On a mundane Thursday morning,I walked into my yoga studio as usual and a fellow practitioner mentioned that she was going to Koh Phangan to a yoga retreat, she said that she got a very good deal.I was in desperate need of a solo break and was researching about eco friendly camps and treks near Buriram. I could not find any and I hate researching, I always wish someone can get into my mind and make the perfect customized itinerary for me but I have not found anyone who can do that.I had just gotten back from Khao Lak a few weeks ago and did not really want to go back to the south of Thailand.Ko Phangan was the last place I wanted to visit at that time.She went on about how excited she is to visit the yoga retreat ,I kept nodding my head and spontaneously decided that I will go to Ko Phangan.
I called the yoga retreat in Koh Phangan, booked a room and then booked my flight and ferry.It was the most spontaneous decision I had ever made, although I have lived in Thailand for twelve years,I have never visited this particular island.I always thought it is noisy and for people who want to party all night and my idea of a holiday is exploring nature trails, discovering local weaving communities and looking for sustainable travel stories.
I did some research and found that there is so much to see and do in Koh Phangan.To my surprise,I saw some beautiful waterfall trekking trails too so I packed my trekking shoes but I never used them because Koh Phangan completely slowed me down.All I did was eat, chill, practice yoga, watch the gorgeous sunsets and sleep.As soon as i checked into my 1000bhat room at Orion Healing which included a yoga class and a meal,I could feel my brain relaxing.The room was basic and minimalistic and built in harmony with the environment,I appreciated their no plastic policy and the variety of options in their plant based cafe.There were genuine efforts made to be eco friendly,I spoke to the manager and she mentioned that they were considering switching to solar energy but covid has made it difficult because of lack of funds.It is really sad to see the travel and tourism industry in Thailand struggling so much,It was the most vibrant and thriving industry.
I had originally booked for 4 nights but decided to stay for a week.The island is so calm and welcoming and there are beautiful beaches for swimming.It was indeed paradise, the water was calm and crystal clear and the beaches were clean.Most people think this island is only for backpackers, hippies and yogis but there are options for luxury travelers too.Besides gorgeous beaches, this island has picturesque temples, tropical waterfalls, jungle treks and breathtaking view points.The best travel time to Koh Phangan is January,February and March.The months of April to August could get humid and from September to December, it usually rains.
This is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous islands on the gulf of Thailand with the most breathtaking sunsets I have ever witnessed.I have an obsession with sunsets especially on the beaches in the gulf of Thailand.I can spend three full hours just staring at the sky and the way the colors fall on the water, some sunsets are so magical and I love how quickly it turns from bright orange to pink and finally purple before it fades away into the night.
On my first day in the island,I was sitting at the cafe in my hotel and a stranger came up to me and asked me if I was going to attend the cryptocurrency class.I thought I heard it wrong,I had only heard of meditation ,healing and yoga classes on this island so I said,”What did you say?”.He repeated himself and I said,”Are you joking?”.He said,”No, there are classes here on how to invest in cryptocurrency and most people on this island are heavily invested into cryptocutrency.
This was really interesting and I thought to myself that we are truly in the era of the digital nomad and nothing should really be surprising anymore.Elon Musk tweeted recently that he believes that the current financial system is outdated and block chain and bitcoin wallet will make the world more fair and open.The world is changing rapidly and this quite island in the gulf of Thailand is keeping up to the fast paced changes while it exists in a completely calm and slow pace.A perfect blend of fast and slow, each traveller can choose what they want for themselves.
This is exactly how I felt when i was leaving,
Dear Koh Phangan,
You never ceased to surprise me.I had so many pre conceived notions about you but you proved me wrong.I thought you will be loud and annoying but you were quite and calming.You were the perfect spring I was craving for, your skies, your beaches and your sunsets made me realize that there is so much beauty in this world if we keep our mind and heart open to receiving it.