A Day in Koh Phangan

The day I am about to describe is the day I witnessed one of the greatest shows on Earth. With almost 180 degree views of open waters, the silhouettes of clouds and islands decorated the line where the ocean met the sky. Ships and boats moved through the water leaving a trail in their wake on an otherwise calm surface that mirrored the sky. The sun began its slow descent. Light at different wavelengths shot across the open sky painting the whiffs of ephemeral clouds passing by in shades of red. The breeze blew soft, now cooler, refreshing. The show had begun and the audience fell silent.

An attempt at describing a phenomenon like this in words is nearly futile. I could tell you it was beautiful. All those who witnessed it were, for a moment, collectively entranced. But you’d probably think I’m exaggerating. The most I can do is vouch for it and hope that one day you find yourself where I was, experiencing it for yourself.

But the sunset by itself wasn’t the only reason this was one of my favorite days. It actually started the night before.

On the previous night, I decided to call it an early night as my friends headed out for some late evening exploration. Despite major FOMO, I picked up the world renowned Cheese and Ham sandwich from @7eleven and went back to my room.

Tucked into the sheets by 10:30 pm, I woke up fresh and energetic at 6:00 am. The plan was to go for a run, but the rain tapping on the shed like a drummer with a thousand fingers seemed to disagree.

I had missed out on a night out with my friends and for what? To be up and trapped inside my room before the sun was out? Not good enough!

I paced around and even tried to go to sleep, but that didn’t work. So I made myself some hotel room coffee, sat outside and listened to the quiet broken by the pitter patter of the rain.

Time went by slowly. I started doing push ups in between my sets of solitude, and soon enough the rain let up.

Shoes on, spirits high, I headed out of the resort and began to run.

I’m convinced that this is one of the best ways to start the day in a foreign land. The streets are empty and unadulterated. The air is crisp and the light from the rising sun hits at just the right angle, not too soft or harsh. You have the place all to yourself.

The first few kilometres were relatively easy, but then I had to cross a series of little hills which brought me down to a walking pace. At the top of the ascent, I could see the road bend down and rise again. On the descent, I let go of my legs, shooting down the hill and nearly crashing at the bottom.

Almost 9 kilometers later, drenched in sweat, I arrived at Haad Rin, the venue for the period Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan.

In the morning, it was quite the opposite of what one would imagine the place to be like. Deserted, barely a soul around. I walked around, taking it all in, and it soon started to come to life.

I picked up a vitamin drink from another 7 Eleven which seemed to be everywhere in Thailand. Then I found a nice spot by the beach. I ordered a traditional Thai meal, wiped my plate clean and began the journey back home.

I had already walked almost 2 kms in the now excruciating sun when I got a hitchhike all the way back to my resort. In contrast to all the other days when I would just be waking up, I had already explored a part of the island, pushed myself near my limits and earned a sumptuous meal. And in contrast to my solo adventure in the morning, I shared one of the greatest shows on Earth with my friends.