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It’s one of those country’s that are a mixture of really ugly and really beautiful. I will remember Thailand for the bustle and stress in Bangkok, the tranquillity and peace in my bungalow on the beach and the frightening noise in my houseboat…more later. You just need to know where to go, then it's a place to escape and indulge.

When I arrived in Bangkok on February 7th 2007 I made my way by bus, then cab to The Baiyoke Sky Hotel, which was the tallest hotel in the world for a while. Even the lobby was on the 18th floor. My room was on the 67th floor and I enjoyed a few beers and cocktails in the revolving music bar on the 84th floor. I remember the city seemed very hot, dusty, polluted and everywhere I looked I saw pylons loaded with cables, which didn’t enhance my experience. However, cruising the Chao Phraya River on a luxurious boat with delicious food at night as we sailed past ‘The Imperial Palace’ and ‘The Temple of Dawn’ was amazing.

I also enjoyed a stunning show called Siam Niramit, which was the history of Siam. The costumes, story, effects and the live elephant on stage had the whole audience captivated and we stood applauding at the end.

Then, after 3 days it was time to collect my hire car, leave Bangkok and head for Kaeng Krachan National Park. This was paradise…set on a nature reserve high up in the mountains where I was living on a houseboat for 5 days. Lush tropical plants, friendly people and unusual, yet comfortable accommodation. I remember the sights and sounds so well, it was like living in a zoo, but there was one sound I remember VERY well. I woke up in the middle of the night to a haunting grunting noise very close to me. I switched the light on but saw nothing. An hour later, I woke to hear the same sound the other side of me, but saw nothing. After 2 nights of strange noises, I got the boys round after recording the eerie noise on my phone. They recognised it and gave it a name I couldn’t pronounce. Armed with a stick they searched my room. Then my wardrobe, but to no avail. The creature (whatever it was) although never seen, can often be heard and I will remember that noise forever!

Then it was time to drive to my bungalow on a beach on a great resort called Casaurina in Hat Puk Tian. Beautiful, simple and trendy built in Bali style. Looking out of my patio doors I had a view of the gardens, and the beach with its turquoise sea lapping the sands. The Thai massages were very relaxing, the Thai food was perfect, the range of exotic cocktails extensive and the warm sunshine made this an ideal place to relax for a few more days.

In summary, I found Thailand to be a great country to visit. The mixture of poor communities, busy big city buzz and tranquillity mixed with beauty in many places made it an exciting country to discover. Even the strange creature added to my experience. And I picked up a great loud Thai silk shirt (see my photos) for less than £3. I hope to return one day.

My visit to Thailand was part of my ‘incredible around the world journey’ in spring 2007. Please let me know if you would like to know more about Thailand.

Thank you for reading my journal.