I’ve headed south of Koh Phangan to the island of Koh Samui. With Phuket being the largest and most famous, Samui comes second in the rankings in terms and size as well as popularity. Koh Samui is a beautiful island with some great lookout points.

My plan was to stay here for about a week before heading to my final destination, Bangkok. I checked into The New Leaf Resort, which had their own swimming pool, but I didn’t have the luxury of the private beach like I did in Koh Phangan.

However, my plans soon changed. After about 4 days in Samui I was ready to leave. I think it was a combination of having done everything I’ve wanted to do and I was ready to come back home. Also Samui is very different to most places I have been to so far. The number of backpackers was very limited, it seemed like families and couples were on the island. Basically those that have come on a 2 week holiday. So it was very hard to actually meet people. Secondly and most probably the worst thing about the island is there seemed to be loads of 60 year old men out here with these young Thai girls, not a great sight.

Everywhere you go there are these Thai massage parlours where the locals would hassle you for a massage or the tailor shops where these Indians where try and start a conversation in an attempt to sell you a suit. Being Indian myself I seemed to attract these tailors, and they would always try and start a conversation, like they wanted to be my best friend. However, when I told them I was from London, they would respond back with the comment “Lovely Jubbly”. So, during the day I would be hassled for a massage or a suit, and in the evening I would be approach by these young Thai girls, or maybe even ladyboys trying to drag my into their bar and buy them drinks. I think my time in Samui would have been a lot more enjoyable if I was with a friend or someone I knew. In any case I was ready to leave and spend the remaining 10 days in Bangkok, just chilling out and shopping!!

Koh Samui became the popular island it has become by being the backdrop to the Leonardo Di Caprio film, The Beach. So, Leonardo and myself have a couple of things in common, the looks obviously and we have both set foot on the “perfect island”. The locals refer to Samui as the perfect island, I’m not sure what’s so perfect about the island, maybe if I was to come back when 60yrs old then it maybe the “perfect island”.

Next and final stop Bangkok.

Well, enough of rubbing in the views and the weather. Today is most probably the main reason for me coming to Thailand, and the thing I have been most looking forward to. Every month, Koh Phangan is famous for one thing and that is the Full Moon Party. I checked the dates well in advance to make sure I was in Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party. It is estimated that 20-30,000 people flock the island for the Full Moon Party. Backpackers and tourist alike from all over the world and the surrounding islands make their way to Phangan for the world’s largest beach party. This is also the time the locals begin to rub their hands, thinking MONEY MONEY MONEY!! Accommodation is more than double the normal price so I made sure I booked early, still paid twice as much though.

The Full Moon Party takes place on Haad Rin Beach, about 15km from where I was staying. The night before a group of us went down to the beach for a few drinks. Instead of having only a couple of drinks we stayed out all night, and even got the chance to see the sunrise. The night before also known as the warm up party was crazy, there must have been at least 10,000 people, and I couldn’t even think of imagining what the Full Moon Party would be like.

Well today was the time to find out exactly what the Full Moon Party had to offer. Having tarted myself up I was ready and looking forward to a crazy night/morning out.

We started the night around 6pm, where we started drinking in the resort. Having enjoyed a few cocktails and whiskeys, we looked up into the sky and saw this.

This was the sign for us to head down to Haad Rin and see what the hype and excitement was all about. The place was buzzing and there were people everywhere. I don’t think, since travelling I have seen so many backpackers in one place. It was heaving!!

The atmosphere was incredible and I knew I was going to be in for one hell of a night. However, one thing I did notice was loads of people carrying buckets around. Surely they can’t be building sand castles during the Full Moon Party. Can they?

How wrong I was!! You know the saying bigger is better, well in Thailand they serve alcohol in buckets. Yeah exactly, buckets!! Basically for about 300baht (5 pounds) you get a bottle of Sang-Som (local rum) a can of coke and red bull. Mix that all together and then start drinking from these buckets, which is exactly what we did for the rest of the night. I never thought I would be holding a bucket without a spade on a beach.

No thanks, I’m taken!! But thanks for the love!!

On the beach were open topped bars/clubs where you could go in and out from buying drinks and hearing different  music. It was crazy, something I have never seen before. Along the beach were these illuminous tattoo huts, where you could get a tattoo. So, like everyone does I got a snake tattooed up my neck. Don’t worry Simran its not a real snake, sorry I mean’t its not a real tattoo.

We ended up staying on the beach to see sunrise again, that’s 2 nights in a row!! It was a great experience and definitely worthwhile. Its by far the best thing I’ve done in Thailand, in fact, that alone would be a good reason to come to Thailand again. I decided to stay in Koh Phangan for another night after the Full Moon Party. I would say to relax, whereas others would say to recover from the hangover!! You can decide!!

Next stop was Koh Samui, just south of Koh Phangan.

Signing off for now, Shah.

Having got my passport re-stamped I was back in Thailand, a place called Nong Khai. Here I stayed with Pia’s sister, a typical Thai family, with the exception the son (Prig) and his girlfriend (Joyce) could speak English. Since travelling today felt the closest thing to being at home, because I had a decent bed, food was cooked for me and I didn’t need a map to find my way around the area. I was looked after really well. However, the difference to here and back home is it was about 40 degrees, and more importantly the family had 13 dogs. Yes, exactly 13 dogs, and I hate dogs!! Luckily they were friendly dogs and were not allowed inside when I was inside the house. That evening we went out for a few drinks and played some pool.

And NO before you ask or question me that Manchester United banner in the background is not mine!! If I had noticed that before hand I would have refused to get into the photo!!

The next day Prig took me around Nong Khai on his motorbike. We visited a place called Sculpture Gardens. It was unbelievable because there sculptures were massive and each one was hand made. It was amazing and I was glad I went, however, it was absolutely baking. Prig informed me that the school kids have just finished school for their summer holidays, so the months of March, April and May is going to be really hot!!

So, Simran how do you like your boyfriend? Burn’t or Overcooked?

This picture represents all the animals going to visit Buddha.

Having had loads of rice, vegetables and tofu my stay in Nong Khai was over. I had the overnight sleeper train booked from Nong Khai back to Bangkok. Yai, Pia’s sister wanted me to stay longer but the train had already been booked, plus I had to get down South of Thailand to the islands. Even though my time in Nong Khai was a short stay I had a good time and glad to have made a guest appearance.

Since I was only here for two nights the next morning I spent looking around trying to find an alternative mode of transport, because there was no way I could handle another “VIP” bus journey back to Vientiane. After much searching around and bargaining I ended up booking a 45 minutes flight back to the capital. In the afternoon, I thought I’d experience some local transport and took a TUK TUK to the Wat Xienthong Temple. The temple is built along the Mekong River.

In the evening I spent walking around the town centre, about the size of my street back home. I done the typical tourist thing and went to the night market where the locals tried their best to sell me rubbish souvenirs, but I resisted the temptation. However, I did get a couple of postcards.

The next day was my flight back to the capital. In general, Luang Prabang was ok, but I don’t think I gave it enough time to enjoy, plus after that bus journey I couldn’t wait to get the hell out of here!! Luang Prabang had a lot to offer such as jungle treks, kyaking, but I had limited time here and I had done similar things in Australia and New Zealand.

I arrived at the local airport, a lot different to Heathrow, I was hoping of a better journey then that stupid VIP bus. I was a little sceptical at first taking a local airline, I was just hoping the pilot knew how to fly and that I would arrive in one piece. Without too much of a problem, other than a few bumps on the way I arrived safely. I am glad to announce that 40 pounds has been the best sent money since travelling.

Vang Vieng is famous for one thing and that is Tubing. Tubing is basically sitting in a rubber dingy and floating down the Mekong River. It doesn’t sound too exciting but I forgot to mention along the river the locals have set up some huts that sell alcohol. As you float down the river, the locals hold bamboo sticks out for you to grab onto and they pull you into their so called bar. Suddenly Tubing sounds exciting, the idea of floating down the Mekong River and getting pissed!! This is exactly what I did the next day in Vang Vieng.

So I started at 10am, without even having breakfast I had my first BeerLao. Cold BeerLao is what the locals love to shout out and sell. They think its the solution to everything.

Whilst tubing I met this Japanese guy and a couple of Kiwi girls. As we floated down the river a few of the local children jumped into the river and brought us into their family hut and buy some alcohol.

I bought another BeerLao, and at most places when you buy a drink they give you a free shot of local whiskey. Having tasted it, I now know why it was free, 80% alcohol proof, disgusting!! I’m sure after 3 or 4 shots I would have been KO’d, so I only stuck to 2 shots!!

At some huts you can use a zip-line and jump into the river, added excitement value. Exciting but dangerous because some of the jumps are high up and the river levels are quite low, so you could see the rocks, Ouch!! Nevertheless, making sure the Japanese guy went before me I did a couple of zip line jumps into the river which was good fun. The second jump I did was dangerous because if you let go of the zip-line to early you land on rocks, so I needed to make sure I got past the shallow part of the river!! Not a good combination, drinking and jumping. I suppose its better than drinking and driving!!

Towards the end, the river was really shallow and the rocks could be seen. The tube was getting stuck and the rocks started grazing your arse!! Having spent about 6hrs on the river, tubing, drinking, and getting my arse grazed we decided to take the Tuk Tuk back to town.

I had a wicked time, something different and definitely up there with the best things I’ve done on my travels. Now I can see why people stay here for 4/5 days, because they go tubing everyday!!

Within minutes of arrival in Bangkok I had taxi drivers and Tuk Tuk drivers approach me for my hard earned DeltaRail money. What was the quote from Russell Peters? A Chinese man and Indian cannot do business together!! I knew the next month was going to be a true experience.

Without knowing too much about the going taxi rate or anything, all I knew was that I needed to go to Khaosan Road, home of the backpackers. It was already 8pm and I still had no accommodation for the night. The taxi driver starting quoting me 1200baht (63baht to the pound), with a bit of bargaining I brought it down to 600baht, only later to find out that I still paid way too much. Apparently I should only take a meter taxi and should have paid approx 300baht. Lesson learnt!

There I was in the middle of Khaosan Road with the hustle and bustle taking place around me. A couple of people I met in New Zealand recommended a few places to stay that was decent and reasonable priced. I ended up staying at Four Sons House just off Khaosan Road since I wanted to avoid the noise. For just under 10 pounds I had a double bed; amazing, air conditioning; even better, my own TV; paradise!!

Knowing that I had only 4wks in Thailand and that Bangkok would be the hub of my travels I spent the next day booking excursions and accommodation since it was the peak travel season. I next day I was of to Laos, a country to the North East of Thailand. I had booked an overnight VIP bus that was air-conditioned, from Bangkok to Laos.

That evening I tested the local cuisine, and ordered myself a Thai yellow curry and some spring rolls, price 65baht. It was a good feed, I even felt like ordering seconds since it was so cheap, but I resisted. That evening I met an American guy and we did what all tourists do when they visit Bangkok and witnessed a Ping Pong Show!! It was very amusing to say the least but for further details please enquiry when I’m back. Just to give you a picture the placed was covered with Lady-boys, so Simran you have nothing to worry about. I made sure they stayed well away from me!!

Arriving in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, my Kiwi Experience is finally over. Initially it felt like a cultural shock because most of the towns and cities in New Zealand have a population ranging from 3,000 to about 90,000, whereas Auckland has a population of approx 1.3 million!! Auckland felt just like Sydney with the sky tower in the town centre and a harbour, however it lacks the character that Sydney possesses.

My Kiwi Experience could have been extended because it included a 2 day trip up to the tip of the North Island, better known as the Bay of Islands. However, having been on the constant move and with the bad weather scheduled I decided to stay in Auckland and relax. Plus my mates I travelled in the North Island with were only in Auckland for a couple of nights before they heading down south to Hamilton to watch the test match between New Zealand and England. If it wasn’t for my flight to Thailand I would have joined them. I warned them when I went to the one day match there was a lot of trouble and fights, apparently cricket is New Zealand’s hooligan sport!! Come on the BARMY ARMY!!

My stay in New Zealand is coming to an end!! It is difficult to summarise my adventure and experiences I encountered during the last 4 weeks, other than it is the best part of the trip so far! Much better than Australia and I can definitely see myself coming out here again. Simran get your bags packed!!

With 2/3 of my trip complete I am now heading to Thailand, Bangkok where I’m sure I will experience a whole new world!! As the Kiwi’s tend to end their sentences, everything is Sweet As!!

Goodbye for now and see you soon….

The pick-up was at 5pm and we were taken to a re-creation of a traditional village from the 1600′s located 20km south of Rotorua. On our arrival at the venue, nobody was allowed to enter the fortified village until the formal welcome was performed. The village was surrounded by sculptures that represented the Moari people. A number of warriors came out going through some gestures and movements with his Taiaha (spear-like weapon), until the peace offering was placed and received by one of the visiting chiefs. In sign of respect to the culture, no smiling or laughing was allowed.

Following the welcome dance we entered the village grounds where the people of the land demonstrated different activities such as hand games and weaponry displays. We then entered into the big house where a number of rituals took place which sealed the bond of friendship between the cultures. From here the cultural group performed the traditional Haka dance, which told stories of the proud TE MAORI race!!

After this truly unique performance we were invited to dinner, the traditional HANGI. The food was delicious, and what made it even more special was the way it was cooked. It was cooked in the traditional Maori method, using hot volcanic rocks and piling the Earth over the food to keep the heat in.

The whole evening was an amazing experience into the Moari culture. It has to be up there with the best things I’ve done in New Zealand.

The next day a few of us booked the Black Water Rafting at Waitomo Caves. I didn’t really know much about what I had booked but I was looking forward to it. As we arrived we were kitted out into the necessary gear and then headed to the Waitomo Caves. Here we were given a quick explanation into abseiling and how to do it. Without further a do we were told to abseil 35metres down the Waitomo Caves using the brief explanation and the 5minutes practice run we were given. So with our helmet lights on we abseiled down, one by one. From there we explored around the caves and got to see the famous New Zealand glow worms by the zillion!!

Going through the caves there was a zip line set up which we zipped across. Having then been given tubes, we were told to jump of the rocks. We didn’t know how high the jump was and where we were going to land, since it was pitch black and we couldn’t see anything. However, we had an idea that it involved water because we were given these tubes. It was about a 4metre jump and we landed into the river, it was freezing!! We then made our way through the caves which involved crawling and squeezing through small holes. In order to get out the caves we had to climb up the waterfalls of doom. This was wicked because we had no equipment, just had to use our body strength and hold onto the rocks whilst climbing up. Oh yeah I forgot to mention with the waterfall falling directly on you!! We all managed to get out without too much difficulty.

What was that noise?

So my stay in Rotorua was amazing. The next day would be my final appearance on the Kiwi Experience as we head north to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city.

I was all geared up and we boarded the plane. It was about a 10minute journey up. How does the saying go? Don’t look down!! Well the whole way up I looked down, and I don’t think it helped the nervous. I was getting to the stage where I was so scared I think even my Shit was scared!! However, I didn’t let the fear beat me so I volunteered to go first. There was no backing out now, the only way was down!!

The plane door opened and there I was, sitting on the instructors lap with my legs hanging out the edge of the plan. The camera man jumped out first and was filming and taking photos of my every movement and fears!! Seconds later, there I was in full freefall action. I was trying to scream but no sound was coming out, the wind was just blowing in my face and stretching the skin back. It was about 45seconds of pure freefall. With about 5000ft remaining the parachute was open and I got to see some great views of the east and west coast of the North Island. It was amazing, words cannot explain the buzz. I still couldn’t believe that I managed to jump out of a plane. It has to be the best adrenalin rush ever!!

The next day the adrenalin was still rushing through the body. A couple of us decided to hire out mountain bikes for half the day and cycle around Taupo. We got to cycle along lake Taupo and get a glimpse of the volcanoes surrounding the lake. Lake Taupo is the largest lake in New Zealand, its about the size of Singapore. The North Island is very different to the South Island. Much of the South Island is formed by the movement of Glaciers, where as the North Island is more to do with Volcanoes. Cycling around was a good way to get around the town, with the added bonus of doing some exercise.

The main tourist attraction in Wellington (apart from Lord of the Rings tours) is the museum.  I thought I would let the geek inside come out for a few hours and visit the museum. The museum boasts a very impressive array of modern exhibitions which will educate you on everything you need to know about New Zealand, including history, politics, geology, ecosystems etc etc. 

Other than the museum I did very little other than going to the cinema and chilling out. For some reason I didn’t like Wellington and couldn’t wait get out of there!!