a good atmosphere and decent food. It was a fitting end to the trip. We headed back to the hotel for some well earned sleep.

The next day was officially the last day of the trip. After an amazing breakfast complete with cornflakes, choco-rocks and toast we said our goodbyes to the rest of the group and Brett. We'd spent 21 days together travelling through China, Laos and into Thailand on buses, planes and trains. They were all really nice people whose company we'd enjoyed. It actually felt quite strange to be just us again (well, with Brett at the end of the phone and online should we need his help - what a star).

We spent our day milling around Bangkok. We headed to another market (bought nothing - come back the markets in China and Laos) and the MBK shopping mall for a cheap mobile phone (so available to potential recruiters) before taking a walk round Chinatown (manic).

We enjoyed our time in Bangkok. The place is busy, bustling and huge. The people are lovely and will stop to help you without being asked (look lost and carry a large map).

The next day we would be heading to Kanchanaburi in Central Thailand.

Kelly and Mike