It’s 8 o’clock in the morning, you partied hard last night, and there’s life from the swimming pool and from families making their way to breakfast that force you to roll out of bed.
Yeah friend, I’ve been there, I know how that feels.
This type of noise won’t be a problem in a bamboo hut. This is the place where you’ll meet laid back travellers who are sleeping in like yourself.
Let’s jump in and see who and what I’m getting at.
(Phot by Reid Feily)
The hammock
Is there anything nicer than lounging in a hammock, enraptured by that cradling sense of softly swaying from side to side?
Swinging in a hanging bed of canvas in time with exotic birds’ chirping is a relaxing experience you won’t have in a hotel room.
I have yet to stumble across a 5-star hotel that provides people with this priceless thing we call a hammock. Besides, expensive resorts are usually not built in the middle of the jungle – a retreat where you’ll hear talking crickets and the calming sounds of a greater coucal – or Nok Ka Put, as Thais call this great bird.
And if there’s a black cuckoo with conspicuously red eyes, drowning the Nok Ka Put out, rest assured, the Asian koel will also be disturbing the rich in gilded rooms.
To prevent ‘the most annoying bird in Thailand’ from making your mind kaput, just put on a soothing record or suss out your bungalow neighbours. I’m very sure you’ll run into real special guys.
The Koh Phangan legends
One legendary name is Alex! If you’ve been on the island for a while, you must’ve come across him. Some detractors call him ‘crazy Russian’, but I can’t agree with that.
Born and bred in Germany to Russian parents, this cheerful bloke has a stone for everybody. His affable charm will make you warm up to him instantly, an acquaintance you won’t find in a hotel.
You might’ve heard of Moti, better known as ‘beautiful’. Why not, actually? Spreading love, he rocks all the time.
Do these guys look as if they could moan about your pre-party, or your after-hours for that matter?
(photo by Mass Feily)
If you loiter in dazzling hotels and on private beaches only, chances are you won’t come across exuberant islanders.
Speaking of people who live on Koh Phangan, bamboo bungalows come with an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Thai culture. Locals will have time to spare, letting you in on their cultural values.
The locals
Why shell out money you could blow wiser – e.g. on a drum or didgeridoo?
The hippies
The connoisseurs of the art of living are not really the people you’ll bump into in luxurious hotels. Another reason why you’d better stay somewhere you can be yourself.
Every evening at sunset, the hedonists gather at Zen Beach to play the drums and Australia’s sonic icon.
This is the place where you can play hula hoop, do a handstand, or let your hair down in whichever way you like.
Either way, don’t let the daily grind drive you bananas, get the fudge out of your city. Adventure is calling.
The island of Koh Phangan – and the peeps – miss you heaps.
Written by and Photo Cr - Philipp Meier - Freelance Health and Travel Writer
I'm Philipp Meier, Freelance Health and Travel Writer / Translator. Formerly an accountant and English teacher, I now enjoy a quieter life as an expat in Thailand, writing travel-, alternative and mental health-related articles. I'm particularly passionate about Thai culture and travelling off the beaten track in the Land of Smiles. Find me on writerphilippmeier.com.
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