Koh Phangan: Where the Only Plan is No Plan

Parshva Kothari
4 min readMay 29, 2023

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<a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/tropical-beach-view-point-similan-islands-andaman-sea-thailand_8472982.htm#query=Koh%20Phangan&position=3&from_view=search&track=ais">Image by diana.grytsku</a> on Freepik

Greetings, fellow adventure seekers! I’m excited to share with you my plan for my first solo adventure to Koh Phangan, Thailand. This trip was not planned, but I figured I should do something productive before I completely lose my mind.

After losing someone I love, I realized that I needed to take some time off and go on a journey of self-discovery. That’s why I decided to embark on this trip to Koh Phangan, without any plan or itinerary. I mean, who needs to plan when the universe has got your back, right?

This trip is not just about exploring a new place or learning about a new culture, but it’s also about surrendering to the universe’s will. As Michael Singer writes in “The Surrender Experiment,” when we let go of our own plans and desires and surrender to the flow of life, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities and opportunities.

By embarking on this journey without any plan or itinerary, I’m surrendering to the universe’s will and trusting that it will guide me to where I need to be. I’m letting go of my own expectations and desires and allowing myself to grow and learn in ways that I never thought possible.

Koh Phangan is known for its pristine beaches, lush forests, and stunning waterfalls. I plan on renting a motorbike or a bicycle and exploring the island at my own pace. I want to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the island and immerse myself in its culture. And by immerse, I mean take a lot of selfies and pretend to be a local.

I plan to wander around the island and find a place that speaks to me. It might be a small bungalow on the beach or a treehouse in the jungle. Or it might be a corner of the local McDonald’s with free Wi-Fi. Who knows? But I trust that the universe will guide me to the right place.

Koh Phangan is also known as Tantra Island, due to the island’s reputation as a destination for spiritual seekers and practitioners of tantra. Many yoga retreats and workshops are held on the island, along with meditation retreats and other spiritual practices. The island’s natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal location for those seeking to connect with their inner selves and explore their spirituality.

As I prepare for my journey, I’ve decided not to carry my electronic devices (apart from my phone, Come on, I’m not Amish) in order to stay fully present and one with the environment. I’m continuing my social media detox during the duration of this trip and my blog will be my only way of communicating with the outside world. No fancy stories or Instagram/Snapchat posts. Instead, I’ll be updating my blog with funny anecdotes and embarrassing moments, so stay tuned for more!

Apart from exploring the island’s natural beauty and spiritual side, I’m also looking forward to experiencing the local culture and cuisine. I plan on trying out different street foods and visiting local markets. I’m excited to learn more about the local way of life and perhaps even learn some new skills, like how to haggle and pretend to be interested in buying souvenirs.

In terms of accommodation, I plan on staying in affordable guesthouses or hostels. I’m looking forward to meeting other travelers and sharing stories and experiences. And by sharing stories, I mean oversharing and making everyone uncomfortable.

All in all, I’m excited to embark on this journey of self-discovery. I believe that this trip will help me grow and learn more about myself, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this adventure takes me. Who knows, maybe I’ll even come back with a new hobby, like yoga or drinking coconut water.

During my trip, I plan on doing some activities that will push me out of my comfort zone. One of them being scuba diving. I’ve never done it before, but I’ve always been fascinated by the underwater world. Koh Phangan has some of the most beautiful dive sites in Thailand, and I can’t wait to explore them. I’m a bit nervous, but I’m willing to take the risk and see what the underwater world has in store for me. Hopefully, it’s not just a bunch of seaweed and plastic bags.

I’m also planning on doing some volunteering during my trip. I’ve found some local organizations that work towards environmental conservation and community development. I believe that giving back to the community is an important aspect of traveling and learning about a new culture. I’m excited to meet new people and learn more about the local issues and challenges. And by volunteering, I mean taking pictures with cute kids and posting them on Instagram for likes.

Apart from that, I’m also planning on taking some cooking classes and learning how to cook some local dishes. I’m a foodie, and I believe that food is an integral part of any culture. I’m excited to learn more about the local ingredients and spices and how to use them to create some delicious dishes. Or at least, how to make something that’s not completely burnt.

Finally, I’m looking forward to meeting other solo travelers and sharing stories and experiences. I believe that traveling alone allows you to connect with people in a different way. You become more open to new experiences and perspectives, and you learn to appreciate the little things in life. And by sharing stories, I mean complaining about the heat and mosquitoes and pretending to be interested in other people’s travel plans.

All in all, I’m excited to see what the universe has in store for me during this trip. I’m ready to embrace the unknown and see where this journey takes me. Stay tuned for more updates on my blog, and wish me luck!

Namaste, or whatever they say in Thailand.

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Parshva Kothari

ADHD-fueled Philosopher-Poet, Cannabis Connoisseur, Real Estate Rebel, Spiritual Seeker. Life's a joke, so let's write funny footnotes together! 🤪✍️