Sa Pa

For the last few days of our around-the-world trip we decided to head up to Sa Pa in Northern Vietnam near the Chinese border.

Best known for the ethnic minority groups that live here we booked up for a two day trekking tour across the sloping rice terraces, forests and waterfalls that the locals call their home. 

Siem Reap

We arrived in Siem Reap, Cambodia after a very trying journey and border crossing from Bangkok. Tired and hungry we were pleased to see our friends Toria and Adam and meet their friends Gary and Lucy on the first night and head out for a few drinks and some dinner.

We were to spend the next week in Siem Reap with our time split evenly between exploring the temples at Angkor and volunteering at a local orphanage. It seems wrong to lump the two together and with that in mind I will do a separate post on our time at the orphanage.

Where to start with the glories that are Angkor...

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.

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.