Pai

It takes about four hours to get from Chiang Mai to Pai on quite treacherous roads but the views make it worth it.

Pai is a small town in the Mae Hong Son province that excludes charm and captures the hearts of most visitors.

We had three days here and slowed the pace down a bit to sit back and enjoy the beautiful landscape around us.

Chiang Mai

From Bangkok we boarded a night bus to Chiang Mai. Twelve hours later we arrived in the heart of Northern Thailand.

Almost immediately we realised the city had a different atmosphere to the rest of Thailand, very laid back, boho with boutique shops and coffee houses. With only three full days to explore we set about getting to know the city straight away.

Bangkok

As we had been to Bangkok a few years ago we decided to stay in Bangkok for a short visit only while traveling across the rest of the country.

Koh Phanghan

We arrived on Koh Phanghan amid full moon party chaos.

Our visit here was for one reason and one reason only - to party.

Koh Tao

After Bali we headed across the water to Thailand. After a short stop in Bangkok (more on that later) we headed down to the islands. First stop Koh Samui. Unfortunately on arrival, after a very long bus and boat journey, we realised Samui wasn't our cup of tea. After two nights we decided to move on to Koh Tao.

Koh Tao was an entirely different experience. On approach the rocky cliffs, crystal waters and sun-kissed beaches are very appealing.

Para...Para...Paradise

As we hadn't had our fill of rest and relaxation in Bali, we decided to head to the Gili islands off the Lombok coast for some more beach time and cocktails.

With a recommendation of 'one of the top 10 places to see before you die' from the Lonely Planet we were expecting a lot. We were not disappointed.

Beautiful Bali

After missing our flight to Bali - doh - we finally arrived in Denpasar a day late and 400 pounds worse off.

First stop was Kuta for some RnR. Our base for the next few days we headed out to the beach where Mike continued his quest to become a pro surfer while I lay on a sun bed getting manicures and foot massages.