Thailand. A place I have been dreaming about for many years. Instead of waiting for the right opportunity to go, waiting for someone to come with me… I decided to travel by myself and meet new people on a solo ‘gals’ pre-planned trip. The most nerve-racking choice but the most amazing experience I have ever done. Travelling the south of Thailand for ten days, such a short amount of time but visiting four different areas. From the peace found from being in the wild nature of Khoa Sok National Park to the lively Phi Phi Island where you can limbo underneath fire. There’s so much to explore, learn and experience.

The group of 19 girls fly into Phuket on different flights. Touching down at 8pm alone, very grateful for the late private transfer provided that avoided the stress and nerves of a taxi in a new city. The first day consisted of gradually introducing myself to the ‘gals’ as everyone’s flights slowly arrived and lounging by the pool enjoying the warm heat. We’re all young women in our twenties with different career paths but with the like-mindedness to explore. That evening we all meet for the first of many group dinners, a short walk through the main strip of Patong to Blue Beach. A restaurant by the waterfront serving Thai dishes (also the first of many stir fries with cashew nuts). Joining us is our tour guide Ming – we describe her as the sweetest tour guide ever!

Travel day. Patong to Khoa Sok National Park. A three-hour taxi journey with a cheeky 7/11 pitstop then a 45-minute boat to arrive at our floating bungalows for one night. Surrounded by steep limestone mountains and the oldest evergreen rainforest, wild animals, it is simply breathtaking. A blessing in disguise of bad signal let us sit in the moment, swimming in the lukewarm water. A recommendation by Ming is to wear your life jacket as a nappy, once tried, you never go back. Float and relax along the water with pure ease. Kayaking surrounded by trees following the water streams and attempts to race each other. The views feel unreal, scenery so beautiful the photos have no justice, like a painting. Spending the evening trying traditional home-cooked Thai dishes with a Pina Colada in hand and learning each other’s names with memory games. A choice my roommate and I thought would be worth the lack of sleep was watching the sunrise reflect in the water. One of my favourite moments! The calm water rippling, the birds flying between the trees. The wild waking up to begin its day. The feeling of being in Thailand finally settling in…

Khoa Sok to Krabi, Railay Beach. Our next destination for the next two nights, the only access via a short boat ride. Experiencing the true Thailand style of arrival to our hotel by tractor and trailer with our luggage, encountering monkeys roaming freely on the paths, swinging from the electrical lines or chilling on the brick walls beside us. Unforgettable moment! From kayaking to another bay, dipping our toes into the white sand and clear blue fresh water to rock climbing a reasonable height on the limestone cliffs that looks out to the sea. Railay is full of small unique independent shops, Mai Thai fighting, cocktails and good food. A quieter neighbourhood with a lovely atmosphere.

Krabi to Phi Phi Island. A long ferry journey for two nights on this lively island. Busy streets, food markets, restaurants, souvenir stalls, all old cobbled paths to get lost in. Starting the evening with a sunset hike, dressing up in hiking gear and tackling the large number of steep steps to the top viewpoint. Worth it! The pale orange hues changing tones across the water as the soft clouds hide behind the mountains slowly. Polaroid moments here. The nightlife settled in as we go back down for a ‘family’ dinner, a short stroll round the corner at Atom Resto. The first Thai green curry of the trip and it did not disappoint, the perfect balance of spices. Carrying on the night in the golden sand as we watch in amazement the well-known Phi Phi wildfire show and limboing underneath fire together. The awaited boat day! Beach hopping from Maya Bay with its famous natural picturesque views to Pileh Lagoon to take a wild dip in its crystal-clear waters and floating in the balmy heat, so cooling. Viking Cave submersing ourselves with the colourful fishes, maybe even spotting a baby shark if you’re lucky whilst snorkelling. The small cove of Monkey Island witnessing the wild monkeys calmly wondering on the white sand, lounging within the grey rocks with their babies awaiting food from the locals. A memorable moment!

Phi Phi Island back to Phuket, Patong. The final stop…

After a long journey back to where we started, we explore Patong again for some noodles and Thai tea (I recommend iced Thai tea, it became my favourite drink!). We recharge that evening with a traditional Thai massage which is not for the weak, be warned. A very intense hour back and shoulder massage with oils. The day we had all been eagerly waiting for to arrive, Phuket Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. We spend the morning feeding the rescued elephants watermelons for their breakfast, giving them a mud bath and scrubbing them clean in the water. A truly surreal experience! From the older inseparable duo to the cheeky 8-year-old who’s too impatient and eats straight from the bucket and rolls on their back in the water for a good old scrub. A highlight of the trip to be able to experience a close encounter to Thailand’s well-known animal, the morning felt unreal seeing and being able to touch these wild animals. We have our last ‘family’ dinner that evening at a true Thai restaurant, I opted for my last Thai green curry along with a mango passionfruit spritz. We chat and reminisce the trip, our favourite moments, the pictures, the polaroids, the places.

After always dreaming and wanting to explore Thailand, I can finally say I did! The small area of the south of Thailand with new people who gradually became my friends. An amazing experience that I will always cherish and reminisce on. The picturesque islands, the wild animals to the white sandy bays with sparkling clear waters and the culture.

I know I am set on returning to explore more, have I persuaded you?