Ko Phangan, Thailand
Coming in on the ferry over turquoise blue water Ko Phangan dead ahead. The island is beautiful with Skittles buildings and homes lining the shore with a inclining backdrop of luscious green trees.
As we worked our way off the ferry we realized we needed to find a way to our hotel in Haad Rin. Weirdly enough, there were no taxis cars in sight. However, the area was covered with scooters and their drivers trying to coerce everyone and their mother to get a ride from them.
“How are you going to carry us and our suitcases?” We asked one driver who had successfully gotten our attention.
The driver simply pointed between his legs and in rough english said, “No problem.” Good enough for us, so we hopped on the back of the scooter me on one and my boyfriend on the other. What made it absolutely worth it was that now I will have a forever picture in my mind of my six foot six boyfriend straddling a little probably only five-five thin Thai man. They had to have been the sweetest looking couple I have ever seen taking a scooter ride. Up and down twist and turns, other scooters and cars whipping by us, but we made it safely to Haad Rin and our hotel
We had come to the island for the notorious Full Moon Party, though great fun craziness of lights, numerous djs, buckets of alcohol, fire, hugs, stumbles, and waves crashing on the shore. There was even a water slide and random pull up bar where the guys showed off their muscle, or for some the lack thereof. Yet, my favorite moment on Ko Phangan was renting scooters and riding around the island.
As we were riding down the main road that connects Haad Rin and the main pier we arrived at we came across a SUP (stand up paddle) board rental sign. To get down to the board rental and the water was probably one of the steepest inclines I have ever seen. At one point it looked only a mountain goat could get up the hill. There was definitely no way we were going to get the scooter down, nonetheless back up. Very meticulously we made our way down and found an adorable hotel. Beautiful wood and bamboo elevated huts scattered about that open right out onto the sand. A little bar and restaurant (with pool table included) was in the center and looked out onto the screen saver photo beach. Bamboo lounge chairs lined the beach under the delicate shade of palm trees. There was even one palm tree, in classic paradise picture form, sticking out towards the water with a rope swing hanging off it.
Jumping on the boards we paddled out. Unluckily for us the wind had a bit of a kick to it making a decent current to the north. If you ever want to try a paddling sport, a tip to keep in mind, always paddle into the current to start. One, you will know if it is even doable, two it will be ten times easier to get back when you're exhausted.
I would definitely recommend getting out on the water while visiting the island. Rent a paddle board, kayak, jet ski, boat, whatever you like so you can truly capture the beauty of the island and who knows what you may find.
As we paddled (getting a great workout might I add) we passed by beautiful natural rock formations, gazed upon hidden homes up in the mountainous green jungle, and came across picturesque homes/hotels on private beaches. One rustic home even had what looked like a small outside stage with circling concrete benches. Though slightly covered in graffiti I could see some festive bonfires and even a drum circle taking place with a great group of friends. All this we would not have even known existed if we had stayed on land.
As we made our way back we just let the wind and the waves carry us. This time we were paddling with the current making it a very easy and almost unnecessary paddle in. The locals helped us bring the boards back up and got us some fresh coconuts to refresh and relax. If you are ever in Thailand you must drink from a fresh coconut they are everywhere and the locals highly recommend it as do I.
We took our time drinking because we know once we were done it was back up the treacherous incline to our scooter.
**also read on breedlove-yoga.com**