The Summer I Went to Thailand

Thailand was an out of body experience. I feel like nothing really prepares you to go to a country on the complete other side of the world and feel comfortable right away. It was a trip for sure.

We landed in Bangkok first. What I learned from Bangkok was that 1) the malls were the absolute coolest malls you will ever see. And 2) I learned not to take a tuktuk.

We got to explore Koh Samui and Koh Phangan next. We spent our days at SEEN Beach Club, sipping on cocktails and eating the most delicious food. It was the place to be. I had so much fun swimming in their infinite pool and being able to access the beach so easily.

For years it has been my dream to attend the Full Moon Party in Thailand and finally I made it!!! The journey there was terrifying as we had to take a boat from Koh Samui to the neighboring island during a full moon which meant the waves were insane. I thought I had just bought a ticket to die. But we made it! And once we did we partied hard. In fact we partied harder than anyone else on that beach. And the few moments that we were able to live it up will forever be engrained in my mind.

After recovering from the multiple bucket cocktails I had we headed over the Phi Phi Islands on the other side of Thailand. Now let me tell you, when I say I have never been to such a gorgeous place in my life... I have NEVER been to such a gorgeous place before in my life. You know when you buy a postcard of the destination you visit and the postcard just looks way better? Like enhanced? Well the Phi Phi Islands looked exactly like their postcards. And when I tell you I have not felt as happy as I did the day we got a private boat tour of Maya Bay and went snorkeling... I felt so stress free and beyond happy. The water was stunning, the islands looked like they were straight out of a movie, the fish were beautiful, and I felt at peace. It was one of those core memories that I will remember forever.

I left a piece of my heart in Maya Bay that day.

We ended our two week backpacking experience in Phuket. I found this part of the trip to be relaxing. Not nearly as life changing as the other parts but still a good time. Here I found out I have a love for Mojitos. I also got to enjoy lots of fresh watermelon. We all also got to find out what a pingpong show is...(We did not attend) LOL. We sang at the top of our lungs on the way home from the club in our taxi with our heads out the window. We saw the James Bond Island that was actually in one of the movies! Oh and the best part: We rode elephants!! We also got to bathe and feed these beautiful creatures. Another core memory for sure. Looking into their eyes you can tell that they are an intelligent animal. I was so happy that day.

Backpacking Thailand was such a once in a lifetime experience. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to be able to take a trip like this. I am so happy that I got to live out my little Indy Blue travel era dreams.