In August this year I took my very first solo holiday overseas. I went to the south of Thailand for a week, which isn't a long time to others but I like to mark milestones whether big or small! The trip was everything I thought it would be; fun, challenging, hot, absolutely stunning and the perfect backdrop to All Saint's song Pure Shores.
I split the seven days in to seeing Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands, Krabi and a day trip to the James Bond Island. Thailand was the tropical paradise I had been hoping for and so much more. The people were so kind, friendly and tolerant despite the humidity and heat. The food, the food was next level! It was like eating your favourite Thai takeaway twice a day. I ate a lot of pineapple fried rice, pad thai and green curry. And the scenery, well it was just magical. The limestone cliffs, the green/blue water look just like the photos, but to be standing in front of it, being in the presence of such natural beauty, was very special. I feel like the photos are there to not just capture the scene but also the moment and the feeling, so that when you look back on them you remember exactly what it was like and how you felt.
Even though my Thailand stay was very short, I was determined to make the most of my week. I committed myself to being mindful and present in every moment of the holiday. I revelled in every new/different/exciting experience and soaked up the moments when it was just me, the sun, the ocean and a good book.
Whilst I won't be excitedly hoping on the next plane to Phuket itself, I highly recommend going to Phi Phi Island and Krabi. Phi Phi was every part the backpacker friendly, party town island which I really enjoyed despite not being much of a party-goer. Krabi had a more relaxed, blissed out, quiet vibe that was a pleasant change from the aforementioned Phi Phi. Phuket, well, I found it a bit 'meh' after spending time elsewhere. I can't wait to go back and explore further north in Thailand. Everyone I spoke to on the trip asked if I had been to Koh Phangan which I haven't so it's top of the list for my next Thailand visit!
