Episode 5 - Mae Sariang to Koh Phi Phi

This week the teams were journeying across Thailand, from Mae Sariang to Koh Phi Phi. From the start it was clear this was going to be a tight race, with Stephen and Viv holding only a two minute lead, and the Phi Phi islands requiring scheduled boat transport, which tends to crunch the teams together.

With their 120 seconds headstart Stephen and Viv set off hitchhiking to Chiang Mai. Despite having the largest remaining budget, the couple are still worried about spending money, getting a lift here, and later opting for the cheapest train tickets, leading to a 13 hour train ride with no air-con.

Like all the teams they chose to travel through Bangkok, although their budget focused trip meant they stopped off for a quick job first as duck herders. With that extra cash however they then took a sightseeing trip to the Gulf of Thailand to see some pink dolphins. There we learnt a bit more about Viv’s background and health issues, and it was nice to see how much she and Stephen care for each other. 

Still less harmonious as a team were Eugenie and Isabel - arguing from the minute they left; although as that appeared to be early in the morning and without much sleep it was somewhat understandable.

Their route took them towards Bangkok via Mae Sot, stopping at the Erawan Falls for a bit of rest, relaxation, and screaming at the scary fish! 😀

They did seem to reach some sort of mutual admiration, with Isabel hearing more about Eugenie’s younger years and Eugenie acknowledging more of Isabel's spirit. They still seem the most fractious team, and with budgets looking low I’m not sure their patience will improve if conditions worsen.

Possibly a more contrasting duo, but much better at collaborating on compromises were Betty and James.

Leaving third they didn’t want to wait for the Bangkok bus so took a route towards Chiang Mai, where James took them to a Muay Thai boxing bout, and Betty took them to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep - a sacred Buddhist Temple. My personal favourite moment of the episode was Betty not being convinced she wanted to watch the fighting, followed by an instant change of mind when she spotted popcorn!

We also got a bit more back story on James, and the reason he’s in the race. His cricketing prowess was very visually demonstrated by his remarkable confidence playing right in front of some large glass windows, but apparently that’s not enough to make the Yorkshire team.

It was nice this week to see both of them connecting with each other's style of travel, although the peaceful tranquillity they’d found at the Temple seemed instantly forgotten as they had to leg it for the bus to Bangkok.

Far less rushed were Alfie and Owen who started 11 hours behind and decided they would get the direct bus, but then had to wait till the next day to leave checkpoint 4.

Not sure if events here would have been the same had they not got the expensive taxi at the end of the last episode, arriving later but with less of a wait at this point.

I think they became the first ever team to work at the checkpoint itself, setting rooms and cleaning in an attempt to work while they waited.

Their gamble paid off well though, as the bus got them to Bangkok with enough time to check out the giant reclining buddha at Wat Pho, work at a Guava farm and then catch up with leg-leaders Stephen and Viv.

Their meetup prompted a furious race finale, with the boys convinced they would beat the older couple in a footrace, and all teams facing the question of ferries or speedboats, locating the right beach and getting long-tail boats to checkpoint 5.

Betty and James were the only team to approach from Phuket, and the only team to pay for the speedboat to the island. The others all took the slower ferry from Krabi, with Alfie and Owen trying to follow Stephen and Viv who were doing their best to try to leave them behind.

It turns out the speedboat was the winning move, with Betty and James taking first place, with Stephen and Viv, and Alfie and Owen coming in only 14 minutes later.

Eugenie and Isabel arrived last, but only just over 2 hours behind the lead siblings, leaving a very tight position to start the next leg.

Maybe more interesting than the position is the budget which shows all the teams looking pretty low on funds with 3 weeks still to go.

The comparative spend is pretty similar right now, with all but Alfie and Owen declining at a similar rate. But with Betty and James in the weakest position financially, and over 10% lower then Stephen and Viv they might really struggle to keep up if they have to stop and work to make more money.

So do you think you can predict the winner for episode 6? Get your prediction in here!