We had an interesting time getting from Cambodia to Thailand – as our previous research predicted!! It was a long wait at the exit point – along with 5 other busloads, and then 200m down the road to the Thai entry point. However we did make it and the paperwork side wasn’t too bad! We got on an open top ute with all our bags and were trucked to a bus station. We ate lunch and then waited for a couple of hours before being stuffed – literally into a mini van for our trip down the divided highway to Bangkok. There were 14 of us plus luggage that was piled to the roof and between the seats. We had everything crossed that there was not an accident, because getting out was a major – as we found at our one stop at a gas station. Georgia and I were down the back with very limited air con – a very bumpy uncomfortable trip! But as always we got there in the end. A trip of 6 road travelling hours took 12 hours!!
But it didn’t end once we were dropped off in Bangkok in the back packers area ………….
We finally got a taxi to a central train station as our hotel was out a bit of the central area. We managed the BTS fine – to all you train spotters, it is amazing!! The problem was when we asked directions and the lady said to go to another station!! If only we had ignored her as we were at the right one. However in short we had to walk miles it seemed to finally find our hotel at 10.00pm in a strange hugely busy city. But we got there and wished we were some other place!! It had to happen – our first Faulty Towers, and we had booked for 2 nights. Firstly the room wasn’t made up, Georgia’s bed was broken, it was on a hugely busy main ride, the train station was opposite, there was no hot water, the wi-fi didn’t work, the toilet leaked,and the blankets were filthy …. BUT the man was very pleasant and the air con worked!! He listened to our concerns and didn’t deny anything. We were very quick to check out the following morning!!
We took an all day pass on the BTS (skyway train) and loved it. We checked out a few places and did some shopping. We finally paid more for a lovely central hotel where we could walk and use the trains so transport was cheap!! Our Bangkok stay was just a break, and to do some retail therapy. We got a few clothes and unloaded some gear also. If you like shopping and malls girls this is your place. It is chocca full of them! But you do get over it all very quickly ……….. The weather was hot and sticky (what else would it be??) The highlight for Georgia and I was getting a haircut – which was badly needed! We went into this huge salon and paid $10 each and were quite pleased with the results – even though communication was with hand signals and we weren’t sure what we were in for.
We decided to check into another hotel after three nights, – closer to the airport before leaving for Kathmandu so took a taxi there. It was basic but served a purpose ….. until 10pm at night when the phone went.We were all fast asleep! Richard was interrogated about who was in his room – how many people and his wife was downstairs… Then there was a knock on the door and it continued as Georgia and I were trying to work out what was going on from our beds!! The receptionist had got completely mixed up and thought another woman was me – however no apology for the kerfuffle!! We have decided lots of people in this part of the world need to do a Kiwihost course. The phone soon went again at 5.00am for the REAL wake up call to get to the airport for our 6.00am check in..