Situated on Malaysia’s sunny west coast lies the charming island of Penang; a must-see destination for any Malaysia holiday! Food connoisseurs take note; Penang is the culinary heart of Malaysia, offering a myriad of traditional Malaysian dishes as well as many other Asian influences. But besides its many mouth-watering delights, Penang is also one of Malaysia’s most fascinating cultural hotspots. With an intriguing air of colonial heritage infused with a melting pot of Chinese, Malaysian and Indian culture, there are plenty of interesting things to see and do if you’re visiting Penang as part of a bigger Malaysia travel experience.

You can easily visit the island of Penang by boat, plane or via Butterworth (which sits on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia) where you can drive along the 8-mile long Penang Bridge.

Let’s start with Georgetown. No Penang trip would be complete without a day of exploring the island’s biggest City and UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a journey back in time as you amble through mystical temples, quaint streets and intricate Chinese shop facades. Or alternatively, you can get a real taste of local travel by taking a trishaw tour past beautiful buildings and around the highlights of the city.

Here are some of the City’s top highlights:

The Penang Clock Tower is one of the City’s most familiar icons. Standing at 60 feet tall, the construction of the tower began in 1897 to honour Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

Just a stone’s throw from the Queen Victoria Clock Tower, Fort Cornwallis is was originally built for the military troops, but today it remains a popular tourist site for travellers on a Penang tour. As well as exploring the history of the old fort, you can also amble through the surrounding park and an open air theater which have since been built in the fort’s grounds.

Fancy a taste of the arts during your Penang visit? Why not get a dose of culture during a trip to the ABN AMRO Arts & Culture Centre in Georgetown? The gallery boasts a number of fascinating local art exhibitions, as well as hosting a plethora of cultural events throughout the year.

If you’re heading out of the city, Penang is home to an array of other cultural spots;

Western Penang

In the Western region of Penang, you can take a trip to Wat Chayamangkalaram; Penang’s largest Thai temple which exhibits a 100ft Reclining Buddha and the Burmese temple which is guarded by giant stone elephants.

Central Penang

If you fancy visiting one of the most popular cultural landmarks on the island, then why not explore the Kek Lok Si temple; the biggest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. Located in the Air Itam region, the temple is situated above the town and boasts a number of ornate monasteries and temples, as well as beautiful grounds which surround it.

Southern Penang

Think you’ve seen all the temples there are to see? Think again. In Southern Penang, you’ll find a temple with a real difference. The aptly named ‘Snake Temple’ really does speak for itself as it is home to a breed of viper snakes which, as it is told, have supposedly occupied the complex since their natural environment was ruined.

Northern Penang

Head to Batu Ferringhi in Northern Penang for some excellent restaurants and beaches, as well as a beautiful Butterfly Farm with over 4000 butterflies and an orchid farm.

If you’re a real nature junkie, you could also pay a visit the Penang National Park located on the North-West of the island to discover the local  flora and fauna.

Take a look at our Penang trip for more info and tips on things to do in Penang.

So our product team are back from their Morocco travels, and after giving our trips a good spring clean, we’re excited to announce the re-launch of Morocco Travel Plan… Hurrah!

From magical Marrakesh and imperial cities, to desert dunes and Atlas Mountain treks, with our newly rejuvenated Morocco tours and itineraries, you can really discover the best of Morocco…

Become enchanted by the fairy-tale of Arabian Nights in colourful Marrakesh, soak up the atmosphere amongst the vibrant souks of Fes, self-drive to the South before hopping on a camel on a journey across the dunes of the golden Sahara desert. Follow the Berber trail and trek through the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains, before topping off your travels with some beach-time in Agadir.

Sound tempting? Take a look at a few of our favourite Morocco tours and itineraries and get a taste of Morocco Travel Plan…

Our Top 5 Morocco Tours & Itineraries

Bite-sized Tours:

Kasbahs and Date Palms

This Morocco tour will take you across the Atlas Mountains to a region of fertile palm valleys, rugged mountains and ancient kasbahs. Lose yourself in the labyrinth of small streets, pass lush green palm forests and friendly villages you’ll finally reach the Dades Valley, an awe-inspiring sight. Here you’ll go on a short mountain trek and of course visit the towering cliffs of the Todra Gorge.

Essaouira Sea Breeze

Essaouira is an authentic fishing town halfway between Casablanca and Agadir, and just a few hours from Marrakesh. It’s a lovely spot for sun-worshippers, shopaholics, surfers and seafood lovers. During this Morocco tour, you’ll take a camel ride along the sandy beach and sleep in a charming little riad hotel overlooking the sea.

Click here to see more of our exciting Morocco tours…

 Suggested Itineraries:

A Taste of Morocco

During this Morocco holiday, you can get a real taste of Morocco in a week. You’ll travel from magical Marrakesh across the Atlas mountains to the famous kasbah of Aït Benhaddou. Then, you’ll drive through an immense oasis filled with palm trees and make your way to the edge of the Sahara where you’ll ride into the dunes on a camel and sleep under the sparkling desert stars.

Mountain Treks and Bohemian Beaches
This active Morocco adventure offers a mix of colourful cities, remote trekking and authentic beaches. You’ll spend your first few days people-watching in the lively souks and famous Djemaa el Fna Square in Marrakesh, before setting off on a 3 day trek through the Atlas mountains, stopping off in Berber villages and sleeping in mountain huts. Next, you can relax in the authentic fishing village of Essaouira before your Morocco travels end in Marrakesh. 

 Click here to see more of our ready-made Morocco holidays…

Like what you see? Visit Morocco Travel Plan to find out more, or get in touch with one of our friendly Morocco Travel Specialists.

A first-time traveller to South East Asia, Hannah recently returned from an exciting two week Thailand travel experience, complete with glittering Bangkok temples, scenic rafthouses on hidden lakes and elephant trekking through Khao Sok’s jungle, all topped off with a few days stretching out on the tropical shores of Ko Hai and Railay Bay.

Sound tempting? Check out  Hannah’s bite-sized Thailand holiday presentation for more information and Thailand travel inspiration!

Meet Phil and Chris, who have recently returned from their holiday with Thailand Travel Plan. One of their highlights was taking part in a Mahout training day on our elephant trekking trip in Chiang Mai. Take a journey through a lens to get a glimpse of their elephant experience…

“If you are spending any length of time in Chiang Mai on your Thailand holiday and want to get ‘up close and personal’ with these wonderful animals then the Mahout Training Day is the one for you. It’s a whole day very special experience and suitable for all ages (not necessarily children but anyone from late teens upwards) who have fun fun fun running through their veins. You are picked up from and delivered back to your hotel, visit a local market to get food for the elephants on the way, and given lunch. You will get very wet and pretty muddy, but there are showers to use so you can clean off afterwards. Mounting an elephant (in two ways) is such an experience and they will provide a seat for the riding if you feel it necessary. Do not miss this – it is something you will never ever forget”.

Philip Gadsden, 2012

There’s a definite knack to getting on!	But once you are on- what a great view!
Making soap to wash the elephants	Elephants love the water (and the attention)
A team of trainee mahouts…	As the last elephants leave, the work is done!

 

Recently returned from a Rickshaw Travel trip? We always love to see our customers’ photos and hear about your experiences. Email us at info@rickshawtravel.co.uk if you would like to feature on our blog.

As well as being a fantastically large, diverse country to travel in, China is often seen a slightly daunting holiday destination due to cultural differences and fear of the unknown. But don’t let this put you off travelling in China, its mix of traditional culture, iconic landmarks and modern cities makes for a trip of a lifetime. Below are ten useful tidbits that I picked up from my China holiday;

1. Time difference:

During the summertime it’s 7 hours later in China than it is in the UK. During winter time it’s 8 hours later in China.

2. Internet:

Nearly all parts of China offer Internet access. You’ll find more and more cafés and bars that offer mobile Internet in China. 

3. Best time to travel:

The best time to travel to China is during the months April to October. However, it’s best to avoid the first week of May and the first week of October as these are national Chinese holidays. 

4. Language:

Mandarin Chinese is spoken in most of China. However, countless dialects are also spoken. English is gaining popularity in China, but you still won’t find many people who speak English, especially in rural areas. Bring along a Chinese pocket dictionary on your China holiday and you will be able to get by more easily. 

5. Currency:

The official Chinese currency is known as the renminbi (‘peoples money’), RMB for short. The monetary unit is the Yuan. Hong Kong has its own currency – the Hong Kong Dollar. The Hong Kong Dollar is pegged to the American Dollar. It’s accepted in Guangzhou (Canton) and Shenzhen.

6. Tips:

Tipping is not a cultural norm in China, although it is appriciated should you feel you wish to reward good service. When I was travelling in China I tended to round up the bill a few Yuan, especially with guides and drivers. It’s not customary to tip in restaurants.

7. Visas:

You’ll need a Chinese visa in order to visit China. You’ll have to apply for your own visa at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC). A single entry Chinese visa will cost you around £60. This is made up of a £30 visa fee, and a £30 processing fee.

8. Telephone calls:

Phoning home from China using your mobile usually isn’t a problem, but it can be a very costly affair. Internet Phone (IP) cards are the cheapest way to phone home on your China trip. You can buy these cards at kiosks and hotels in larger cities. If you want to use your own mobile phone during your trip, it’s best to buy a prepaid sim card at a Chinese phone shop. 

9. Photography:

The Chinese are usually honoured if you would like to take their picture. Don’t forget to ask their permission first though. Taking pictures or shooting a video at military sites in China is illegal. Many museums, palaces and temples also do not allow pictures to be taken or only allow you to take pictures for a fee. It’s best to always be on the look-out for the signs posted regarding photography and to be careful. 

10. Hygiene:

Using public bathrooms during your trip will be quite an experience. The level of hygiene is commonly poor and you’ll have little privacy. Be sure to bring along toilet paper or tissues, anti-bacterial hand wipes and disinfectant. 

Upon arriving in Bangkok at the beginning of your Thailand travels, you will be immediately captivated by the Asian style architecture. You’ll fly into Suvarnabhumi airport which has recently been renovated and is extremely stylish with its statues, Thai style decorations and its gold-leaf Buddhas.

You can get one of the numerous multi-coloured taxis to take you into the hustle and bustle of Bangkok city. Once there, you will be greeted with the street food stalls selling everything from Pad-Thai, satay chicken and if you fancy being adventurous, fried bugs like crickets.

After grabbing some lunch I would recommend heading to one of the many massage spas to relax yourself after your long international flight. I paid 150THB for an hour-long Thai massage on Soi Rambuttri and I have to say it was one of the best massages I have ever had. I left the salon feeling so relaxed and ready for whatever Bangkok had to throw at me.

Bangkok is famous for its variety of breath-taking temples and if you’re planning to visit any of them, make sure you are dressed appropriately or you’ll not be allowed in. Shorts, sleeveless shirts or spaghetti-strap tops will not be allowed so I would suggest wearing a pair of cotton trousers and a t-shirt. 

You may also have heard of the reclining Buddha, which is also a must see for tourists in Bangkok. It is the world’s largest reclining Buddha at 46m long and 15m wide. This can be found at the Wat Pho in Bangkok and is as impressive in real-life as it sounds. The Buddha is made out of plaster and has been completely covered in gold-leaf.

You can visit any of these attractions by either taxi or tuk-tuk. The taxis tend to be a lot cheaper as they run on a meter and you will find them very economical – about £2 for a 25 minute journey!

If you fancy getting a bit active on your Thailand trip then taking a guided bike tour around Bangkok is just the ticket. You’ll get to see areas that are more off the tourist trail, such as morning glory plantations, local schools etc. These tours normally run morning and afternoon so are easy to fit into your 24 hours in Bangkok.

If there is one mode of Thai travel that you experience in Bangkok , I would have to recommend a ride in a tuk-tuk. They are notorious for quoting ridiculous prices so make sure you haggle. However, you won’t be disappointed by the journey that’s in store for you. They are a very fast and fun way to get around the city and have been known to go at extremely fast speeds. There is also a sky-train running in Bangkok which is fast, clean, cheap and probably my favourite way of getting around. I would recommend getting a sky-train map and having a go. It’s a great way to see the city as you can look down and watch the hustle and bustle of the city from your nice air-conditioned carriage.

 Take a look at our handy information page for more tips on things to do in Bangkok.

Wildlife enthusiast Hannah has a passion for nature, so booking a trip with Thailand Travel Plan was first on her list in 2012. Making friends with monkeys in Khao Sok National Park, &  trekking through the jungle on the back of an elephant were the highlights of  Hannah’s trip, closely followed by beach time in the sun-drenched South. Borneo is next on Hannah’s bucket list, where she plans to visit the Sepilok Centre and realise her dream of visiting the Orangutans.

What has been your favourite journey?

During a recent trip to Thailand, my boyfriend and I travelled by sleeper train from Bangkok to Surat Thani. I spent most of the journey peeking through the curtains across from a little Thai boy who was pulling funny faces at me. Near the end of our journey, we were rewarded with a beautiful sun rise. Another great journey was when we cycled around Bangkok and really got to see a different side to the city.

What are your top 3 places in the world?

Haight Ashbury is a lovely district in San Francisco and its right by Golden Gate Park. It’s full of really cool vintage clothes shops and the biggest record store I’ve ever seen! We climbed up some near vertical pavements to get there, but it was worth it!

Lake Praba Racha in Southern Thailand is one of the most beautiful and serene places I have ever visited. We stayed on a floating raft house and it was out of this world.

At home in the Devon countryside with my family and my dogs!

When did you get the travel bug?

I’m a bit of a latecomer to the ‘travel bug.’ It wasn’t really until my Thailand holiday this year that I got a real taste for travel in South East Asia. Tearing myself away after two weeks was very difficult indeed.

What is your least favourite accommodation you have stayed in?

A year or so ago, a group of us stayed in a friend’s cabin on an island in Sweden. My boyfriend and I slept in an outhouse which was a bit like a garden shed with a bed. On the first evening, my friend told me that the forest was overrun with rabid wolves. It’s safe to say that I had some trouble sleeping.

What is the best accommodation you have ever stayed in?

It was on a family holiday to Skiathos, Greece. We stayed in a beautiful villa that had an incredible infinity pool which overlooked the mountainside.

Where/what would you really like to visit?

There are so many places on my travel list at the moment and each day it gets longer and longer. I’m a bit of a wildlife fanatic so I’d love to go on an African safari in Kenya or Tanzania. I’m also dying to visit Sumatra in Indonesia, or take a Borneo trip to the Sepilok Centre to see orangutans. Hmm, I guess I’d better start saving now…

Hannah at the Golden Gate Bridge

If you had to settle in one place/emigrate somewhere, where would it be?

I really enjoy living by the sea so I think it would have to be San Francisco; it’s such a cool city. I’d shop constantly and cycle along the beach as much as possible. I don’t think I could tire of San Fran’s bohemian city life.

Where is the best place food-wise you have visited?

The tapas in Madrid is delicious (especially when it comes free with your beer!)

Where is the worst place food-wise you have visited?

Pretty much every time I’ve been to Berlin, I’ve struggled to find a square meal that’s vegetarian-friendly. There are just so many ‘curried hot dog’ vendors, it’s unbelievable.

What are your top 5 must-pack items?

An iPod complete with audiobooks and Karl Pilkington podcasts (for those long journeys).

Mosquito repellent (because no matter where I hide, they always find me)

Flip-flops or sandals

Cooling water spray (great if you can’t escape the sun)

A torch (because sometimes toilets are outside and sometime spiders hide in toilets)

What weird modes of transport have you travelled on?

I’m not sure if this counts but a few years ago, I went paragliding in Oludinez, Turkey. We were taken in a jeep which snaked its way up a very bumpy track. It felt like forever until we reached the top of the mountain. When we finally got there, we jumped off the edge (6000ft above the sea) and sailed on the thermals down to the beach. Awesome.

When you travel are you an early bird or a night owl?

It really depends on where I’m travelling. When I visited Khao Sok National Park  in Thailand, I was really eager to get up early to explore the jungle. Whereas, on the beach at Railay Bay, I preferred sitting on the beach until late into the evening with a Chang beer and watching lanterns float up into the night sky.

What is your favourite beer from around the world

It’s a tie between Berlin’s Berliner kindle and Beer Laos. 

Where is the most spiritual place you have been?

During our Bangkok tour, we decided to explore the city in search of a picturesque park that we’d read about. We got lost and ended up in a large courtyard which was lined with golden temples. With no tourists in sight, we sat on a bench and watched as the monks laughed with one another as they embellished the temples with flowers and decorations. It felt really spiritual – and we completely forgot about the park we were in search of!

What is the most beautiful building you have visited?

The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin. The original church still stands there but was badly damaged during the war and it now stands next to a new hexagonal shaped church of which its walls are completely lined with blue stained glass windows. It’s really quite breathtaking inside.

 What do you miss most from home whilst you are away?

My family. And Yorkshire Tea.

Ever since she began globe-trotting with her parents, Sophia has continued to indulge her wanderlust. Aged 16 and fuelled with a passion for travel, she booked her first independent India travel experience. After re-visiting the country an impressive six times, she pursued her dream of living and teaching in Thailand for nearly two years. Now she’s got a few more countries under her belt, she helps other excited travellers build their own trips.

What was your first great travel experience?

I headed off to India when I was 16 years old armed with my backpack and my Lonely Planet and wasn’t really sure what to expect – would I like it or not? Turns out I fell in love with India and have since been 6 or 7 times. You lose count! In fact I am heading off again in August on another trip there.

What are your top 3 places in the world?

The Gili Islands in Indonesia are amazing. The water is just so incredibly clear and the islands have a really nice vibe. Bangkok, as it is just such a buzzing city with so much going on all the time – day and night! Also, Pushkar in India as it has a really relaxed feel about it and it’s where you meet the loveliest of people.

Which passport stamp are you proudest of?

My Thailand working visa; as it reminds me of a really good time in my life.

When did you get the travel bug?

My parents (especially my mum) are quite seasoned travellers having been many places like Thailand, America, Cuba, Morocco, India, Russia, Turkey, Cape Verde etc and I was lucky enough to be taken on several trips with them when I was younger.

What place/thing exceeded your expectations?

I recently visited the Terracotta Army during a Xi’an trip in China. I was excited to go travelling around China, but the main attraction was the Great Wall so I wasn’t overly excited about visiting the Terracotta Army. However, it was incredible in real life – it’s just so vast and you cannot imagine how many figurines there seems to be! I t was a real highlight of my China travels.

Where/what would you really like to visit?

There are too many places to be able to list them. However, I think the top of my list are Tibet, Eastern Africa, Costa Rica and Bolivia.

If you had to settle in one place/emigrate somewhere, where would it be?

I think it would have to be Thailand. I have lived there before so I know I can be quite happy there. Plus, you have the advantage of East meets West. You have big shopping centres, but you also have temples and street stalls selling the most delicious and inexpensive food. There is nightlife, parties, nice food, good drink and lovely people. Also, the weather is fantastic and you are only a bus trip or a short flight away from the beach!

Where is the best place food-wise you have visited?

Thailand and India are the places for me. Thailand as I love the flavours of the food and if I was only ever allowed to eat one thing for the rest of my life it would have to be the Thai Green Curry, no thought required! However, being a vegetarian; India is the perfect place as half the population are vegetarian you have such a vast choice of dishes, all of which are cooked to perfection. I am in food heaven when I am in India!

Where is the first place you ever visited?

This was probably Morocco as a two year old with my parents. My dad is Moroccan so I have returned on too many occasions to count on my hands!

What are your top 5 must-pack items?

• My iPod – I need to have some music on me.
• I would have to say my notebook if travelling on a longer trip as it is useful for emails/Skype etc.
• A bikini so that I can run straight into the sea at the first opportunity.
• A nice outfit (not the usual backpacker wear) including a pair of heels as you never know what you will be invited to…
• And some sunglasses of course!

Which country did you find to be the friendliest?

This really depends, Thailand is called the land of smiles and it really is… provided you go off the beaten track a bit. This is the same with Laos…. I found that in the cities the people were hardened towards tourists, but the more that you head off the well-travelled tourist route then the nicer the people become.

Have you ever worked abroad? If so explain….

I worked as an English teacher in Thailand for nearly two years teaching children from the age of 3 to 11 during the day and teaching university students and adults in the evenings.

Do you travel for the sights/the wildlife/the culture or the people?

I love experiencing new sights, new food and new people. I love to be out of my comfort zone, seeing more of the world and increasing my knowledge of the world and different cultures. I think it will make me a better person in the long run.

Who would be your ideal travel companion?

I would find it hilarious to travel with Karl Pilkington as he has such a funny view of the world and of travel. However, I think that he would annoy me after a while. I love travelling with people who are positive, fun and up for a laugh and an adventure.

If you had just 24 hours in a big city which one would it be?

It is difficult to choose, but I think it would have to be Bangkok and it would be a crazy 24 hours.

What is the best beach you have been to and why?

I love Palolem beach in Goa, it is so peaceful and although it is not the prettiest beach in the world – it has character and I love how it is not too touristy!

What is the most beautiful building/natural sight you have visited?

This is a toss-up between the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal. Both are spectacular and even more amazing in the flesh. The Great Wall is incredible and watching it spiralling across the rolling hills is fascinating. And for the Taj Mahal…. what a spectacular show of love! It is truly beautiful and it is great to watch the colour of the marble changing throughout the day. 

What do you miss most from home whilst you are away?

My bed, my family and my friends, and the British sense of humour.

Bali is home to lots of fascinating places both inland and along the tropical coastline; so much so, that it can be hard to know where to begin. Whether you’re seeking wildlife, temples or an idyllic beach spot, here’s a list of my Top 5 Bali Destinations which will hopefully make planning your Indonesia travels just that little bit easier;

1) Ubud
Just an hour from the airport, you’ll find yourself in the green heart of Bali. Ubud is an artistic town with tons of fine restaurants and arty shops, surrounded by the fresh green terraced paddy fields. Wildlife enthusiasts, take note: right in the centre of the town you’ll find the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary where you can spot countless long-tailed macaques clambering over ornate Balinese statues.

Dolphins of Lovina

2) Lovina
Lovina is a great addition to your Indonesia holiday and has been a popular hideaway for backpackers and adventure travellers for years. It has a chilled out, laid-back atmosphere and boasts lots of little restaurants, shops and diving schools. Thanks to a large shrimp population in the waters around Lovina, the area attracts lots of dolphins. You’ll need to set off early in the morning with a local guide in a traditional Jukung boat. The water is as smooth as glass at this time of day and before you know it, you’ll hear splashing alongside the boat as the first group of dolphins appear- a real highlight of any Indonesia holiday!

3) Pemuteran
Permuteran is a lovely little bay with beautiful hotels and one of Bali’s best sandy beaches right on your doorstep. A very successful coral reef restoration project is being run by local businesses in the area, which means you can rent a snorkel and mask and see amazing marine life and corals only 10 metres off the beach. Menjangan Island is nearby and you can go on a boat trip to the island in search of colourful fish and sea turtles. These day trips are run by the local dive shop and you get your own professional snorkelling guide, and lunch and drinks are also provided. You can also choose to visit the Barat National Park to spot exotic birds and other wildlife in the forest and mangroves.

4) Munduk
If you’re after an active adventure on your Indonesia trip you could pay a visit to Munduk, a charming Balinese mountain village. Located in the north of Bali, here you’ll find beautiful traditional houses and a comfortably cool climate thanks to its relatively high altitude. The area surrounding the village is great for treks through the jungle and rice paddies of the mountains. There are many local guides that can take you on an environmental trek through the lush countryside, showing you the coffee, clove, vanilla and avocado plantations dotted through the jungle. You can also trek to a few beautiful lakes and the picturesque Red Coral Waterfall. The treks range from light hikes lasting 2 – 3 hours, and more adventurous treks that take you deeper into the mountains, lasting 6 – 7 hours.

The serene water palace at Tirtagangga

5) Tirtagangga
Hidden in the heart of Bali, amidst bright green rice paddies, lies the magical Tirtagangga Water Palace. Tirtagangga literally means “water from the Ganges”. You can sleep in the palace itself where you can go for a royal swim in the pool of the former sovereign. Tirtagangga is an ideal base for trekking through the surrounding countryside. If you fancy a little dose of culture during your Indonesia holiday, you can spend a couple of days with a local family as part of a Bali homestay, learning more about how the locals live in the stunning landscape. 

Happy planning!

My poor husband Dave always has to spend his birthday in a place he’d rather not be, due to my obsession with travel, and the belief that an unusual situation away from the usual Brighton pub crawl will enhance his birthday experience. I’ve taken him camping in Wales, even though he hates camping and it poured with rain the whole time we were away. He’s also been to Rome for his birthday, so I could do some research for my university project. He enjoyed the Coliseum but has no interest in Italy as a country or Italian food. It’s not that he’s uncultured or ungrateful for the travelling experiences I drag him along on, but he just loves being in Brighton for his birthday, with the people and the pubs that he loves!

I don’t learn, or maybe I’m just a horrible wife,  but this year I thought it would be great for Dave  to spend his birthday in a little mountain tribe village in northern Thailand. We would be staying in a shared barn with other travellers and a cold open-air shower- a great way to experience Thailand! Like the other birthday destinations I have taken my hubby to, Dave has never actually been interested in travelling to Thailand. However I do think it’s been his most pleasurable birthday abroad so far!

Chiang Dao village

We spent two days trekking through the jungle, rice paddies, waterfalls and ravines of the Chiang Dao province, spending the evenings cooking and singing Christmas songs with the mountain tribe villagers. We awoke on his birthday at around 6am to the sound of the cockerel’s crowing, the villagers chattering and the smell of Banana pancakes cooked by our energetic and knowledgeable guide. I produced a slightly squashed banana cake with candles that I’d been carrying for three days in my tiny trekking rucksack, and myself and the other girls on our trek sang happy birthday to Dave! I might have even seen a small smile appear on his face… The rest of the day was spent trekking through other mountain tribe villages, meeting the locals, learning about their way of life and watching little pigs, hens and dogs dart about the hills.

We also visited a local primary school and floated down a river on a bamboo raft. It was tiring, messy and hard going at times, but when we slumped back on our luxurious bed in our comfortable Chiang Mai hotel, we realised how lucky we were to have had such an authentic Thai adventure. I’m sure Dave was very grateful for his unique birthday trip. We topped it off with a hot shower and a Thai Boxing match before heading down to Khao Yai National Park for another taste of the jungle.

How to prepare for your Thailand jungle trek

• Buy a sleeping bag liner from a camping shop in the UK. They only cost around £10 and are really handy for sleeping in on the overnight treks as well as sleeper trains.
• Be prepared to get muddy and wet (waterfalls and bamboo rafting!) so don’t take any valuables and wrap your camera in something waterproof. Also take a change of clothes for the evening. The comfort of wearing clean dry clothes is priceless!
• Unsurprisingly there are no shops in the jungle, so make sure you take enough sun cream, mossie repellent and LOTS of toilet roll/baby wipes so there’s plenty to go round.
• Take small notes to buy souvenirs from the villagers as this helps them sustain their lifestyle.
• Take a warm hoodie if travelling to Thailand in the cool season (November to February) as the nights can get chilly.