This is the amazing island of Ko Tao.

Here is a view from my chair…

3rd class Thai train to tropical paradise. Beach hut is 300 baht per night (£6). Crazy day of contrasts and 13 hours travelling with very little sleep

Here is a map of the route from Hua Hin to Chumphon.

A few pics of the destination too.

Currently sat on the train from Bangkok to Hua Hin (it doesn’t have wifi, I’m writing offline to kill some time), stopping there for one night to break up the 9hr journey south.

The information about the train timetable online was wildly wrong, so we waited from 10.30am – 1pm for the train.

Only 3rd class tickets available which means no aircon. The heat is bearable though and the chair comfortable, with at least 4x the leg room of a British one. The 4hr journey is an astounding 150BHT (£1.50)

Here is a map of the journey!

So far the known variables of my trip are:

• Flights booked (29th Oct – 27th Dec) Manchester – Bangkok
• First 2 days accommodation booked in Bangkok
• Travel Guide
• Insurance
• Backpack with my possessions

Err well that’s pretty much it so far…