On a small set of islands, isolated far off the south east coast of mainland Thailand, a profoundly culturally diverse collection of travelers celebrate the essence of holiday, in all of its magnificent styles and rhythms. The islands of Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Koh Samui are to this day somewhat hidden treasures - not yet overrun with package tour vacationers - where you can still find your own personal soft beach, with your own bungalow, and all for a price that is a mere fraction of what it would cost to stay at your local Motel 6. Many beaches are only accessible by way of longboat (no roads), and for the price of a boat ride from a local (approx. $3), you can tap their expertise to drop you off in a secluded resort, about as far away from the rest of the world as you can hope to get without falling off the planet.
For those who enjoy the social experience of vacation; savvy travelers from Australia, New Zealand, India, Norway, Russia, England, China, Japan, Canada (you get the picture) create an adventurous mix of people to mingle with and interact (if your heart so desires). Furthermore, its safe to say that if you have found these islands (or if these islands have found you), then you are for the most part a fun loving and adventurous spirit open to new ideas, experiences, and interesting conversation - so do not be surprised at the open social nature of the daytime beach activities and fervent nightlife.
The food,
miraculously priced as
affordable gourmet meals, feature fresh vegetables, fruits, seafoods, and traditional thai cooking (read: yummy), as well as comfort foods from back home to service the diverse crowd that filters through the isles. The nightlife ranges from relaxing walks on the soft beaches to where occasional bars and restaurants almost appear out of nowhere, and entice you in with their display of fresh seafood caught that morning and a fire-performer for your entertainment (note: these hyper-talented fire dancers also often times will dual task as your waiter as well).
The nightlife peaks on full moons, when the island visitors all pilgrimage to the 1 mile wide beach of Haad Rin (located on the NE corner of Koh Phangan) for their infamous “Full Moon Party.” Words cannot describe the sheer fun-sanity that occurs here, except to try and explain it as fiasco and mayhem, multiplied by people of every country and culture, multiplied by mardi gras and bottled into one night of unbridled excitement. If you are faint of heart, or not into partying, then avoid this wild scene and instead stay home for a relaxing and private night in your bungalow. Staying home to watch the full moon glimmer off of the soothing waves, as you sway back and forth from the hammock on the front porch of your bungalow, while the jungle behind you makes a soothing soundtrack is not too shabby an option.
For those interested in experiencing the Thai culture, the islands provide many an opportunity. Temples (Wats), elephant riding, playing with monkeys, thai massages, thai kickboxing matches (often rigged so never make sidebets with the referee - not that i’ve tried it or anything), the soft and peaceful nature of the Thai people, and all the other cultural elements that can be found in the big cities (Bangkok, Chang Mai) can be found here, and without the sewage smell and terrifying smog that often comes along with the larger metropolises of Thailand.
The islands also provide amazing recreational opportunities that cannot be found on the mainland, such as world class scuba diving (training and certification); as well as zip lining, world-class yoga sanctuaries, jungle trekking, and the picturesque beach sunrises and sunsets.
