Our entry to Laos started as we had read to expect, in laidback fashion.We got a boat across the river from Thailand to Laos, only 5 mins & just rocked up on shore & filled out a form & the guy helping at the border was more interested in finding out what 'Whay Aye Man' meant having been told he should say it to the tourists….Al tried to explain what it was, but that it may only make sense to the British tourists!! Houay Xai is just a border to...

On arriving at Chaing Rai we called a few Guesthouses and Al wisely agreed a price with the one furthest away!Cue 30min hike….it was worth it though.The place was great with home baked breads and cakes plus a really good vibe.Cheap too and not forgetting a lovely room. Whilst in Chaing Rai we went on a day trip around the Hill Tribes, but did so with the PDA, who is a charity working with the tribes to help avoid exploitation etc….this way we felt morall...

Having been to Bangkok already we managed to book into the same hotel….and same room as the first time….a bargain for the City at 6quid a night.On the first day we headed straight to the student area where all the young fashion stores are as we are obviously at student age still :O) Unique clothes are ridiculously cheap here, a quid or two for a good original T-Shirt. Day two was passport and China visa day…very boring...amusingly, there was a guy in t...

Our next stop via overnight Government bus (more free drinks and snacks!) was Chiang Mai, an old walled city to the north of Thailand.It was a fairly big place but had a lovely traditional night market, if a bit too touristy, & loads of hidden away cafes & bars down side roads with the added bonus that we stayed here over Christmas. On arrival we decided against the cheeky tuk tuk prices and made for the 3km walk to town.It was a fair way with a 60L back...