The train journey between Chiang Mai and Bangkok was laborious to say the least. 12 hours of uncomfortable seats in an overly air conditioned space left me sleepless and craving our destination. However, despite my poor experience I would still recommend the trains here. We were cheap and got 2nd class tickets and were actually treated very well despite the unfortunate conditions. Upon 'waking up' in the morning we took in some great sights of rice farms and the horrific slums of Bangkok on our way into the city.

The hostel we'd booked is called Lub D Bangkok and is located next to a major shopping district, Siam Square. The place is modern, inexpensive, friendly and very well ran. Certainly way up there on my recommendation list! On our first day we all wanted a slow paced wander of the local area to get a feel for the place. Map in hand and Christmas lists in mind, we walked through the dense area of shopping complexes and markets. You get the feeling in Thailand that there's always a bargain to be had, it's just a shame that my mind focuses way too much on the cheapness of food! My first impressions were great as we were entertained around the area by promotional events such as free Pocky's. (chocolate covered breadsticks) and the most hilariously entertaining amine dress up/karaoke stage show ever! Asians sure do love cartoons and when hundreds come together dressed up as their favourite characters it surely is an amazing sight. We all then took a siesta and recharged the batteries for a nights assault on Patpong, an area of Bangkok famed for it's nightlife and shopping. Down the road was also the Suan Lum night bazaar which offers free aerobic exercise up to 5:00pm before transforming itself into a haven for nocturnal shoppers like ourselves. The bartering began and didn't stop as we all found ourselves bargain presents and quirky gifts for people back home.

Bangkok had given me a great first impression and after a really comfortable nights sleep we were out on the streets once more to see some of the cities more traditional sights. And who better to show us around than our hostels guide who after cramming 6 of us in the back of a taxi then took us via boat over to 'Wat Arun', the Temple of the Dawn. First we had to endure the boat ride with the Chao Phraya River crashing around us. It was packed full of passing boats of all different shapes and sizes - some flamboyant and vibrant others pollutant and run down. The 17 baht fare for 2 trips was worth it however as it gave us fantastic views of the city before reaching the temple. I cannot stress how mesmeric the temples of Thailand are and how unbelievably well structured, beautifully crafted and intricately modelled they are. The Temple of Dawn is known as one of Bangkoks more spectacular sights and it was easy to see why. Stunning golds, vibrant reds and epic statues surround the shrines and Buddha. We were even lucky enough to be visiting on a day where Thai royalty was present with the princesses arrival due - as such, armed Thai royal guide flanked every monument, temple and statue. A short ferry back and a spot of lunch was followed by a self guided tour of the 'Wat Pho' temple next to the Grand Palace. Unfortunately the palace was closed from 3 hence our detour. After a short stroll around another magical place of worship we then took one of the infamous tuk tuk tours of the city. Here's how it works, you pay the driver a nominal amount to drive you around the city for as long as you like. He, between visiting all the tourist attractions, takes you to a few sponsored shops which give him gasoline for bringing them potential customers. So basically, we were taken to suit shops which offered very enticing deals in between seeing such amazing sights as the giant Buddha statue at 'Noranat' and the praying monks at 'Wat Benchamabophit'. Both sights were unforgettable and the stops at suit shops entertaining too, although I was close to getting some tailor made attire despite telling myself that I didn't need it! That evening we wanted to do another of Bangkoks famed attractions... The ping pong show. Now without going into detail I can tell you that what the 'ladies' did was gross, strangely talented and wrong in so many ways. We lasted through all 12 shows though before moving onto a bar offering Muai Thai boxing. Now this was more entertaining... 2 guys in a ring throwing punches and kicks like no tomorrow at each other. 3 rounds of pure adrenaline pumping action with speed and precision that was insanely impressive. It was such a great time and an awesome way to top off our stay in Thailand.

That being said, we were fortunate enough to have another full day as our flight wasn't until 7pm. Therefore, I took the opportunity to go and spend the remainder of my Thai baht and see a few more sights before making the way to the airport for our subsequent flights to Tokyo (connection Singapore). We've even got the pleasure of flying on an A380, the worlds largest passenger aircraft!

I've absolutely loved Thailand and would recommend everyone who hasn't been to come as soon as you can. Everything is inexpensive, you're treated like a king and it holds so many unforgettable sights, sounds and smells. It's been our first location where the culture and way of life has been noticeably different and yet I've felt comfortable, safe and in control the whole time. People ask me what my favourite location has been so far and although I can't say a particular place I can definitely say that this holds a lot of special memories for me.