“I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” — Mark Twain
While the above quote is certainly true, we had a blast ending our Thailand journey with friends from home (and we still like them all, if not more!). The Thailand volunteer program ended on the islands. After transporting pounds of poo and digging deep to construct a garden we were ready for some fun in the sun and to connect with friendly faces.
Koh Phangan
After a grueling eight hour bus ride to a barf-boat ferry we finally arrived at the infamous “Full Moon Party” island of Koh Phangan. We checked into our minimal hostel-like bungalow 50 steps from the beach, ate some average Pad Thai, and relaxed as we awaited the arrival of our homies from VA/DC.
We decided to get a feel for the island by hitting the “Jungle Party” which takes place the night before every Full Moon Party. It is a wild party up in the mountainous jungle filled with glow in the dark body/face paint, typical Thai fire antics (ropes, balls, etc.), overpriced buckets, and some funky DJs. We obviously went and crushed it. In retrospect, we personally found this event better than Full Moon. Maybe we’re getting older. I think not – just wiser. The night concluded with 15 of us in the back of a massive truck belting out lyrics to 90s throwback jams in our best voices ever acapella style.
The parties go late so after a short nights sleep it was the day of the notorious Full Moon Party. The second biggest one of the year (behind the one on New Years) so there was a lot of hype. After a full day of non-stop torrential downpour and flooded streets we thought it might get cancelled. We were slightly concerned with how the night was going to play out, but of course full moon prevailed. We all made a pact to see the sunrise no matter what, and we did despite sickly Nates fever and chills. To keep it simple, here’s how the Full Moon Party should be done:
- Come with a crew. Particularly one that is always positive, can tear down a dance floor, and can hang until the wee hours of the morning
- Wear an obnoxious neon flower headband, get yourself painted with fluorescent colors, and drink a bucket…or four
- Stay up to see the sunrise
- Do not partake in any of those childish fire games or climb unsteady 5 story wooden structures that get torched with fire…although they did make for a suspenseful night
- Ignore the music. It sucks and so do the sound systems – so bring earplugs
Koh Phi Phi
Since three separate groups of friends conveniently planned vacations in Thailand, our Koh Phangan crew headed over to Koh Phi Phi next to meet up with a second group and combine forces. This island was our favorite Thai spot. No cars or roads, just walking paths, taxi boats, and cats (seriously though, why were there so many cats?). The island has good nightlife, but exploring different hikes and discovering untouched pristine beaches was the highlight. Specifically, going to see “The Beach” from the Leonardo DiCaprio movie and floating in random coves surrounded by massive limestone cliffs were two experiences worth going back for. We quite literally screamed of happiness (followed by a sick echo) while doggy paddling like children through the turquoise waters. Make sure to bring a bottle of “Monkey Shoulder” to share with your friends and your UE Boom to enhance your experience.
Our final night on the island we celebrated with a surprise DJ set as DBT went back to back with a Brazilian DJ at our favorite venue on the island: Tree House. It turned into an epic dance party with people breaking it down in the club and stomping the streets outside the entrance. DBTnation was in full force!
10 bowls of Tom Kha soup later, we headed over to Phuket to merge with the third and final group of friends from home.
Phuket
We stayed at a beautiful brand new airbnb and rocked the streets of Phuket. We rented scooters to maximize our time. We hit up tons of beaches, with “Kata” being our #1. Kata is extremely wide, has the softest sand, and is a perfect spot to swim and watch the sunset – making for an epic ending to a long beach day. The adjacent street is lined with a market full of meat sticks, smoothies, and hippie style clothing. Grab yourself some Chang beers and hang out all day.
Renting a boat for the day with the crew was the highlight of Phuket for us. From island to island, cove to cove, good music, drinks, and people made this day one to remember. Getting out on a boat (or three) in Thailand to explore is an absolute must. Roll up to the beach, find a guy with a boat, and ask him to take you to his favorite spots. Trust in captain. You won’t be disappointed.
Shoutout to all of our friends who came across the world to hang with us. There is nothing like making memories in foreign places with familiar faces 🙂
Off to the Philippines 🇵🇭!
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