Arrived safely in Bangkok at about 3pm on Wednesday, quick to get through customs then straight down to the sky train. 45B to get across to central Bangkok. The train was really easy and people mega friendly. I found myself already trying to spot lady boys and watching the Thai bride couples!!! After getting off the train I went outside trying to hail a cab....no joy for ages so I hopped on a Tuk-Tuk. This was fast, smelly and generally fun! After 20mins arrived at Nap Park hostel not far from Kao San Road (the nightlife central) The hostel is really friendly, I'm in a dorm of 20 people. Mainly Brits.

Wednesday night I took a wander around the area, I immediately feel safe here..the people are friendly and it is a very touristy place. I sat at a bar called Cool Corner for a Chang beer and a tofu and coconut curry. I got chatting to a couple from NZ. Feeling the effects of jetlag I headed back to the hostel. An epic 12 hours sleep being woken once by two drunk lads...they wanted me to take their photo! Ha!

After breakfast (12pm) I headed out in central Bangkok towards Central Palace. On route I started to talk to this couple Leanne and Dave. We combined maps and decided to tackle the sightseeing together! At Central Palace we realised we were 'inappropriately' dressed. To enter the grounds you need to have no bare arms or legs. We could have rented clothes but made the decision to come back on Friday. Instead we headed to the Wat Pho home of the reclining Buddha. Amazing mosaic temples and the Buddha himself was massive. Lying on his side...looking pretty chilled! The attention to detail on the building is fab. From brick to pottery to mother of pearl it was very impressive. On leaving the Buddha we got caught in a thunderstorm, we seeked shelter under a stall umbrella but afer 45mins we made a run for it and jumped in a Tuk-Tuk back to Kao San Road for a beer. Kao San Road is the St Marys Street of Bangkok! Loads of bars, clubs with a really party atmosphere.

After two hours relaxing back at the hostel I met back up with Dave and Leanne and a couple of their mates. After a couple of beers we decided to see a 'Ping Pong Show' in Patpong. An eye opener indeed!!! Those girls have 'talent' so to speak! We then headed back to Kao San road for a bucket of rum. My head the following morning could certainly feel the rum.

After another epic 12 hours sleep I headed to the Grand Palace, this time I was covered up (and boiling). 400B to get in..the buildings are stunning again. The Emerald Buddha itself is only 75cm tall but its the temple was huge . The Buddha sits high up on a shrine that is gleaming gold and surrounded by mosaic encrusted pillars. I wondered around various temples and then to the Grand Palace, the former residence of the monarchy. I then took a stroll thought the food markets and street markets down to the river. The food here is amazing, from fresh fruit to pad thai (noodle dish) everying thing is so cheap and tasty!

So far I love Bangkok..yes its mental but that's what makes it great!