From Ancient Civilisation to Modern Chaos

Leaving behind the peace and tranquillity of the monastery we return to the material world, swapping some of our dwindling funds for a newly tailored suit, before leaving Chiang Mai. We head south to the ancient city of Sukhotai, where we drag ourselves around countless temples and ruins in the sweltering heat. Contemplating whether to torture ourselves with another day of exhausting, yet interesting sightseeing, we hear news from Bangkok. The arrival of a classmate from our days in Kunming makes the decision a little easier and we set off for the capital. 

 

Overwhelmed by the scale of the city, we are drawn into the safe arms of Khao San Road, the famous mecca for backpackers and party goers. After a long day of travelling we put down our backpacks in the most cheap and horrible room we can find, something comparable to a soviet prison cell. Without either of us really knowing exactly where the other was, we miraculously manage to meet up with our favourite Norwegian, despite needle in haystack odds. This is cause for celebratation and we toast to our surprise reunuion with plenty of beer and cocktails.

The next day, we take things easy with a leisurely trip along the river. Whilst at the Temple of Dawn, where Thomas bravely conquers his fear of height, we get as much entertainment as is possible from 10 baht (25cent) by feeding the frenzied fish in the teaming Buddhist waters. Before leaving Bangkok, we make an excursion to the city to Lopburi, to meet with yet another former classmate (the fifth of our trip so far!). Being a tourism major, Jane gives us an excellent tour of her historical hometown including the ruins of an old temple which has been taken over by a small, rapidly breeding, army of monkeys. The boys seem to make a special bond with their not so distant relatives, and with three of the little cretures attached to Andi, I am for the first time convinced that our Rabbies vaccinations were a worthwhile investment.

Returning to Bangkok, with our grim hostel room, a stifling combination of heat and pollution, and 15 millions people chaotically filling the streets, the call of the beach proves too much. We decide to accompany Thomas for the rest of his holiday as we all head East to the island of Ko Chang.