Thailand

From Siem Reap we head for the border with Thailand, a walk-through border which is always a pleasure, we were done in hour and on our way to Bangkok. The change as you hit Thailand is immediate, four lane highways with road signs and everything. Arriving in Bangkok in the late afternoon we checked into our little hotel in Banglamphu only a short walk to the famous Khao San Road and transport routes we were set to explore this city.

There is a lot of history and culture about as well as shopping from markets or super centres. The sex trade that once the city was most famous for is still around but not as in your face as times gone by. Jen who had visited the city years ago and was not able to walk the streets for gawkers and whistlers was pleased to be able to roam freely in this now multicultural and very accepting city, so accepting you have to give every girl a double take, check those feet sizes and adams apples lads, this is lady boy country.

The first day five folks headed off to the tiger sanctuary, run by monks it gives you the chance to get up close and personal with the mammoth beast, the photos do it all justice.

For others, just roaming the jostling streets with food stalls and clothes and every manner of which what available at a bargain price. In Thailand they say: other countries have copy right, we have right to copy, and it is only to true with amazing prices on genuine Ray bans, Gucci, Levis and every other big brand name you choose. A mad computer shopping frenzy evolved with great deals and a massive range we have now effectively doubled the number of note books in any wifi spot on route.

The food is great here to with all the western options but the Thai food is to die for, my pet nit noy, if you don’t like it spicy is bound to get a laugh from your waiter but after a the food en route most of us can handle a good handful of chilli with only breaking a little sweat.

We did have one slight problem with the truck, a young hoodlum decided to tag the side with a bit of paint, which made a great start to the morning, but luckily our hotel who was watching the truck had somebody come and remove the offending matter, but as good often pops out of bad, while lending a hand with said removal a TV crew approached, wanting to interview the crew, I quickly made my excuses and volunteered our four most appropriate representatives (the four I thought were least likely to hang draw and quarter me) and the Odyssey Overland TV premiere was all set up, meeting at seven the following evening a pretty professional looking crew arrived and it was all lights camera action with some tough questions being answered at peoples favourite spots around the truck, it was a random experience really, with a couple gins to start it turned out to be good fun. Jen, Paul, Robin, Elaine and Abby did a sterling job.

Our last night in Bangkok and still no Ping Pong, its strange how nearly everybody just cant resist witnessing this, Cher and I went last year with the group and swore blind never again, but there we found ourselves with this years group arguing the door price of the show at the same seedy little spot. They water down your vodka and serve beer by the tiny glass at ten times the price assuming everybody who comes must be stupid, and truth be told we probably all are. But worth a quick laugh you will just have to go see the goings on for yourself.


A relaxed start in the morning saw us heading for the beaches and Thailand’s white sandy miles. Karri kip kaan is about half way to the Thai islands and a quaint little tourist town aimed more at the local market which made a nice change. Our hotel on the beach had air-con, a pool and even a Jacuzzi sort of thing, if all that was not enough a walk up monkey mountain or a trek to the Buddha caves kept most amused for our short stay. We cooked off the truck one night for a bit of a change, mussels in their shells, kilos of prawns on the bbq and fish in foil silenced any grumbling tummies and conversation until the lot was gone.

From there to Surat Thani, a bit of a dive of a place but our stopping point to jump on the ferry, this is also a chance to fend for yourselves as what you do for the next 6 nights is up to you as we headed off to explore the Thai islands.


Dave, Monica, Denis, Louise and Richard headed to the opposite coast and the beaches of Krabi. Paul, Alex, Robin, Elaine and Abby headed for a posh resort up north on Ko Samui, Corrie went to join some friends out from the UK on Ko Tao and do her diving course, while Jen headed for the quiet beaches of Ko Pha Ngan and Debbie headed back to Vietnam. I’ll ask each group to write a few lines and select a photo or two and I’ll post when I can. Cher and I took the chance to play catch up with all the admin while sitting on a white beach sipping ice cold drinks, could be worse I guess!

Alex's Experience
What follows goes to anyone who's lucky enough to be booked on the London to Oz trip next year or those considering a stay on the fabulous Island of Koh Samui.

The choice of the resort was very important to me, as I wanted to relax primarily but at the same time have a good time. So if, like me, you are looking for a stunning sea view from the balcony of your bungalow in the morning, have access to a very nice swimming pool with jacuzzi and waterfall, a buffet breakfast (included) in the morning, a beautiful beach with jet-skies available (1700cc) and nice restaurants, smoothies, massages in the relaxing area of Lamai then Orchid Suites resort should definitely be considered.  See pictures for a little flavour of the area of Lamai and the resort itself...

Corrie's little piece of paradise

Jen's quiet beach haven

David & Monica visit Railay

The Penis (and Fanta) shrine on the beach at Phra Nang, on Railay...fishermen (Buddhist and Muslim alike) leave offerings to the spirit of a drowned Indian princess

Sunset on the West Beach at Railay...just gorgeous

The Odyssey Overland Thailand "Office"

Cher and I headed back early to Surat Thani and we collected the group early the next morning. We had a bit of a mix up with visas, Cher and I having been here numerous times before, and Thailand being such a major tourist destination, who would have thought that they would go and change their visas stays for land borders, instead of getting the expected 30 days we ended up with 15 despite our best protests, meaning we had to leave Thailand a day early. Not wanting to cut the “Thai Island Time” short, we collected the group from the morning ferry and ran for the border. A bit of drama but what can you do, one out of 23 can’t be all that bad.

From Thailand it was into Malaysia…