Ayuthaya -> Chiang Mai

Yesterday, left Bangkok and set-out for Ayuthaya (ancient capital of Thailand). Breaks journey somewhat for trip upto Chiang Mai. City itself is an island, which you've to take a small boat to get to, a bit like the Cork-Cobh car-ferry, but without cars and capacity for about 8 on boat(plus driver's dog).
Rented bikes to go around island for day, visited a load of Wat's, can't really describe them, will have to put up photos for ye to see. Bikes were a good way of seeing city, very flat to go around. Another very humid and warm day, but overcast. Was a welcome trip from Bangkok, much quieter roads and not as many tuk-tuks!

Waited at train station then for overnight train to Chiang Mai, train was an hour late, which we passed the time trying to avoid getting stung by swarms of mosquitos!
Train journey was a bit of an experience, took 12.5hours, and trying to get some sort of sleep was tough! Made it though, and got to guest-house which is nice as it has a shower, though not designed for people taller than 6ft! Some rest needed today, heading off on a 3-day Trek in morning. Kevin

Bangkok

Warm,humid,overcast.pretty crazy tring to cross any kinda road here, just have to go for it!did the touristy thing today, headed to Grand Palace and Golden Buddha. Things are pretty cheap here though, paid 100baht for a green curry last nite for dinner! Booked train for heading North to Chiang Mai tomorrow, train is overnight, and we're going to travel first to Ayuthaya first in morning, and spend day there. Will prob come back down to Bangkok for a couple of more nights ~2nd nov.
Time to get something to eat...

Rail Map South East Asia

http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm#Singapore

The Plan ...

... is as follows:

1. Cork -> London -> Bangkok (overland to Singapore)
2. Singapore -> Darwin (overland to Alice Springs to Ayres Rock)
3. Alice Springs -> Cairns (overland to Sydney, in Sydney over xmas/new year)
4. Sydney -> ChristChurch (overland to Auckland)
5. Auckland -> Hawaii
6. Hawaii -> San Francisco
7. San Francisco -> Home.

flying out 24/10/07, back 27/02/08!