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From Bangkok in Thailand to the island of Flores in Indonesia. Nine countries over eighteen months in this amazing part of the world. Temples and festivals; hill-tribes and floating markets; smoking volcanoes and jungles; coral reefs and the warm tropical ocean. The colours, intensity and vibrancy of the Orient. One day being in a nature documentary, the next in an adventure movie; another in a peaceful Buddhist Wat or chilled out on the beach. S E Asia has all this and more.

Always remember the importance of 'face' when travelling through Thailand (and indeed, most of Asia). Face is the image a person holds of themselves in public, and losing face (damaging a composed self image) can be quite damaging to a Thai person.

For example, if you have a problem with someone or something, getting angry and shouting will cause you to lose face in others' eyes, because you have lost your calm exterior. Therefore, a Thai person may treat you with less respect because you have not treated them with respect.

The Thais are a very friendly race, but they are sensitive to their customs as well.

Never touch a person on thir head (apart from young children) as this is a very sacred part of the body, and they will take extreme offence.

Equally, never show the soles of your feet in public, as they are seen as dirty, and it is very impolite. And in a temple never point your feet at buddha!

Thais are still quite conservative in some respects, and so older generations don't appreciate public shows of affection, and some people may be offended if you enter a shop or restaurant topless.

Tuk Tuks are a great way to get around the cities offering hair raising rides, sites and smells, not available in taxis, espeicially in Bangkok, where a taxi can take forty minutes to go a few blocks.

Usually, tourists are offered the choice of paying cash for a journey, or some drivers may suggest you go to a shop and look around for a few minutes, and then he will take you where want to go for free, as they receive a petrol token from the owner for taking a tourist to a shop. Sounds great!

Some basic language is a must. Locals will be delighted in your effort to communicate, and are forgiving when you mangle the pronunciation!

"Hello" and "thank you" to receive a smile where ever you are; numbers for hard bargaining; "don't want" or "have already" to fend off persistent hawkers; "delicious" to get another beautiful big Thai smile after a meal.

Any phrase book is easy to pick up in tourist areas, and a copy is usually pretty cheap.