Saturday 5th April - Day 62

I'm back here by late afternoon, but it will soon be time to leave the country, leaving from Bangkok airport.

Last night I went out in Chiang Mai and bought a bigger rucksack. It was a mistake to buy one in England that was less than 70 litres - I know now. I even negotiated a fare with a taxi driver to take me to the airport saving me a third the money the hotel wanted to charge me via the hotel's service. At Chiang Mai airport I booked my hotel for Bangkok through a Rep. He assured me it was cheaper to do it this way. I thought I would go for a higher standard hotel room for my last visit.

As it turned out, it although I got the room 30% cheaper than anyone walking off the street would have done, their prices are inflated anyway. It's "gaining with one hand and losing on the other."

From Bangkok airport I catch a local bus to get me to the skytrain (mono rail) station. I'm pleased I did this. I seem to be the only non-Thai on the bus, and the conductor doesn't speak any English.

The skytrain is another new mode of transport for me. It's cheap and efficient.

I'm staying near Siam square the modern shopping complex. I have some food there from street vendors and visit the imax cinema to watch a 3D movie called 'Sea Monsters.' The special effects are quite good, once you get use to wearing the glasses, but the American commentary isn't that good.

I also visit a travel agent and book an excursion for tomorrow.